Friday, May 23, 2014

Wall Cubby Bookshelves


 
 
Are you wondering what you’re looking at?

 

It’s bookshelves built between the wall studs.

 

 My hubby made these to store my paperback book collections, which were layered two deep in my  office shelves. They now adorn the ‘library’ section of our basement family room.

Wall studs are the perfect depth for holding 4-inch wide mass market paperbacks. My husband  installed an adjustable shelving system on the sides of the studs by dadoing a recess so the metal shelving system was even with the wooden studs. Then he cut the shelves to fit, nailed trim around the openings, painted and stained the surrounding wood and ... instant bookshelves! Well, maybe not instant, but certainly a clever storage method.

 

If you don’t have any bare studs in your house you can still create these fantastic book cubbies by removing a section of drywall and installing the shelving systems between the studs. The shelves can also be attached to the stud using L brackets. You'll lose a couple of inches in storage, but won't have to mess with dadoing. Find your studs with a studfinder tool, make sure the space you've chosen is hollow, and be careful when you cut the drywall to insure you don’t hit any hidden wiring or pipes. Adding trim around the opening makes for a neater looking opening.

 

We've had these bookshelves in several of the homes we've lived in. They're handy for books and other small items you want to display. Put a door on the surface and you've got some covered storage. We happen to like our book cubbies open; it's easier to read the titles and adds color to the wall. Not only are they handy, but they make a great conversation piece when your guests visit. But watch out ... with all your books visible you may become their favorite lending library!

 

What clever ideas do you have to create book storage in your home or office?

 

6 comments:

  1. Hi Catherine,

    What a great space-saving idea. I obviously don't have any ideas since my books are scattered everywhere, but I'm keeping this in mind when we re-do the office.

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    1. Thanks, Elaine. I think it's a super solution for all those paperbacks. Hubby has also done narrow shelves above door frames, too, to store paperbacks you don't need to access frequently..

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  2. Great idea!
    When we added on to our house, the window in my hobby room had to be removed. My husband used that space to make a shelf for my books. It works great!

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    1. Aren't built-ins wonderful? That sounds like a great solution, too.. When you have the number of books I do (as do most writers), you have to get creative in your storage solutions. Thanks for the new idea, Amy.

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  3. Another great idea using that old window space! Thanks for the new idea.

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  4. Love this! Will have to get my tools out and go to work!

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