Cherie Idaline

Installing Built In Bookshelves In An Existing Wall: A Personal Experience

As an avid reader and collector of books, I’ve always dreamed of having built in bookshelves in my home. When I finally had the chance to renovate my living room, I decided to take the plunge and install built in bookshelves in an existing wall. It was a daunting task, but with some research and help from professionals, I was able to achieve the look I wanted. In this article, I’ll share my experience and provide a step-by-step guide on how to install built in bookshelves in an existing wall.

Step-By-Step Guide

1. Plan and Design

The first step is to plan and design your bookshelves. Consider the size and height of the shelves, the spacing between them, and the overall style. It’s also important to measure the wall and ensure that the bookshelves will fit properly.

2. Cut into the Wall

Next, you’ll need to cut into the wall to create the space for the bookshelves. This is a job best left to professionals, as it involves cutting into drywall or plaster, and potentially dealing with electrical and plumbing issues.

3. Build the Bookshelves

Once the wall is cut, you can begin building the bookshelves. You can either build them yourself or hire a carpenter to do it for you. It’s important to ensure that the bookshelves fit snugly into the space, and that they are level and secure.

4. Finish and Paint

Finally, you’ll need to finish and paint the bookshelves. This involves sanding, priming, and painting the shelves to match the rest of the room. You may also want to add decorative touches such as trim or molding to give the bookshelves a finished look.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

1. Consider the size and style of the bookshelves to ensure they fit with the rest of the room.
2. Choose a durable material such as hardwood or plywood.
3. Install lighting in the bookshelves to highlight your collection.
4. Use adjustable shelves to accommodate different sizes of books and objects.
5. Add decorative touches such as trim or molding for a finished look.
6. Consider incorporating a built-in desk or other storage options into the bookshelves.
7. Use baskets or boxes to organize small items and keep them out of sight.
8. Maximize storage space by building the bookshelves up to the ceiling.
9. Use glass doors or panels to protect valuable or fragile items.
10. Consider painting the bookshelves a contrasting color for added visual interest.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Built in bookshelves add value to your home and can make it more attractive to potential buyers.
• They provide additional storage space and can help keep your home organized.
• They can be customized to fit your specific needs and style preferences.
• Built in bookshelves can be a great way to showcase your book or collectibles.

Cons

• Installing built in bookshelves can be a time-consuming and expensive process.
• You may need to hire professionals to cut into the wall and install the bookshelves.
• They may not be easily removable, which could be an issue if you plan to sell your home in the future.
• There is a risk of damaging electrical or plumbing systems when cutting into the wall.

Personal Review and Suggestion

Overall, I’m very happy with my decision to install built in bookshelves in my home. They add a level of sophistication and organization that I didn’t have before. However, the process was not easy and required a lot of planning and attention to detail. If you’re considering installing built in bookshelves, I highly recommend doing your research and hiring professionals to ensure the job is done correctly.

Question & Answer and FAQs

Q: How much does it cost to install built in bookshelves?

A: The cost of installing built in bookshelves can vary greatly depending on factors such as the size and style of the shelves, the materials used, and whether or not you hire professionals. On average, the cost can range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more.

Q: Can I install built in bookshelves myself?

A: While it’s possible to install built in bookshelves yourself, it’s not recommended unless you have experience with carpentry and home renovation. Cutting into walls and dealing with electrical and plumbing systems can be dangerous and complicated.

Q: How long does it take to install built in bookshelves?

A: The time it takes to install built in bookshelves can vary depending on the scope of the project and whether or not you hire professionals. On average, the process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.