Shelving built in: How to DIY Built In Shelves

How to DIY Built In Shelves

Photo: Tony Carrick

Sometimes a home’s natural architectural features offer a place to get creative, allowing you to make use of what would otherwise be wasted space. An alcove around a fireplace or entertainment center provides the perfect place to add shelving for storage and display.

Since these architectural features already provide the supporting framework, often all that’s left to do is add the shelves. What’s more, this project can be completed with tools most DIYers have in their workshop. This guide shares the steps to complete this simple addition of DIY built-in shelves.

Tools & Materials

Pencil
Tape Measure
Birch plywood for shelves
1x2s for shelf supports
1x3s for shelf facing
Stud finder
See full list «
Cordless drill
Wood glue
2-inch wood screws
Finish nails
Finish nailer or hammer with nail set
Paint and paint supplies
Safety glasses
Table saw or circular saw
Chop saw or circular saw
Solid white caulk
Caulk gun

STEP 1: Plan your shelves.

Assess the alcove and determine how many shelves you want to add. Consider what you’d like to put on the shelves, and make sure there is enough spacing between each shelf to fit those books, knickknacks, and family photos. Consider using uneven spacing by including some shelves that are further apart to accommodate large books and some that are closer together to feature smaller decorations.

Once you’ve figured out the number and spacing of the shelves, decide how deep to make the shelves. While the shelves can be as deep as the alcove, setting the shelves back from the opening a few inches may create a more appealing look.

Photo: Tony Carrick

STEP 2: Take measurements.

Use a tape measure to measure the width and depth of the opening to determine the size of each shelf. Use a pencil to mark the location of the shelves on each side of the alcove.

In a perfect world, everyone’s home would be perfectly square. Alas, that is rarely the case, even with newer homes. Walls can curve or be slightly out of square with the floor, affecting the space between two opposing walls from floor to ceiling. By taking individual measurements for each shelf, you can account for these discrepancies and ensure a good fit when you install each shelf.

STEP 3: Purchase wood.

Now that you know how many shelves you’re building and have taken measurements, you’ll need to decide what type of wood to use. While hardwood makes for durable and beautiful shelving, you’ll pay a premium for it. Hardwood can cost two or three times as much as softwood. Unless you’re planning on staining the DIY storage shelves to allow the natural grain to show, hardwood isn’t worth the cost. While solid pine boards are much more affordable, pine is softer, making it more susceptible to dents.

If painting the shelves, the most affordable option is 3/4-inch-thick birch plywood. Birch plywood is cheaper than solid hardwood, but it has a hardwood veneer that gives it better dent-resistant characteristics than soft pine. You can even stain it if you want. And, if you face the shelves with 1x3s, you don’t need to worry about possible ragged edges of plywood being visible.

In addition to the wood for the shelving, you’ll also need 1×2 and 1×3 boards to create the shelf supports. Purchase enough 1x2s to create supports on the sides and back of each shelf and enough 1x3s to face each shelf.

Pro Tip: If planning to paint the shelves, reduce the amount of time you need to spend sanding, priming, and painting by purchasing pre-primed dimensional lumber for the 1×3 shelf facing and 1×2 supports.

Photo: Tony Carrick

STEP 4: Cut and install the supports.

Cut three 1x2s for each shelf. Two of the 1×2 supports should match the depth of the shelf while the third should match the width.

Use a stud finder to locate the studs behind the drywall on all three sides of the niche at the location of each shelf and use a pencil to mark two separate stud locations for each support. Use a level to make sure your marks are level.

Hold each wood support in place and use a cordless drill to make pilot holes through each support and the wall, using the marks for the stud locations as a guide. Attach each support to the wall using wood glue and 2-inch wood screws or drywall screws. Wipe up any excess glue with a rag.

Pro Tip: Studs run from floor to ceiling. Once you locate a stud for one shelf support, use a level to mark the stud locations for the above and below supports.

STEP 5: Cut and attach each shelf.

Use the measurements you took from Step 2 to cut each shelf using either a circular saw or a table saw. Remember to wear safety glasses, and cut each shelf to the specific measurements you took in Step 2 to account for any discrepancies in the width of the alcove.

