skip to main content

Built-in bookcase

5 years ago

Hello from Southern California,

I wonder if some of you can give me some pointers. I recently had a contractor built a custom built-in bookcase but I am not happy with it. I am thinking of redoing it but not sure where to start or even possible with the budget constrain.

The bookcase dimensions: H X W X D (74 X 34 x 9"). There will be three floating shelves and three cabinet doors below the shelves. Initially I was going with a German system but they refused as it's too small of a project. Budget up to 12 K. Searched local area and found one that has decent quality material and track record. They will charge 12K for the dimensions aforementioned. I was not too keen on paying if it's was not a German system. Maybe I have unrealistic expectations.

I have looked further and seen that California Closet offers custom built to exact dimensions. I am not too keen on California Closet as they only have laminates as their materials.

Does anyone know any builders (preferable server Southern California) who can help with my project? The bookcase contemporary style so things have to have all the line straight etc. I also prefer wood veneer or maybe even solid wood.

As for budget, I am hoping that it will be less than 10 K if it's not a German system. I wonder if my expectations are unrealistic given the budget.

Comment

Related Discussions
How to Style Built In Bookcase
Q
Comments (27)
That's a really nice setup there, Wozzies! I think it is okay to have them differently in this case. There is a desk there so it's not supposed to be a formal meet-the-queen kind of room. Try for a weight symmetry maybe?--about the same visual bulk on each side. Your shelves aren't heavy looking so they don't be making much of an impression anyway. I think it's better for the shelves to fit the stuff rather than trying to get stuff to fit the shelves (which is what many of the current design photos have). Just more practical and more interesting. It also looks like you have books for a reason other than decor. But if it doesn't look right, you can always redo it. It's a good pandemic activity for when the gym is closed. :)
...See More
Built In Bookcase refinishing
Q
Comments (3)
That’s an old picture from the prior owners. There’s a different TV that’s much closer to the mantel. Turning them into a TV cabinet is not an option. We don’t watch enough TV to justify that. Painting over the old oil base isn’t an issue - I’ve had to do it for the rest of the trim. I’ve already sanded the built ins and primed. My real issue can be simplified to this: will SW Pro Classic latex semi gloss be too soft to apply Waterborne polyurethane on top? Or is it better to go with a flat latex and a semi gloss water poly? Will that option provide a similar sheen as if using semi gloss paint?
...See More
Help choosing paint color to paint ugly 80s-era wood built-in bookcase
Q
Comments (7)
Painting the cabs to a high standard is an investment in both time and money I would not do in a rental. Also, is the owner supplying the paint for the walls? As a landlord and a former renter, I would make sure that any colors chosen get the owners approval first. As to what shade could work best for you on the walls, can you share more pics? Agree with you that the current shade isn't working. And I would most likely paint out that bit of white trim to match the new wall colour, if the landlord approves.
...See More
how to remove this built in bookcase
Q
Comments (2)
I would have someone come and look at it. It may have been built in separate units, and only mounted to the wall with screws, here and there. It is impossible to be able to tell anything from the picture. Unless it is actually glued (which I doubt), there will be nail holes, or screw holes, etc to fill, but, I wouldnt think a lot of damage.
...See More

Related Stories

Love to Read? Built-in Bookcases Are for You

LIVING ROOMS 10 Fresh Ideas for Your Fireplace Alcoves

By Karen Wilson

Not sure how to make use of the space on either side of your chimney? Check out these alternatives to the standard built-in bookcase

DECORATING STYLES 11 Beautiful Ways to Style a Bookcase

By Michelle Gage | Interior Designer

Discover tips, tricks and techniques for showcasing your favorite reads and treasures

Get More Bang From Your Bookcase

By Kristy Woodson Harvey and Beth Woodson

Revive your room by reimagining a bookcase with paint, art, light and unexpected objects

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Create a Secret Doorway Behind a Bookcase

By Mitchell Parker

Hide your valuables (or unsightly necessities) in a room or nook that no one will guess is there

COLOR Paint Your Bookcases to Transform Your Room

By Laura Gaskill

Give your shelves some color for a whole new look. Here are 10 examples, from subtle to bold, and some styling tips to try

SHOP HOUZZ Shop Houzz: Beautiful Bookcases

Bring a bookcase into your home for style and organization

0

LOFTS It’s a Wrap: Bookcase Walls Create Bedrooms in a Loft

By Susan Redman

In a Brussels warehouse loft, bedroom islands constructed for privacy are paneled in wood and bookcases

ORGANIZING Handmade Home: How to Style Your Bookcase

A few simple tips can help you transform a bookcase into an artful display

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: 21 Rave-Review Bookcases

By Cristin Priest {Simplified Bee}

Flip through this roundup of stylish shelves to find just the right book, toy and knickknack storage and display for you

Sponsored

Fresh Pointe Studio

4 Reviews

Industry Leading Interior Designers & Decorators | Delaware County, OH

More Discussions

Does anyone have any recommendations for dining chairs? I appreciate i

14

Help Identify Brand of Chesterfield Sofa

0

Upholstered Headboard Help!

10

unsure of area rug size for our our sectional

2

Problems Dismantling Bed

0