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Library wall bookcase suggestions...

14 years ago

I have a room next to my kitchen that I'd like to make into a "library". One end has a piano and the other has a fireplace. We're in the process of putting in wainscoting and really want to add some bookcases to give it more of a library feel. Originally I was going to put them around the fireplace, similar to the freestanding ones in the pictures, but with all the molding around the fireplace, that is going to be too difficult. What about putting them on the wall where the window is? Furniture wise, everything you see will be moved to the basement and I plan on 4 chairs with a common coffee table in the middle. Do you think the bookcases will make it look too crowded? I want cozy, but not crowded. I do plan on repainting, so that will change, too.

Here is the wall with the fireplace (bookcases are only temporary), and please excuse the mess. There is a walkway between the cabinet on the left and the stone column.

{{!gwi}}

Here is the other end of the room. To the right of the piano is the entrance from the foyer.

{{!gwi}}

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Comments (3)

kathec
14 years ago
I can't see the rest of the layout, but I personally love bookcases with a window seat. What could be better than a cozy nook to curl up and read?

Either way you go, definitely take your bookcases all the way up the wall for a real library feel.

I don't know if you plan to DIY, but I have an old magazine I've saved. Trust me that's significant since I've moved so many times, not much has survived the purge. Anyway, the December 2004 issue #286 of Workbench magazine had a fantastic article about built-in bookcases. It has great detailed information including window layouts, inside corner. It says there's a cutting guide online. It looks like it's still there. You can also see if your local library has the magazine.

Here is a link that might be useful: Workbench Magazine
hoosiergirl
14 years ago
Kathec, that's a great resource! It took me a little while to find it, so here's the link for anybody else that wants to see it:

Here is a link that might be useful: Built-in Bookcases Article
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Robbi D.
Original Author
14 years ago
kathec, thank you for the link (and to hoosiergirl for finding the exact spot!). I will need that information if I continue doing this :-) I hadn't thought of a window seat. I love those! And yes, I was thinking of going all the way to the ceiling.

Here is a look at the room from the kitchen side. It's an old picture, so the bones are the same, but the content has changed.

{{!gwi}}

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