Pro Tip: DIYers often consider painting to be the final step in a carpentry project. When it comes to built-in shelving, painting the shelves and the supports when they are flat on a garage floor is much easier and faster than painting them after they’re installed in the alcove. Paint each board and support, and then touch them up after they’re installed.

Use wood glue and finish nails to attach each shelf to their corresponding supports. When fitting the shelves, make sure the outer edge of the shelf fits flush to the outer edge of each support. This will make it easier to attach the 1×3 facing boards in the next step.

Pro Tip: Label the shelves as you cut them to correspond to their position in the built-in to avoid mixing them up when you transport them for installation.

Photo: Tony Carrick

STEP 6: Attach the facing.

After the shelving supports and shelves are installed, it’s time to install the facing for the shelves. Measure the width of the shelf and cut each 1×3 using either a circular saw or chop saw.

Again, it’s important to measure for each piece and cut each piece to size as the width of the shelves will likely vary slightly due to inconsistencies in the walls. Use glue and finish nails to attach the facing, making sure to wipe up any excess glue.

Photo: Tony Carrick

STEP 7: Add finishing touches.

Complete the project by filling any nail or screw holes with wood filler. Sand the wood filler and paint the sanded areas as well as any areas that need a touch-up. Once the paint is dry, caulk around all the edges of the shelves with a solid white caulk to close any gaps and give the shelving a finished built-in look.

Pro Tip: Oil-based paint can take up to a week to cure while latex paint can take up to 30 days to fully harden. Avoid placing items on the shelves until they have fully cured to prevent objects from sticking to the paint and damaging the finish.

Photo: Tony Carrick

STEP 8: Considerations for built-ins.

Alcoves and niches in the walls of a home are a perfect place for built-in shelving, transforming what is typically wasted space into a useful place to store and display items.

By using the existing framework of the home, you can add shelving without having to construct an entire bookcase. All you need is a sheet or two of plywood, a few lengths of dimensional lumber, fasteners, and some basic carpentry tools.

20 Beautiful Living Rooms With Built-In Shelving

Introduction

Lauren Flanagan

Lauren Flanagan is an interior design expert with over 15 years of experience writing, editing, and producing articles for renowned Canadian publications and shows for HGTV on home decor. She worked in high-end home decor retail before discovering her passion was to share what she knew in publications and on television.

Learn more about The Spruce’s
Editorial Process

and

Lacey Ramburger

Lacey Ramburger is a personality assessment expert based in Kansas City, Missouri, with more than five years of experience. Her areas of expertise include Zodiac, Myers-Briggs, and the Enneagram. She is the author of the book “Being Whole” and dozens of articles on personality assessments and relationships.

Learn more about The Spruce’s
Editorial Process

Updated on 01/11/22

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Living room built-ins can add style and personality as well as storage. And because built-ins can be designed to cater to your household’s specific needs, the options are virtually endless. If you want to create closed storage, an open display area, or call attention to specific details custom built-ins can offer the perfect solution.

01
of 20

Maximize Space

Morse Design

A-frame houses can pose certain complications when trying to decorate and maximize space. The angle of the walls can make it difficult to use prefab cabinets without causing a visual break. In this case, custom living room built-ins can provide an excellent solution. We love how these built-ins create a stunning book collection but aren’t so tall that they block the gorgeous half circle windows—everything works together.
02
of 20

Built In Bar

Design: Marie Flanigan Interiors/Photography: Julie Soefer

Entertainment centers aren’t the only built-ins to continue to gain popularity—home bars are quickly catching up. While they used to be relegated to dining rooms, basements, and less populated areas of the home, they can now often be found front and center in the living room, as seen in this example by Marie Flanigan Interiors.
03
of 20

Keep it Classic

Kendall Wilkinson Design

Traditional white built-ins with open shelving are so versatile that they can fit into just about any style of living room. Choosing a simple cabinet style will ensure that if your tastes change and you decide to redecorate, the built-ins will always fit in.
04
of 20

Customize Your Own Size

LeClair Decor

When it comes to living room built-ins, there’s no need to always build from floor to ceiling. In this case, designed by LeClair Decor, built-in cabinets were installed about halfway up the wall, on either side of a mantel. They manage to maximize the available space while framing the focal point and not blocking any light.

