It would depend upon what you plan to put in the shelf space, I would think. If you plan on using it mainly for books, then a painted back, either white or an accent color, would be best. If you have many decorative display pieces, like old pottery, statues, a collection, etc., then a mirrored back would be attractive, and would also reflect light from your window(s). You have plenty of options, but need to consider what you plan to use that space for. I wouldn't make individual cubbies, or use wallpaper on the back, if it were mine. Your DH did a beautiful job...the built-in is a lovely complement to your window detail!!

Thanks, nanny2a, I'll pass your kind words onto the Hubster! Although, he'll be impossible for the rest of the evening!

As for what I plan to use the shelves for: certainly a few coffee table type books, but mostly display of knicks-knacks and such collected over the years. Avid reader, but have bookshelves for all my paperbabies upstairs.

What color is on your wall?

Red

Hi, Red - -

Wall color is BM Silver Fox
picked after painting the walls 8 different times, 13 different colors!) DH says we're keepin' it - like it or not.

Trim color is BM White Dove

Red...step away from the fandeck! ;-)

If you would like to see a lot of pretty bookcases, check out the "offices" thread in our gallery.

Here is a link that might be useful: Home Office Eye Candy!

Very pretty room, from what I can see.

I don't know what style the room will be, but I picture glass shelves and some decorative items only because it appears as a focal point, to me.

I would paint the sides of the walls and ceiling to the bookcase white and the back the same color as the wall. You might consider putting in some beadboard on the back to give it something extra. It's not necessary of course. You might want to coordinate that back wall with fabric you use in the room. The options are endless. Whatever you do, do not leave the back wall white! Tell hubby we love his work, but the wall cannot be white!! LOL

Here are some photo's I saved from a thread that someone on here posted. Sorry, I do not remember who it was so I cannot give them credit by name. I think these are decorated/accessorized very nicely. I'm not sure if the big orange guy on the chair had anything to do with these shelves looking this nice or maybe it's his apparent lack of interest that mystifies me. My cats would never allow me to have these beautiful shelves.

Love the bookshelves you saved brutuses. I am saving that pic for reference too. Thanks for sharing!
Bonnie

I'd paint the back the same as a wall color and use regular white shelves. It's a builtin and should work best if it looks like cabinetry, not furniture.