Built-In Bookcases

In the vast majority of old homes (prior to 1960), built-in bookcases were common. Homes and rooms were smaller then. Building things by hand was the norm. Today, built-ins are highly valued for the character they add to a home, and for the sense of history and permanence they make you feel.

Unlike freestanding bookcases, built-ins can be completely customized. A freestanding bookcase will probably have to sit on the floor, which is often uneven, causing it to wobble. Built-in bookcases can be arranged in interesting and useful patterns, around doors and windows. They can also be used to fill in a niche that was not practical for anything else. Any wall is a candidate for a built-in.

The shelves themselves can be made from a variety of materials. Hardwoods (such as cherry, hard maple, oak, ash, mahogany, or walnut) are the strongest, but also the most expensive. Softwoods (such as pine, soft maple, and hickory) are less expensive, but are prone to warping when seasons change.

MDF (medium density fiberboard) is a good option because it will hold it's shape and is affordable. But you have to apply hardwood to the edges which will match whatever veneer you have on the face of the shelf. If the bookcase is to be painted, MDF is a great choice.

A common option to built-in bookcases is to create a wall, or room divider, by building a bookcase that extends out from a wall. This unit could consist of open shelving, which would be ideal for displaying art objects or pottery, as they would be visible from both sides. Or, the bookcase can have a back, creating an effective room divider. The back side would be a great spot to showcase framed art, or to apply wood paneling.

As with furniture, the style options vary from traditional to contemporary. In a traditional home, hardwood would be the first choice, and attention to details like trim and moldings along the edges and fronts of each shelf will add a feeling of elegance and substance in keeping with other furnishings. A contemporary environment would be complimented by shelves of MDF, painted in a bold color, with a high-gloss finish.

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