Creative Ways to Showcase a Vintage Collection
05
of 20

Tall and Narrow

Light and Dwell

Sometimes less is more, especially in rooms where there isn’t a lot of wall space. As demonstrated by Light and Dwell, tall, narrow built-ins can help frame a fireplace and reinforce a focal point while still providing some display or storage space. Accent lighting or deep contrast helps draw the eye to where it’s supposed to go.
06
of 20

Go Bold

Kendall Wilkinson Design

Bring some life to your built-ins by painting them a bright or bold color, such as this design by Kendall Wilkinson Design. While the style of these units is fairly straightforward and traditional, the vibrant blue color gives them a sense of playfulness.
07
of 20

Entertainment Center

Maite Granda

Add drama to a living room with sleek and modern built-ins designed around entertaining. Media centers have been popular for quite a while, so transforming a simple stand into a built-in with plenty of shelving makes perfect sense. The matte black color of this version in a living room by Maite Granda provides a sophisticated setup that does the trick.
08
of 20

Make Artwork the Focal Point

Design: Marie Flanigan Interiors/Photography: Julie Soefer

This living room from Marie Flanigan Interiors is a stunning example of how to make art the focal point by using built-ins. Floor to ceiling tan units frames either side of a large portrait, with matching blue scones coming out the side of each shelving structure to add extra light. The result is a calm, inviting living room that holds plenty of storage without being a huge distraction.
09
of 20

Wrap Around

Kendall Wilkinson Design

The beauty of built-ins is that they can be customized to suit a home’s or homeowner’s specific needs. In this room from Kendall Wilkinson Design, the shelves wrap around the corner, providing plenty of storage and display space. The contrasting color manages to create a focal point in the midst of all the shelves. Additionally, a blank area was left above the desk to create a simple workspace—further proof of how customizable installed shelving can be.
10
of 20

Get Colorful

LeClair Decor

You don’t have to stick with neutral colors when working with a built-in. This living room by LeClair Decor implements a fun tertiary color scheme, and the shelving is painted the exact same shade of purple as walls to match. The light mounted above the shelving allows for a small spotlight for moments you want the display to shine—the entire setup is easily customizable to suit whatever you’re feeling that day.
11
of 20

Keep It Neutral

Mary Patton Design

Create a contemporary look with a classic neutral color scheme. The lack of hardware and decorative embellishments keep the look clean, and the combo of floating shelves and closed lower cabinets painted white leaves the area feeling spacious and full of possibility.
12
of 20

Architectural Detail

Whittney Parkinson

Don’t be afraid to add a little decorative detail to the living room built-ins. The back of this unit has a shiplap detail that adds a subtle rustic vibe. In this case by Whitney Parkinson, the detail is architectural, but things like paint and wallpaper can also be used to great effect.
13
of 20

Wall to Wall

LeClair Decor

Honestly, is there really such a thing as too much storage? These customized built-ins stretch across the entire back wall, though the crisp white color makes the room feel refreshing rather than cramped. The simple style with open shelving at the top and closed cabinets at the bottom provide plenty of space to store or display whatever you’d like—and with plenty of room to do so.
14
of 20

Two Tone

Kendall Wilkinson Design

Customization of built-in shelves doesn’t have to stop with the measurements. Painting built-ins so that they contrast or compliment other colors in the room is a great way to add interest to a room and create a focal wall.
15
of 20

A Warm Embrace

Whittney Parkinson

Traditional built-in cabinets in a warm chestnut color help give this living room a comforting and comfortable atmosphere. To create a look like this, make sure that the built-in cabinets are a solid extension of the room. They act like an embrace, framing the seating arrangement and creating a sense of warmth.
16
of 20

Small Arches

Morse Design

Not everything has to be big to be useful. This set of small arched built-ins add the perfect amount of shelf space on either side of the fireplace. The matching color for both the lower cabinets, mantle, and shelving creates a cohesive feel.
17
of 20

Floating Shelves

Ashley Montgomery Design

Floating shelves make the built-in process that much simpler. Pieces of wood can be custom cut to fit a variety of spaces regardless of height or width. This living room designed by Ashley Montgomery combines a white-painted brick fireplace with wooden floating shelves and deep blue lower cabinets—a modern dream.
18
of 20

