All You Need to Know About Built-in Bookshelves

Built-in bookshelves are as enduring a design feature as hardwood floors and will never go out of style! Usually simple and elegant, they're far more than decoration, since they're also remarkably practical.

Nearly every homeowner dreams of built-ins, whether for a future renovation or as a must-have when house hunting. Many people worry they'll be costly or difficult to add, but they don't have to be! All it takes is a bit of creativity and an eye for design possibilities.

Built-ins make a wonderful investment because they're as useful as they are beautiful! Nothing beats a lovely landing spot in your home that doubles as hidden storage.

Whether or not your built-ins include cabinets, baskets or boxes let you store items in plain sight!

Styling open shelves beautifully is an art, and I shared my methods in Simple Formulas for Styling Bookshelf Decor. You can do it too!

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What Is a Built-In Bookcase?

Built-in bookshelves are a wonderful addition to any home. From the living room to the office, they offer plenty of storage and a place to display your favorite objects. Most run from floor to ceiling, with some fully shelved and others with cabinets along the bottom.

They're permanent fixtures that can't be moved like freestanding bookcases. They're typically enclosed on three sides, leaving the front open. Those sides can be the wall or the side of the unit itself.

How to Decorate Shelves and Bookcases with Simple Formulas that Work! — The built-in bookcase in my office.

What Are the Benefits of Built-In Bookshelves?

Built-ins are hands down the most attractive storage around. They blend seamlessly into the home's structure and quickly become an integral part of the room. When customized, they fit almost any space.

Most people use them for storage, adding cabinets or stylish baskets and bins to hold extra belongings. They're also perfect for showing off favorite pieces and displaying decor. People have a great time decorating bookshelves, and they give your decorative side room to shine.

Built-ins can be designed exactly how you like. Some people add seating or close them off entirely for hidden storage. Honestly, they're a luxury every homeowner should enjoy.

Where to Use Built-In Bookshelves?

You can put a built-in bookshelf almost anywhere you like! They make great use of space and act as a focal point for a room. Here are some ideas to spark your inspiration:

Living room: the most common spot for a built-in, usually flanking a mounted TV or fireplace mantel.
Home office: turn your office into a bookworm's retreat by running built-in shelves along one wall and filling them with books. See how I styled the built-in shelf in my own office!
Kid's room or nursery: a small built-in gives a child's room plenty of space for toys, books and even clothes.
Laundry room: add built-in shelves above your washer and dryer for plenty of extra linen storage.
Bathroom: a small built-in shelf in the bathroom can hold extra towels and toiletries.
Kitchen island: add some nearly hidden shelves at one end of your island for cookbooks and magazines.
Dining room: showcase your best china and add extra dish storage outside the kitchen.
Nooks and crannies: honestly, built-in shelves can fit almost anywhere. For extra storage or to liven up a blank wall, make a small built-in as narrow or compact as needed. They're great for hallways!

Click or tap the images below to shop my living room:

How to Install Built-In Bookshelves

Built-in bookshelves can get expensive quickly, especially when a professional builds and installs them custom. However, I've seen plenty of clever DIY methods online that bring the cost down considerably.

If you'd like a custom bookshelf, try this tutorial from Henry of Plank and Pillow. He built a unique built-in for his office and walks you through each step.

One of the simplest ways to achieve a built-in look is with Ikea's Billy bookcases. Lauren from Bless'er House used them in her playroom and media room, and you'd never guess they weren't custom-built!

I also adore these built-in shelves by Katrina Blair. She used ready-made upper kitchen cabinets to create the bookshelves in her living room.

Built-In Bookshelf Decorating Ideas

Now for the fun part! Whether your built-ins are ready or you're still imagining how to use the space, here are some great decorating ideas.

Wicker baskets: these work well on open shelves without cabinets. Use them in laundry rooms, bathrooms and playrooms to keep items handy yet out of sight.
Hardware: if your built-ins have cabinetry, brighten them with fun hardware. A pop of color or a metallic finish can make the pulls a statement on their own.
Picture frames: mix horizontal and vertical frames among your shelves. Display family photos and travel memories, or frame prints from artists.
Plants or flowers: a touch of greenery, real or faux, instantly brings natural character to a room and makes it feel alive, literally!
Candles: candles are wonderfully versatile. Mixing jars and candlesticks in different heights and finishes makes your decor more interesting. Just remember to take them off the shelf before lighting them!
Vases: as with candles, look for vases in varied finishes, shapes and heights to display on your shelves.
Color-coordinated shelves: one of the simplest ways to make a shelf look more luxurious is to coordinate the colors of its books and objects.
Sculptures: choose pieces that suit your style, from small figurines to abstract art, in materials such as clay, metal, wood and porcelain.
Keepsakes and antique finds: to make your bookshelf truly yours, display some of your mementos, heirlooms and favorite finds.