Converting cabinets to bookcases

last year

last modified: last year

Hi, we'd like to change these cabinets into open bookcases. We considered just taking the doors off but wondered if that would look chintzy.

The cabinets are well done and I hate to tear them out and start from scratch.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Featured Answer

apple_pie_order

last year

Taking the doors off will make the cabinets look like cabinets with the doors off. They will not look like purpose-built bookcases. You can try out the look to see if you like it.

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Comments (16)

Lynn Brenner
Original Author
last year
apple_pie_order
last year
It's fine to use closed door cabinets to shelve books. They don't get nearly as dusty as open bookshelves.
Lynn Brenner thanked apple_pie_order
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Lynn Brenner
Original Author
last year
I'm sorry, I suppose I didn't make myself clear.

We'd like to change the cabinet area to an open bookcase area and was hoping that just taking off the doors would look okay.
Maureen
last year
last modified: last year
Not only take the doors off, add books and accessorize the top…given the weight of the books visually and the large space above - balance will be key and you’ll have an easier time deciding.

Even if you leave as is, suggest weighty, balanced accessorizes and new hardware.

Could even add a shelf; you’ll have a more balanced feel and more interest, both of which are lacking.
Lynn Brenner thanked Maureen
jck910
last year
They are probably deeper shelves than a bookcase would have. so books may keep sliding back.
Lynn Brenner thanked jck910
apple_pie_order
last year
A few cardboard boxes, such as Kleenex boxes, behind the books will keep the books from sliding back.
Lynn Brenner thanked apple_pie_order
Kendrah
last year
Are the shelves supported where the middle rail is located? I’d think you will want that extra support so they don’t bow under the weight of books.

I’d remove the doors, fill with books, live with it a while and see if you like it.
Lynn Brenner thanked Kendrah
Hellogardener
last year
I would leave the cabinets and add shelves above for books
Lynn Brenner thanked Hellogardener
Hellogardener
last year
Looking at photos again you may only get one shelf in each space.
Lynn Brenner thanked Hellogardener
PRO
Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
last year
Some inspro
Lynn Brenner thanked Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
WHY? You have clutter free space and why add eye clutter with books just put the books in the cabinets and clase the doors
Lynn Brenner thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
PRO
Norwood Architects
last year
If you want the look of bookshelves I will suggest that you have real bookshelves built on top of the existing cabinets.
Lynn Brenner thanked Norwood Architects
rosiembog
last year
Your idea will definitely work.
Make sure you remove all vestiges of door hinges,fill and repaint holes.
Deep shelves are ideal for housing those large showy coffee table books,atlases,and other oversized reference volumes.
Game and puzzle boxes and albums can also be added.
You may wish to stack them flat and intersperse with large objets d'art or basket containers.
Filling them to capacity will cut down on webs and dust.
Do show us your redo!
Lynn Brenner thanked rosiembog
arcy_gw
last year
Of course it will work! No one who didn't see the before will ever notice.
Lynn Brenner thanked arcy_gw
Lynn Brenner
Original Author
last year
We took off the doors, it will work. The inside of the cabinets are substantial and book case like.

We don't really have a lot of wall space in the room and like books. This will be a good alternative to cramming a bookcase in the room.

I will definitely try to style the shelves in a way that doesn't look busy or cluttered.

No photos yet, we are unpacking and the room looks like a mismatched furniture store.