Customize Your Shelf Size

Amy Lefernik at Interior Impressions

When we think of shelving, we often picture having the exact same style and size happening on each level—but that doesn’t have to be the case. This built-in has a range of sizes to fit different types of decor, rather than having the same size and shape throughout. This subtle shift creates visual interest and is ultimately more convenient to ensure the things you want on display can actually fit.
19
of 20

Built-In Seating

Jessica Nelson Design

The term”built-in” doesn’t just refer to shelving. Seating can also be a component. This gorgeous nook (with storage underneath) creates a picturesque view to sit and read by the window. The two arched built-in shelves on either side complete the look.
20
of 20

Short and Sweet

Amy Lefernik at Interior Impressions

Ultimately, built-ins should be created to fit the preferences and needs of the homeowner. While for some, that may mean floor-to-ceiling options, for others with smaller living rooms, something short and sweet does the trick. This small built-in is nestled right on top of the fireplace, almost serving as its own vertical extension (rather than keeping the shelving on the sides for a wider appearance). A few books, some small decor items, and the television are all right at home.

12 DIY Floating Shelves

Manufacture of shelves for books, dishes and storage of documents according to your order –

Modern individual racks are created conceptually at the design stage for the dimensions and goals of the future owner.

Catalog of individual shelving units

Design solutions for your choice

Vitti furniture manufacture presents a catalog of book and technical shelving units made to measure.

Bookcase (shelving)

Functional and durable multi-section bookcase for arranging books on specific topics. nine0003

SHK-0012

Solid oak cabinet (rack) for books

Strict and concise cabinet for storing books, dishes and personal items in a dark glossy design.

SHK-0013

High rack for books and dishes

Tall and compact cabinet for storing dishes and personal belongings in the interior of a family apartment.

STG-0011

Technical sectional rack

Large-sized multi-sectional rack (shelving system) for organizing a technical warehouse. nine0003

STG-0001

Shelving for wine cellar

Presentation shelving for commercial wine cellar for wine, cognac and other spirits.

STG-0002

Compact wine rack

Mini commercial display rack for wine, cognac and other spirits.

STG-0003

Living room bookcase

Convenient white bookcase in a matt finish for organizing storage of dishes, books, photographs in the interior of the living room. nine0003

STG-0004

Rack

Visually simple and concise cabinet-rack for storing special-purpose accessories.

STG-0005

Dish rack

Compact rack for storing dishes, books, personal items in a limited space.

STG-0006

Shelf for writing utensils

Compact shelving for writing utensils for personal use in the interior of an apartment or a country house. nine0003

STG-0007

Rack for personal items

Compact and tall matt rack for writing materials for personal use in the interior of an apartment or a country house.

STG-0008

Shelving for storing goods

Technical shelving for storing things and goods in a warehouse.

STG-0009

Choose rack

Production of combined racks to order

Modern individual racks are created at the design stage according to the dimensions and goals of the Customer: for household tasks (storage of books, dishes and personal belongings), for office and business interiors (classification and storage of documents), for commercial purposes (storage of finished products). nine0003

Consult

Vitti

individual furniture photo gallery

Photo #1. Individual built-in shelving in the interior of the Stalinist apartment
Photo #2. Corner frame for shoe rack in wardrobe
Photo #3. Wardrobe shelving doors
Photo #4. Drawers for personal belongings in wardrobe
Photo #5. Pattern for the top bar of the rack in the wardrobe
Photo #6. Illumination above the rack
Photo #7. Ceiling bookshelf
Photo #8. Built-in bookcase
Photo #9. Shelving for cosmetics in a beauty salon

Shelves from Vitti 9 furniture collection0007

Solid wood of high quality, German fittings (GmbH), excellent assembly according to European standards and compliance with all the Customer’s style requirements, compliance with production standards and architectural supervision during installation at the facility – this is a guarantee of the quality of individual Vitti furniture.

See collection

Vitti Furniture Quality Assurance

Service warranty for maintenance – 2 years from the date of installation (delivery and acceptance) of the furniture set at the Customer’s site. nine0003

This is a guarantee of the quality of Vitti furniture made in Russia.

