1
Add reed texture
Provided by Drew Michael Scott
Drew Michael Scott of Lone Fox Home created this gorgeous-looking DIY bookcase using an IKEA Billy bookshelf and pole-wrapped wood veneer. “I love using IKEA furniture as a base for a lot of his DIY furniture because IKEA designs are more minimalistic and you can be more creative and update the furniture to your liking. ,” he says.
Check out the complete tutorial on Lone Fox Home on YouTube.
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2
go shallow
Carla Antonio
Ikea's Billy Bookshelf is a very popular base for DIY bookshelves, but it's not the only option. Home decor expert Alexandra Gaiter cleverly installed two IKEA Laiva bookshelves above her desk. It's very slender, so this bookshelf is perfect for this bookshelf. For this project, I had to cut the shelves to size and mount them to the ceiling rather than the desk. This is a great trick for easy removal in the future.
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3
back wallpaper
Courtesy of Elizabeth Hay Design
When it comes to bookshelves, Elizabeth Hay's trump card is wallpaper. “We love wallpapering the backs of bookshelves,” says Hay, who used these built-in tactics. “Wallpaper adds visual interest and fills up space, so it's great if you don't have many books.”
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Four
create contrast
francesca stone
Rather than covering the entire shelf with pole-wrapped wood veneer, Francesca Stone (@fallfordiy) stuck it to the back of the shelf. The contrast with the white frame creates a neutral yet eye-catching result that makes her decorations and books stand out.
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Five
Upcycle recycled items
Anna Valendaal
New bookshelves don't come cheap, and the quality doesn't always justify the price tag. Photographer Anna Wallendaal got the look and craftsmanship she wanted by replacing discarded office shelves and old desks with built-in ones. She added moldings for an antique feel and finished everything with matching paint to complement the neutral tones of her living room.
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6
work with walls
Steffy Degreff
This bookshelf took DIY expert Steffy Degreff about a week to complete from start to finish. She built the framework for the shelves and slowly filled in the wall, attaching the shelves to the studs. Next, she added her 2-inch trim to the front to thicken the unit and give it a more finished look. When it comes to styling, Degref doesn't just reach for books. “I love thinking of bookshelves as an opportunity to display my favorite items,” she says. She recommends mixing up your artwork. And don't forget the cute bookends.
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7
Be careful of the gaps
Kate Vogel of We the Dreamers
The possibilities with IKEA shelves are truly endless. Kate Voegele, a DIY designer, took two Billy bookshelf units in their own direction by building a shelf that joined them.
Get YouTube tutorials at We the Dreamers.
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8
soak in color
Heather Kane Kohler
Never underestimate the power of paint to transform a space, especially a reading nook. This colorful corner by designer and home editor Heather Kane Kohler features Benjamin Moore's herbs in yellow-tinged forest green. “I love showing off my collection, and having a painted bookshelf really compliments my blue and white china,” Kohler says.
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9
Choose a free power tool tutorial
hattie colp
If you're scared of drills and power saws, never fear. When content creator Hattie Kolb dressed up this Ikea Billy bookshelf, there weren't any power tools in sight. And since bookshelves are heavy (even with IKEA books), I appreciate her thoughtfully laying out versions of projects that can be done alone or with her collaborators.
Get tutorials from Hattie Kolp.
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Ten
make it simple
carly page summers
Ornate DIY bookshelves are beautiful in and of themselves, but intricate designs can frustrate even the most seasoned DIY enthusiast. Books, travel souvenirs, and art can make their own statement with a simple wooden board supported by brackets. These shelves designed by Carly Paige Summers prove that you don't need anything else.
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11
think outside the box
Carla Antonio
To transform this home's library into a spectacular display, Alexandra Gater created a custom box that doubles as an art installation and painted it the same color as the walls to achieve the look of a custom built-in.
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12
soften the edges
olivia amanda alicia
Adding scalloped edges is enough to transform the IKEA Bill bookshelf from simple to attractive. This accent is the perfect addition to this little girl's room created by design-loving mom @oliviawirensjo.
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13
hang it high
katie curry
Photographer Katie Calid, who has three young children at home, installed a DIY bookshelf high up to protect her favorite knick-knacks. But her pragmatic decisions had considerable bonus effects. “She also has 10-foot ceilings,” Khalid said. “Since installing these shelves, they've become a great design element, pulling the eye upwards and making the room seem even bigger.” She set a 1×8 board on top of a 1×3 board. I built them, added shoe molding to the top to make a picture shelf, and used corbels to hide the seams where the boards join.
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14
Let's raise the cane
olivia anderson
Blogger Olivia Anderson created this mini library for her little readers using floating shelves and cane webbing. The picture books on display change depending on the season, creating a fresh atmosphere.
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15
go monochrome
tessa cooper
Designers Sharon Reed and Robert Reed of Walnut+Ash Interiors made two simple improvements to this built-in to great effect. First, I decided to paint the TV Sherwin-Williams Green-Black to camouflage it. Next, we removed some of the shelves and displayed a carefully selected mix of vintage books and decorative items on each remaining shelf. “We think of bookshelf richness as not having to do with the monetary value of the items, but with the personal and emotional value they have for our customers.” Robert Reid says Mr. “This could include family heirlooms, collectibles, favorite books, or works of art that have special meaning or memories.”
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16
Use simple pine
Aubrey Janelle Photos
There is no denying that solid wood is the best material for bookshelves. Although some types of wood can be expensive, pine planks are an option that is easier on your wallet and eyes. We love how the team at Kollective Design created matching brackets to give this wall unit a cohesive look. “By building it ourselves, we were able to maximize the available space and customize the height while keeping costs down.”
Hotzel says.
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17
Create a focal point
Sanda Stojaković
Before designer Sanda Stojaković installed this DIY bookshelf, she described her staid living room as “boring.” To solve this problem, she turned to her book and created this series of floor-to-ceiling built-in plans. “I've always admired the elegance and tranquility of libraries, and imagined them as a sanctuary from the digital noise of modern life,” she says. “This desire has guided me to transform my room into a haven where the charm of a good book reigns supreme.” Bringing ideas to life.
Get the tutorial at Stojakovic Design.
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18
hang a ladder
El Harvin
When installing a DIY bookshelf, think beyond your reach. Elle Hervin, known as @elle_the_home_bird on Instagram, built her own library to make use of unused space in her dining room. Brass rails and a library ladder lean into the old world look already present in the room.
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19
add an arch
Jahan Quinn
DIY, thrifting, and upcycling expert Jaharn Quinn transformed a basic bookshelf set into this custom library for just under $2,300. This is a great project for anyone who doesn't mind rolling up their sleeves and picking up a miter saw.
Get tutorials at Smor Home.
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20
leave room for art
Provided by Old Barn Company
The best part about DIY bookshelves is that they can be customized to match your decor. Create shelves at just the right height to store your favorite knick-knacks, or leave space in the center to display meaningful large-scale art or a flat-screen TV. Designed by blogger Jessica Starr of The Old Barn, this DIY bookcase wall of hers features landscape-sized insets and wall sconces that add even more symmetry to the room.
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