We’re building a Bookshelf
I worked in bookstores for 7 years of my life. Although I’ve had over a decade of career work experience in graphic design, I still maintain that my bookstore jobs were the best I ever had. Everyone who works at a bookstore is weird—the good kind of weird. We’re all nerds. Everyone has niche passions. Everyone is interesting because they are interested. It was absolutely wonderful. Books led me to some of the best friends I’ve ever had in my life.
And so, naturally, by working in a bookstore and loving books, I became a person who HAS books—lots of them. I’m the kind of person that likes books as decor. I love the stacks of them all around the apartment. But the time has come now where every flat surface has a stack, so I think enough is enough: we’re building a bookshelf!
So of course we will make it. Because, we’re us, and we love projects and DIY, and also we have extremely specific taste. We wouldn’t have it any other way. Right now it’s a work in progress—I laugh at Andrew’s “it will be done in an afternoon.” DIY is never that simple, my love. And of course, because we seem to have a penchant for huge furniture, it’s floor to ceiling, with moldings out the wazoo.
I’ve included 4 of my favorite inspiration images at the right, as well as a few shots of our materials. I’ll be sure to share the final piece when it’s all done!
We picked out lots of beautiful moldings to give the bookshelf lots of character as well as a built-in look.
We’re building it out of poplar wood from local building supplier, Dykes Lumber.
Floor to ceiling is a must. Image via @warmlightdiaries
Moldings add style that is characteristic to New York City homes. Image via Architectural Digest.
And finally, we much preferred any bookcases that had cabinet doors on the bottom. Similar to the calming effect that the painted-to-match-walls bookcases had, cabinetry also reduces the amount of visual clutter—a must for small spaces. Image found on Pinterest.
I was surprised to find how much I preferred bookshelves painted the same color as the walls. I thought I would go for a stained wood for sure, but every single one of my favorites was painted. I think matching the bookcase to the wall color helps the shelf not look so visually overwhelming. Image via K and H Design Ltd.