Warranty conditions

Benefits of individual furniture Vitti

The Russian furniture company Vitti provides quality service for customers when ordering individual furniture:
- Original design project for each Customer.
  Quality work begins with the detailing of furniture sketches in the interior. nine0006
Consult

Vitti custom furniture of your choice: style and dimensions for your home.

Open catalog

Custom-made shelving in Mitino t:+7-925-140-90-97

Rack can be attributed to the universal built-in furniture, the relevance of which is growing every year. In this model, there are no back and side walls, since it is built into a specially prepared niche. The requirements for a niche are quite simple – the surfaces must be even. Such a model will be cheaper due to material savings. nine0003

The main part of the cabinet is formed by numerous shelves attached to the side walls.

Rack saves space and effort when cleaning!

We will make a project of any complexity

Types of racks

Such furniture is suitable for storing various things. Its use is determined by the purpose of the room where it is located.

Shades and colors of materials are selected so that they are combined with the decoration of walls, floors, ceilings and echo the interior idea, the overall style ensemble. In the world of design, all colors and shades are used for products such as interior shelving

The fewer shelves and blank walls in the design of the rack, the more it seems weightless, unpretentious and stylish. If the rack is designed to decorate the space, then its shelves are not cluttered with objects. Non-standard shelves will be equipped under the stairs, in the niches of the walls, in the attic rooms, where the ceiling hangs at an angle or on balconies, loggias.

A small or narrow hallway will be functionally complemented by a narrow shelving attached to the wall. In small spaces, it is important to save space in a high traffic area. Floor models in such hallways are not used. Mounted options here are most suitable. If the corridor is spacious or the hallway looks like a square hall, then the rack can occupy the entire wall or half of it. Such designs can be combined with a shoe rack, a mirror stand and a seat. nine0003

Mobile shelving unit

A through shelving unit in the living room will look unusual, delimiting the space right next to the doorway between the hallway and the living room. One side of such an installation can be decorated with frosted or transparent glass. Any living room will look beautiful with shelving. It is easy to place decorative figurines, vases, books, framed photographs, periodicals, correspondence in it. You can even build in a TV, music or game center. nine0003

The convenience of a shelving unit in the bedroom lies in its mobility. If the model is not heavy, then if necessary, it can always be rearranged to another place. Functionally, its purpose is exactly the same as that of the chest of drawers. Neatly folded towels, linens and other accessories that can be displayed are stacked on shelves. The lower tiers can be made with baskets with linen covers, in which all sorts of little things are usually stored. An open organizer is suitable for Scandinavian-style bedrooms, hygge or Provence style. nine0003

Wardrobe shelving unit

However, shelving is most widely used in dressing rooms. The upper part of the rack is given over to stacking things of the outgoing seasons on its shelves. Medium levels are for clothes that can be worn now. The lower shelves are convenient for shoes, accessories (gloves, umbrellas). Scarves, stoles and hats are best stored higher. The bookcase can be combined with two units – a full-length mirror and a large space like a wardrobe, where a hanger rod is mounted. All together makes a single stylish design. Separate pantries, utility rooms will be less functional if cabinets are installed there, rather than shelving.

How to DIY Built In Shelves

20 Beautiful Living Rooms With Built-In Shelving

Maximize Space

Built In Bar

Keep it Classic

Customize Your Own Size

Tall and Narrow

Go Bold

Entertainment Center

Make Artwork the Focal Point

Wrap Around

Get Colorful

Keep It Neutral

Architectural Detail

Wall to Wall

Two Tone

A Warm Embrace

Small Arches

Floating Shelves

Customize Your Shelf Size

Built-In Seating

Short and Sweet

Manufacture of shelves for books, dishes and storage of documents according to your order –

Catalog of individual shelving units

Production of combined racks to order

Vitti

Shelves from Vitti 9 furniture collection0007

Vitti Furniture Quality Assurance

Benefits of individual furniture Vitti

Custom-made shelving in Mitino t:+7-925-140-90-97

Types of racks

Mobile shelving unit

Wardrobe shelving unit

Categories