brainstorm this space!

8 years ago

Houzzers! Help me decide if I need to change this bookcase/storage area. I have a large open space living area with 20’(gulp!) ceilings. The adjacent office has a large built in bookcase. The last thing I need is more book storage! I really don’t need more display space. The lower storage cabinets are handy but I could live with them gone and replaced by something else.

I think the most logical idea would be to make a dry bar. I would like to remove the upper shelves and divider, replace the wooden top with a stone top and add glass shelving for cocktail glasses and wine glasses. I already have a small wine fridge in kitchen. The available space (without removing base cab) is 64”X86”. It’s your turn! Give me some out of the box ideas to update my blah bookcase.

Featured Answer

Tootsie
Original Author

8 years ago

I got a little carried away with hangers and a hammer! We moved in 2016 to this house in SW Florida....that’s why we have limestone tile everyplace! I’ve had grids of my plates in the past and just wanted something different! I figured I could change things the first time we paint...there will be tons on patching to do!

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Comments (16)

amykath
8 years ago
Sounds like a great idea. Are the bottom cabs tall enough to use it as a bar?
Melissa Gallagher
8 years ago
Since your wine fridge is in the kitchen will you really use it as a bar?
Open shelves of glasses will collect a lot of dust....just saying.

Is this unit in your living room?
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suzyq53
8 years ago
Kind of a strange location for a bar. You could put doors on it.
Melissa Gallagher
8 years ago
I’d hang my wine glasses like this, if you decide to go the bar route.
User
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I like your idea of a dry bar, if it's something you'd actually use. I googled "turning bookshelves into dry bar" and lots of pics came up. One is wet (and I know you don't need a wine fridge), but just to give you an idea (pics below). Would you want doors or leave it open?

Another idea is to add decorative doors and have a storage closet. I'm in a rental with barely any storage, so I have that on my mind. :) You may not need it.
Tootsie
Original Author
8 years ago
It’s in an open concept living area. Nothing is more than a few steps away. I was hoping that a bar in the “living room” would draw guest out of kitchen area...to the right in photo. I have an entirely different dilemma in the kitchen...more to follow in a separate post.
Melissa Gallagher
8 years ago
I think a bar would be a great idea now that I see the other photos. I just wouldn’t use glass shelves....
K Laurence
8 years ago
Dry bar is perfect ... I have one in my living / dining room & it does draw guests out of the kitchen, especially when I set out appetizers & wine . If it were mine I would consult with a cabinetmaker regarding reconfiguring the upper portion. I think it would be nice to have the shelving enclosed, with lighting and glass shelves, thick ., substantial glass for the shelves, not the flimsy glass you often see in low end products.
Tootsie
Original Author
8 years ago
I hadn’t thought of glass doors. This is so close to the large bookcase in the office, the last thing I need is another bookcase!
drjsmith
8 years ago
A cost-effective approach would be to take advantage of the existing can lights by taking the front arch from the cabinet, move it to the ceiling, then add a series of glass shelves below. This would let the light shine down to the “countertop” area. If you can find similar wood and trim, then you could reuse the overall shelf style but have glass shelving rather than the wood. The under-cabinet fridge could have a matching panel instead of the usual glass utility door. Several brands sell versions with that option.
Tootsie
Original Author
8 years ago
I like filling in the space at the top.
Annie Deighnaugh
8 years ago
I think a dry bar would be great, esp if you want to get people out of the kitchen. If you have a surface for food serving or drinks, people will gravitate to those areas.
User
8 years ago
Okay, I'm going to need a close up of the plates(?) travelling up the wall in the eating area.....I just love it.

Please and thank you.

(beautiful rest of the space also...like, what dilemmas???)
User
8 years ago
That is fantastic! I love the way it is right now although I'm sure the grids were lovely.

I'll be keeping this picture and shamelessly stealing this idea.

:)
Tootsie
Original Author
8 years ago
You have my blessing!