There's nothing more satisfying than closing the last page of a good book. In fact, that elation is sure to be heightened when you return that tome to your beautiful built-in bookshelf, especially as you run your fingers over the bindings of the attractively arranged books as you choose your next read.
Even better, if you have built-in bookshelves, you can use the space to artistically display more than just books. “We all collect books, art, objects, and items picked up by family or on trips, and built-in bookshelves allow you to organize the things that are meaningful to you and share them in a visually interesting way,” says Jen Samson, principal and founder of Jen Samson Design in Laguna Beach, California.
Alissa Johnson, principal and founder of Alissa Johnson Interiors in Chicago, says built-in bookcases epitomize the marriage of form and function. “Because they're custom designed for the space, there are countless uses and styles,” she says. “Whether showcasing a curated collection or incorporating hidden storage, these versatile fixtures can be customized to suit any aesthetic while maximizing space efficiency.” Read on to get immersed in a world of books with these 38 built-in bookcase design ideas.
How to Make Your Own Built-in Bookshelf
If you're handy, you might be able to make a DIY built-in bookshelf by watching a video tutorial and without hiring an outside contractor (especially if you're a woodworking enthusiast). Whether you plan to tackle the project solo or hire a pro, consider these steps to refine your vision and feel.
Step 1: Understand your space
Schumacher says the first thing you should do when embarking on a DIY built-in bookshelf project is to decide the purpose of the room you'll be putting the bookshelf in. “Will it be a cozy reading nook, a formal dining area, a relaxing guest space or a functional hallway? This will dictate the placement and design of the bookshelf,” she says.
Step 2: Decide how you want to cover the walls
“Next, decide how much of the wall space you want to allocate to bookshelves,” says Jerome Bertulia, owner of Prime Homes in West Hartford, Connecticut, who has more than 30 years of experience designing custom built-in bookcases and home libraries.
Schumacher expands on this, explaining that options include covering an entire wall, just the top wall, or installing it on a half wall. “Consider the layout of the room and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve,” she advises.
Step 3: Define the mood
“Decide the vibe you want to create,” says Schumacher about what to do next when envisioning a DIY built-in bookcase. Ask yourself if you're going for a cozy, modern, or vintage feel, according to Schumacher. “This will influence the design features of your bookshelf, such as rounded edges for a soft look, detailed frames for a classic touch, or angular edges for a modern feel,” she says. Additionally, think about the existing dimensions and structural elements of the room. For example, would a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf look better, or would it be better to leave a few feet of space between the ceiling and the top of the bookshelf for more visual panache? Are there antiques or colorful baseboards you want to highlight? Repurpose an old kitchen cabinet into a cookbook display? Thinking like this will help you narrow down your vision for your dream built-in bookshelf. It will also help you make a list of the tools you'll need for the specific details of your project, from brad nailers and wall studs to bottom shelves and miter saws.