Linn’s built-in project is such a great reminder of how upgrading your bookshelves from furniture to attached “architecture” can really give an entire room a boost. Here’s her letter:
I wanted to share a before and after of custom made built-in bookcases which my husband and I constructed! Seeing how our old bookcases left much to be desired in terms of looks but also in terms of practical storage space, and not wanting to spend a fortune having someone else custom build shelves, we decided to take on the project ourselves.
I have always loved the cozy look that built-in shelving provides a home, it gives it so much more character and charm in my mind!
Creating these built-in units seemed a bit intimidating at first, but once we broke it down in parts, it was very manageable. We constructed two huge wooden structures outside in our carport / aka woodshop(!), painted them white, and brought them inside.
For backing we used beadboard which I think gives the shelving a really nice touch. Putting everything together and finishing it off with a fair amount of molding and caulk took a bit longer than I had anticipated, but it’s always the finishing touches that takes the longest, isn’t it?
Now these built in shelves look great in our space and we can fit so many more books which was really the main reason to build these units in the first place! – Linn
Care to humor me for a moment? Ok, scroll back up and look at the before pics. Doesn’t this room look a foot taller now? It’s amazing how ceiling height built-ins can elongate a room and make it feel so much more open. And the beadboard on the back is such a great touch. You can learn more about the project (and the building process behind it) over on Linn’s blog. And if you love this update as much as we do, but are intimidated by all of the construction that Linn and her husband did, you can also get a similar effect with off-the-shelf bookcases (like Ikea’s Billy bookcases) that you can just assemble and then upgrade with some trim and molding for that built-in look. Happy built-in building!
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Rachel @ The Parkers Blog says
These are very impressive! I can’t wait until my husband and I own a house and get to put all of this little DIY ideas to work. I’m sure he feels the same way about my long list, haha :)
Christina says
Great job Linn, it looks amazing!!!!!
I love built-ins, the house I grew up in had them and they have been in my heart ever since, I don’t have any in my home right now but someday!!
Sarah says
I love the bookshelves. We’re about to start a similar project in our family room. I think my favorite part is the desk between the shelves. It adds some great balance and the beautiful wood gives the room even more character.
Julie says
This looks great! We’re doing the same thing in our nursery – and it seems it’s taking forever! So this really inspires me to keep the end product in mind. Thanks! Can’t wait to show the world our results!
Danna says
I have been nagging my husband to hire a contractor for built-ins in our family room with no prevail. I am sending him this link for inspiration. Any chance you can direct me to a DIY blueprint?
YoungHouseLove says
Perhaps check out Linn’s blog (there’s a link at the end of this post) for more info (and ask her if she has any sources or links to share that were helpful in building hers?). Good luck!
xo,
s
Sarah says
Love the bookshelves! In fact… I might just eventually copy that idea for my own living room since it is set up in a similar manner!
Kim says
Do you think this would work with the dark black/brown color of the Billy bookcases from Ikea? We have three, and I would love to create a built in look for them, but worried it might look weird not being white. And not sure how hard it would be to find moldings and such to match. I wonder if it is worth painting them. Hmm. So much to think about!
YoungHouseLove says
I bet you could stain wood moldings to look similar if not identical to the black/brown color from Ikea (I would use Minwax’s Dark Walnut stain mixed with their Ebony stain for that color). I think wood built-ins can look great too! John’s parents have them at their house.
xo,
s
Linn says
Kim, we were debating whether to stain the bookcases dark instead of painting them white. However, since we already had white molding in the room we couldn’t figure out how to make it look good, so we painted everything white instead. But if you don’t have any white molding in your room, then I would say go for it! I love the look of dark wood built-ins, so classic and elegant! I bet you could make it look great with the Billy bookcases!
Sandy says
I love the built-ins. They add so much to this room. The only thing I think is missing is a built-in window seat to connect the two book shelves. I’m a sucker for a window seat bench especially if it is in conjunction with books. A nice little nook to sit and read. Anyway, that’s just my thing. Love the before and after on this one!
Elizabeth says
The original bookcases created so much visual clutter that after the built-ins were in, my eye immediately went to the great arched entryway to the adjacent room. Kudos, Linn!
Kaytie @ GardenKitchenHome says
I’m in the middle of my own built-in project! This is great inspiration. I’m at a point now where the finishing seems… daunting… I’m sure it’ll take me more than just this weekend to wrap up. Here’s my progress so far: http://www.gardenkitchenhome.com/2012/04/what-ikea-has-done-to-my-bedroom.html
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! So excited for ya Kaytie! Good luck!
xo,
s
Kaitlin A says
We used these for inspiration for our built-ins. She dd such a GREAT job!!
Rachel says
Absolutely love the bookshelves! Cosy, bright, attractive and practical: what more would you want… :-)
Are those slip covers?
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, we think those are Ikea furnishings, which come with handy washable slipcovers!
xo,
s
Danna says
Can you suggest the best way to tackle building bookshelves that meet in a corner? My husband and I were pondering over coffee this morning, I suggested building them seperately, and then having the front points closest to the corner meet, then finish with trim. Does that sound like a good idea?
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, that’s exactly how we’d do it! The trim will make it look seamless. Good luck!
xo,
s
bachsbythebeach says
wow, it does make the height of the room feel larger! looks great!
Henna says
“then upgrade with some trim and molding for that built-in look”
is there a tutorial for a newbie like me? pretty please????
YoungHouseLove says
We haven’t tackled it yet but I’m sure if you google “how to make a built ins from ready-built cabinets” hopefully something comes up! I think Kate over at Centsational Girl did it a little while ago!
xo,
s