Ideas to update Built-in Bookcase by the fireplace
I am planning to remove both these built-in bookcase. Any creative ideas what can I replace these with. Any pics of your similar space would be appreciated. Thanks
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Your ideas about how to arrange this built-in bookcase, please?
Comments (34)This is probably way too late, but if not....I was flipping the channels the other night (be so glad when the writer's strike is over) and came upon the last few minutes of HGTV's Color Splash, with that David guy. (He's very talented, but can only take so much of him.) The segment was "Dramatic Den Makeover" - (the number for the episode is HCLRS.304 and it will be aired again on January 28 at 8:30 ET. Anyhow, he transformed this space to a gorgeous libary setting. Took prefab bookcases and added crown molding and it was phenomenal! You might find it interesting....See MoreCan I see your built-in bookcase/ent centers?
Comments (13)My husband built new bookcases and cabinets on either side of the fireplace and we got ride of the old entertainment center. All of the sound equipment went into the cabinets and the T.V. was moved downstairs (we hardly ever watch T.V. so we don't miss it in the living room anyway). This week's project is putting up all new crown molding in the living room and dining room - I'll post pictures when we're done with that part. It's shaping up nicely. BEFORE: AFTER:...See MoreWhitewashing a fireplace that is next to a built-in oak bookcase
Comments (8)Oh, that looks lovely but unfortunately a bench is out since there is not enough width between the wall and a window for it to make sense (you can see the edge of the curtain in my picture above). It's also a difficult living room for furniture arrangement since there are two double width door openings, one from the hall then one from the dining room with sliding pocket doors. The third wall has the fireplace and built in bookcase and the fourth is almost all window (but no direct light unfortunately). The idea of a second bookcase, I agree, would add more symmetry to that wall but I'm imagining it will be on the expensive side and we're trying to keep this low budget (hence the idea to whitewash). If I understand correctly, you feel we can't whitewash without painting the bookcase and mantel and even then you feel we would need to add something (bookcase or bench) to the opposite side of the fireplace. One other idea we had was to leave the fireplace unpainted but add an oak board that we would stain the same color as the mantel to cover up the top three rows of bricks (including the vertical ones that stick out) making it less busy. I worry that even doing that, it won't be enough. Finally, what about adding a surround in wood? I'm supposing if we do that we would have to paint the mantel and bookcase a similar color, correct? And there would still be the problem of symmetry. I should mention that there is a lot of oak mouldings throughout the house. Some of these we have painted already as they were just too dark and with over 100 years of soot and dirt were going to be too difficult to clean. We did leave the mouldings of several of the doorframes and the pocket doors to the dining room in the natural oak. There are two built in oak china cabinets in the dining room which is why we were trying to preserve the oak bookcase. But the more I see pictures of painted bookcases, the more I'm tempted to paint ours. Here is something quite similar to ours. What do you think?...See MoreLiving Room - Of Balance & Bookcase(s)
Comments (4)I love your character filled space. I remember this and the work that you did with the kitchen area. Because it is a smaller space I don't think I would add another bookcase. As long as it looks balanced I think it will work with a table as you had planned. You may need to add some artwork to balance it out and maybe move some other art you have around on the other walls so theres not too much everywhere. I love the colors you have as well and the mobiles are a fun touch....See MoreRelated Professionals
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Thank you CI_Lantro. I did not think about the floors not matching during demolishing the bookcase. I am planning to go a minimalist route. Mayb just a art of the wall.
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PROlast yearlast modified: last yearThe problem is the size of the bookcases. they are really oversized for that spot.
this style would fit better. (no shutters please)
This tv you have is really too large for the spot. The fireplace box should have been longer if you wanted such a large tv. This looks top-heavyI hope the shutters are coming off that main window. I'd try a furniture arangement similar to this. stick some greenery in the one corner, get some drapes, on the other side maybe a large piece of art or a console
I really like this one. I like the surround around the fireplace and the dark insert. You could do plants on the right and a shallow, wood shelf unit on the left:
these are two narrow consoles that are flush w/the protrusion of the fireplace. better balanced
is this an exterior wall? you could put in a few windows
french doors would be nice too
or, consider doing some nice built-ins like this that go better w/the style.
scale is off, but some built in benches?
taller cabs on either side, nice chandy
this one is pretty minimal. console on on sid, a few floatings shelves on the other
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last yearHere are some ideas:
- Wallpaper or paint on both sides of fireplace
- Flank fireplace with stone
- add complementary art pieces
- put benches under art
I mocked it up with all neutrals but adding color would be nice as well.
If you find that the floor is missing under the cabinets, then possibly add built in benches with upholstery tops.
Please show us what you end up with!
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kandrewspa