Add Character & Personality to your Home
with Bookcases and Shelves
with Bookcases and Shelves
Have you ever walked away from a particularly charming home while house hunting, thinking that something was missing? Was it the space? Or was it storage and maybe a lack of architectural elements such as bookcases and shelves?
While square footage is nice, it isn’t enough to make a house perfect. No matter what size the house, it is the carefully-planned architectural details that breathe character into each room, even devoid of furnishings
.Although crown molding can add interest and beauty to a room, it doesn’t suit everyone’s need. Bookcases and shelves, however, do.
In addition to adding interest and beauty to a room, shelving is functional and versatile, and can hold much more than a library of books. It can be an understated focal point, exhibiting your treasures in just the right way.
Using shelves to add character takes some planning. The following ideas will help you envision the possibilities.
You can go two routes with shelving - built-ins, or stand-alone units. Built-in bookcases and shelves allow more creativity and add value to your home, while stand-alone units don’t have to be left behind in a move.
Built-In Features:
Built-in storage can completely transform the look of any room.
The right design will smoothly introduce balance, texture, transition, and rich seamless style.
An architect is well qualified to help you plan suitable projects that will join elegance and function and also take advantage of “dead space” in your home.
But if you have beginner-level carpentry skills and some basic tools you could tackle many built-in shelving projects yourself.
Consult design books from the library, but here are just a few ideas for bookcase wall units.
- A floor-to-ceiling bookcase wall is an excellent way to provide balance to an extra-long room without eating up too much space.
- A staircase makes an ideal frame for unique built-in bookcases, taking advantage of unused space under and around it.
- Hallways are ideal for bookcase wall units, either on just one side or both. It gives you an instant library, and with cabinet doors installed on the lower shelves, additional hidden, yet convenient storage.
- Build bookcase shelves around a window or a recessed window seat to create another charming detail.
- A wall bookcase around a door or fireplace makes judicious use of space where furniture won’t fit.
- Built around a bed - this type of built-in can replace the need for a headboard. It adds intimacy and coziness, especially if paired with detail lighting like wall sconces, swing-arm lamps, or track lighting.
Simple, single shelves are easier DIY built-in projects. An easy project for small rooms is to run a single, shallow shelf around the perimeter at a height at or just above door and window frames (depending on the ceiling height). Use the shelf to display collectibles or framed photos and prints.
Types of Ready-Made Bookcases or Shelving Units:
Contemporary style favors clean simple lines and that carries through in the current trend for shelves. A long, open single shelf in the kitchen with no visible supports will store and display elegant glassware and dishes. Contemporary shelving is defined by materials like metal, glass, and blond wood.
Wood bookcases and shelves are very flexible, blending well into any motif. Solid wood bookcases are always the better choice over units made from particleboard.
Metal shelves can be used for contemporary, rustic, or utilitarian settings. Wrought iron is essential for Tuscan style, and stainless steel can work easily into contemporary or any theme that incorporates functional elements.
Barrister bookcases’ distinguishing features are top-hinged glass doors that open horizontally and then can be pushed into the recessed shelf area. Each section of the bookcase has a separate hinged door. This is the traditional type of barrister bookcase, although some glass-front units with two doors that hinge vertically are also advertised as barrister bookcases.
Antiques are easy to find but expensive (yet worth it); replicas are easy to find and a bit more affordable. Either way, glass front units are extremely practical for controlling dust. Don’t be put off by the antique aspect of the style, because they blend well into any décor.
Traditional bookcases always lend a classy look to a room. Details include molding and carved trim, stained wood in cherry or medium browns. They may also be painted.
Project Center bookcases have cubby-type sections.
The dimensions of
each cubby section vary (and some are adjustable); a common size is one
foot square.They are ideal for entryways, mud rooms, craft rooms, kids’ rooms, and laundry rooms.
Group two to four together, cubbies facing out, with a laminate, wood or glass tabletop placed over all to make a practical work station.
How to Use Shelving:
Kitchen décor, at the moment, favors open shelving. A simple way to create it in your kitchen is to remove the doors from a set of upper cabinets.
Another way to break up the
dull look of uniform full
cabinetry is to install small units that don’t line up with the top of
the main cabinetry.Consider a shelf installed across the top third of a kitchen window to display colored glass or take advantage of the sunny spot for tiny potted herbs.
Not only can you use a sturdy kitchen shelf to put things on but you can install hooks underneath for hanging pots and pans and other kitchen items. What a great space saver.
Kids’ rooms need units that make pick-up time easier, and keep their favorite things visible and handy. The most practical unit for a child’s room is a project center bookcase.
Choose short, wide units for small children so they can reach every shelf. Corner bookcases are ideal for a stuffed animal collection. Display decorative, breakable items on single shelves installed on the wall, out of reach.
Bathrooms are notoriously short on storage.
Display practical items on
shelves in an attractive way, like rolled-up hand towels and wash
cloths. Surprisingly, using open shelving for practical storage doesn’t
informalize the room; rather, it can make your bathroom feel like a
pampering spa. Laundry rooms need storage, storage, storage. Position shelves above the washer/dryer units to make cleaning products easy to reach.
Large living areas are a little daunting to decorate. A stand-alone, see-through large cube bookcase can help section off intimate seating areas while retaining flow and an airy feel.
If you like the idea of a whole-wall bookcase but can’t afford the larger ready-made units or a contractor’s fee for a built-in, make your own by buying a number of smaller units and fasten them together and then to the wall. Hide the seams and trim the top with strips of molding from a home improvement store.
Quick Tips:
- For safety, especially for children, always anchor bookcase units to the wall or floor.
- Don’t be afraid to paint a brand new bookcase or shelf to match your motif. Use spray paint for a quick and easy DIY project.
- Use foam-core board to make a mock bookcase to help visualize how it will look in the desired spot and to determine dimensions.
Bookcases and shelves are architectural details that can be used in every room of the house without seeming over-the-top. However, careful planning, and perhaps a little professional advice, will ensure you’ll be satisfied with the results for a long time to come
Check out bookcases and shelves for large living rooms where you want to create some character and warmth.
