Advice please for built-in bookcase

Tria Him

last month

Hello everyone,

I'm planning to do a built-in bookcase at a corner.

There's a door near the space that I cannot . But I'll paint it n similar color to my wall so that it blends in.

(sorry for the messy look, I was trying for different configurations for the shelves)

About the bookcase, it's going to have doors at bottom half and open shelf for upper half (with picture light at the top).

I like the look where the cabinet and the open shelf have different depth. But I'm thinking if the exposed wall between the open shelf and door will look awkward.

Or should I just do same depth between cabinet and open shelf?

Btw, my home leans traditional look, and the depth different between cabinet and open shelf (if I'm going this route) is 3 inches because I have limited space.

Featured Answer

Lyn Nielson

last month

last modified: last month

sounds do able.

Just keep the lower/enclosed cabinet equal to the door trim so you have room to open the door against the cabinet. Remove all the trim around the existing door and incorporate the bookcase trim and the door trim so it looks finished.

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Comments (8)

Tria Him
Original Author
last month
Thank you, Lyn. The picture you posted looks really nice, and the small strip of wall doesn't look weird at all.

And thank you for the tip about the door trim!
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PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last month
We need to see the space and you need to also share what you need the bookcase for. I do not love open shelving filled with stuff that does not need display but if books are what is planned then tell us . But really we need to see the space you are working with .From that pic you post how will you open the door and still have space for books . IMO a poor spot for a bookcase but context is everything.
Tria Him
Original Author
last month
@ Patricia Colwell Consulting

This is the best photo I have for living/dining area as remodeling is still in progress.

I have to composite the pic to include the lighting.

The floorplan is probably more clear.

Unfortunately I can't relocate the door or change the direction it opens due to building code. But that room won't be accessed often.
Tria Him
Original Author
last month
last modified: last month
@Patricia Colwell Consulting

This is the best photo I have for living/dining are as remodeling is still in progress.

I have to composite the pic to include the lighting.

Probably the floor plan is more clear.

Unfortunately, I can't relocate the door or change the direction it opens due to building code.

But that room (which will be used for storage) won't be accessed often.

The open shelf will be used mainly for books. Maybe with a few photos.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last month
last modified: last month
The floor plan is not helpful since no measurements are given and no way to help without to scale drawing .I assume since the door can't be changed you are in a condo or apartment , what is the elctrical stuff fo I see coming out of that wall.

Sorry I now understand that door goes to a storage room is that right? Not sure how code is involved . The great answer to me would be a hidden door that is a bookcase .
Tria Him
Original Author
last month
last modified: last month
@Patricia Colwell Consulting

Thank you for the suggestion, but I actually like the original spot I chose for the bookcase. Just wondering if the same depth throughout or different depth between closed cabinet and open shelf would look better.
PRO
Norwood Architects
last month
Will suggest you expand the bookcase to surround the door so that the door looks integral to the design.