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How to hack a bookshelf to create a built-in look?

Hi there

in our new place we have tall ceilings (3.15m). To convert one of the rooms into a library- I wanted to hack An existing bookshelf (tallest I can find) all the way up to the ceiling to give it a built in look. Any advice on easiest way to achieve it?

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Jason

Hi @Samiyo,

Let me tag helpful member @Dave-1 to see if he can kick off the discussion as he created a garage library with tall bookcases.

Jason

Dave-1

Good morning @Samiyo

Must say I do like the ideas of Libarys 🙂

Some things I considered when I was thinking of bookcases was how solid the shelves are and if they will bow with time. The wider the span of shelf the more likely the will be to bow. You can install a piece of timber at the rear of the shelf on the underside to strenthen it btw. (the shelf will have a look like a long L shape from end on. In the project you will see the shelves and the L shape I am talking about)

One thing I didnt consider when I did my shelving was the depth of shelves, as you go up the shelf you need to bring the books a little towards the front so you can read the spines, for your proposed height this is something I would consider.

Lighting for the shelf verse the room. I have indervidual book shelves lights, and still I would say it may be a little dim. Definently worth considering how you will light the room and the bookshelf. (I went with Ikea bookshelf lighting)

Footsteps needed. I use an Ikea timber footstep for my shelves and the shelves are around the 2m mark in height, maybe 2100mm 🙂 For you I would install your booksehelf then source the steps as you will have more of an idea on what is needed.

So a sturdy bookshelf - I have seen some very nice retrofits in here of the old pine styled bookshelves that have been lifted by being whitewashed, I have used ex office bookshelves that were slated for the tip. Then retrofitted them, more bookshelves instead of a wide bookshelf for strenght,

Last thing that came to mind, the space between the actual shelves, think of the books you have/want and make sure the shelves can be adjusted.

Dave

EricL

Hi @Samiyo

I love libraries as well, but mine will be a mixed media with both audio and video collections included. If you are planning on something similar just keep in mind that they come in different sizes as well. My only other addition to @Dave-1's fantastic recommendations is to make sure you leave room for a reading chair and perhaps a coat rack to complete the look.

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing the start of your project.

Eric

Jason

Hi again @Samiyo,

Do you already have an idea of what bookcases you will use?

Jason

Dave-1

Morning @Samiyo

Forgot to mention it but I have two of those grey styled bookcases slate dto come home from work, yep they were heading to the cruinchy truck and onwards to llandfill. These ones will go into my foyer and I intend to put my DVD collections on the shelves. So to add to the suggestions about bookcases, if you can find a style that you like and you know that there are a few of the same out there it really pulls your room/house together. Tho I think Ive reached the tipping point for same same 🙂 I have 14 of those bookshelves all up 😲

Dave

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