Any advice on built in bookcases
by
Betty
+17
I would like to put bookshelves built in on these two walls. one with mirror and the pciture. and possibly one going over the long door way. Is this an interior design no no. Any advice on builtins
This is standing in our LR?great room fire place is behind me. Entrance into DR
The opening to left is to the kitchen
opening to right leads to front door/foyer
20 answers
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Built in could work but might be a bit "heavy" on the visual presence side. Normally bruit-ins are constructed into some type of recess or nook type space. http://www.flickr.com/photos/kmswoodworks/4497258882/in/set-72157623787645678 http://www.flickr.com/photos/kmswoodworks/4504224392/in/set-72157623787645678 These two are some examples ...one a Semi-built in... its free standing but sized to just fit in. It can be moved it you move. the second one a full built in but painted to blend in better and not over weight the room
KMS Woodworks
on Mar 30, 2012
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Betty, you might get some ideas from this built in bookshelf project: http://www.hometalk.com/f00ab29dd0/project/382
Miriam Illions
on Mar 30, 2012
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good idea would add richness to the room--when my husband built bookcases for us he made sure to use stock lumber sizes and lengths to get the most value--we painted ours and were able then to use wood with knots which is cheaper (not sure how cost efficient you want to be?!) then we bought that flat thin trim and stained that for an edge treatment to class it up a bit--haha--will see if I can attach a pic---we did the lighting later and of course it would have been better if we thought of it initiallly
Ann W
on Mar 30, 2012
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thanks miriam I really did like them. I must admit Kms has me concerned now about placing one where the mirror is located. Ican see putting one in the corner.. It is a big room though
Betty
on Mar 30, 2012
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Trying to give you an idea of the size of the room. Anyhow any suggestions are appreciated.
Betty
on Mar 30, 2012
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Id be interested to see the footprint of this room - or more photos :) Room is large.. which direction is the largest? If the bookcases would be making the narrowest direction, even more narrow, this could be a negative.
Designs by BSB
on Mar 30, 2012
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i see what you are saying. I do have the sofa pushed back further.. It actually could be move forward more, but yes at thsi moment from the back of the sofa to the wall is the narrowest part at this time. Also looking at these pics makes me realize what am i thinking putting this for all to see. looks a little discombobulated:)
Betty
on Mar 30, 2012
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Hi Betty, I am in agreement with KMS. It seems that two bookcases on those walls would out weigh the rest of the room. Have you considered putting a large bookcase on the wall that you mention putting a flat screen? ( the wall to the right of the staircase) That side of the room can afford the "weight" as the staircase is right next to it. Also, you may not want to put a tv there anyways bc of the glare issues that could possibly come from the windows. If I was designing your room, I would not recommend you put them on those two walls. Just my two cents..
Designs by Paisley { At Home with Paisley- Radio Show }
on Mar 30, 2012
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What do you think about putting a built in on the wall to the right of the staircase where the tv currently is and then one in the corner where the picture is sorta a nook there, but not on the wall where the mirror is located now.
Betty
on Mar 30, 2012
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I suggest only the wall to the right of the bookcase. Less is usually more in these situations as bookcases can feel heavy and look cluttered. Are you needing additional storage? The wall to the right of the staircase could atleast hold a 72" built in
Designs by Paisley { At Home with Paisley- Radio Show }
on Mar 30, 2012
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You posted those pics JUST as I was typing! wow :) My vote would be exactly what Paisley said! That is at the end of the room .. narrowing the room where it can handle it. Correct the room is longer by the fireplace? So to take up bookcases will make no impact on the spaciousness of the room. You could really do some creative things with a bookcase on that big wall too. Easy to incorporate the flat screen tv too.
Designs by BSB
on Mar 31, 2012
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Looks like a lot of great advice posted here...keep the scale in mind and plan for meeting the "rooms" needs. If you are big TV watchers then having the furniture provide a comfortable viewing location would be one of the primary goal. ...as an example a TV mounted to the extreme right or left of the main sitting location would be impractical. If your living room evolves into one like mine where there is No TV located there. The sitting arrangements are for face to face conversations and taking advantage of window / fireplace views etc.
KMS Woodworks
on Mar 31, 2012
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You might find a free-standing arrangement that would work in lieu of built-ins. Several furniture manufacturers carry mix-and-match pieces that allow you to customize the look and sizes of the sections to your needs. Be careful though, because the large picture window is close to the corner. A built-in or free-standing piece could interfere with the window if it projects too far into the room.
Project Style, LLC
on Mar 31, 2012
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i did a built in with a doorway to a powder room here are a cpl pics everything was made on site from rough sawn oak
John P
on Mar 31, 2012
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John, your bookshelves are AWESOME. Can you post again to the main feed so more people will see them? (See homepage, share photos/videos.) :)
Miriam Illions
on Apr 01, 2012
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John P...those are indeed pretty impressive...at 17 feet though using the upper reaches without a ladder is pretty much impossible. Are you planning about installing one of those rolling ladders?
KMS Woodworks
on Apr 01, 2012
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Go for it! The bookshelves will be a great addition to this room. Yes, go over the dining room entrance.
Jim L
on Apr 01, 2012
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the beam separating the lower and upper section is there for lighting as well as to support a rolling ladder in the future
John P
on Apr 01, 2012
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miriam i just posted it and thank you for liking what i have done i will post a cpl more items i have done also in the furniture catagory
John P
on Apr 01, 2012
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Two important thing to make it look professional : remove the baseboard, and make sure the bottom framing is high enough off the floor so that when you put the baseboard around t h e finished bookcase you have a small ( think 5/16 ) reveal. (Made that mistake once...had to reach in and down to remove books ) good luck !
Etta
on Nov 17, 2015
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