ATDC reader Brenda is asking for our help:
I want to create the look of built-in bookshelves in white with stock shelves and moulding for a finished look. I need them to be 12" deep (or less), no more than 36" high and fit a space approximately 140". I plan to use moulding to tweak the in-between spaces if I can't get exactly 140"...
I want to do this cheaply. I've studied the Ikea website and catalog and I can't figure out a configuration that would work. The Billy bookshelves are the right depth but too tall. The Besta shelves are almost 16" deep (I could possibly make that work) but they haven't come out in white. Any idea on the date for that?
I have a huge book collection (post-purge) and the lack of shelving is holding me up from finishing the organization in the remainder of my house. I also need the display space because my small home has very few places suitable to display things.
I know I could hire a carpenter but I'm looking for a quick and dirty solution. Thanks for any help you or your readers can give.
Best regards,
Brenda
Brenda,
We don't know when Besta will be available in white, but we found some white bookcases at Lowes that might work for you. The Real Organized bookcases are 35 3/8H x 28 2/8W x 11 1/2D and cost $29.97 each. Four bookcases would fill 113 1/2"; five would put you at 141 7/8" (if you have that extra bit of space).
Anyone else have a suggestions? Have any of you completed a similar project?
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We had a similar situation in our rowhouse. We wanted to build our own bookshelves, and they had to be inexpensive, efficient use of space (we have lots of books too), and look good. Although they don't have the molding you mention above, we are thrilled with the hungarian bookshelves we built. http://baltimorerowhouse.blogspot.com/search/label/built-in%20bookshelves
They are super easy to customize, hold tons of books, and I think they fit well with our modern style.
view leely16's profile
You're better off getting a carpenter to come in and create exactly what you're looking for - There are lots of folks out there right now looking for work so you may be able to get some professional labor for a reasonable rate.
view bepsf's profile
I'm not sure if these appeal to you at all, but check out this bookcase collection from Target: http://www.target.com/2-Shelf-Bookcase-White/dp/B000U8WXCU/ref=sc_ri_3/602-0097622-8893447
I have the 3 and 5 shelf units in Espresso and although not solid wood, they look VERY good for the price (the unit that would fit your height requirement is $59 each). One advantage is the front molding on these does not wrap around the sides, meaning you could line multiple units up side by side to achieve the length you're looking for.
Also, don't be fooled by some reviews on the website, they are really fairly easy to put together, even the 5 shelf one that's 6 feet tall.
view michpc's profile
I got unpainted bookshelves at Home Depot, and they worked perfectly. (I think they were designed for exactly this purpose.) Everyone who comes to my house thinks they're built-ins, perhaps because they're painted, not laminate.
The Ikea shelves aren't going to look like anything but Ikea shelves pushed together.
view Lisa Hunter (Montreal)'s profile
i think hire a carpenter too. everything i've bought ready made for my small space has me regretting the purchases once they're in and leaving me feeling like i should have just gotten it custom built to what i needed in the first place. save your $$ and hire a person! but the target shelves looked pretty nice ...
view Joan in SB's profile
You might try going to a second hand store and purchasing older bookcases with molding, like the ones pictured. They are usually finished in oak, but you could easily paint them.
view zoo's profile
I've been using Ikea for exactly this purpose for my last two apartments, but you need to think a bit "outside the box"
Instead of using what Ikea labels as bookshelves, I've been using the Akurum kitchen wall cabinet boxes as shelving units / entertainment centers for the following reasons:
1. Way more sizes than the Billy bookcase series. And if you choose to use doorsâ many more options!
2. Even if you have limited "how-to" skills its still pretty easy to trim them out to make them look like built-ins. I haven't gotten around to trimming out the ones in my new apartment, and they still look decent enough.
3. I usually put 6" Capita legs (12 bucks for a set of 4) on the bottom. My vacuum fits underneath and it gives a modern appearance.
4. Depth without a door is only approx. 12.5 inches. I've only had small NYC apartments and most TV Stands are about 16 inches. Those extra inches can make a big difference.
5. Inexpensive and Sturdy when put together properly. My current "TV stand" is 60 inches wide x 18 inches tall on stainless legs (fits perfectly where I want it) looks decent (not trimmed out yet) and only cost about 50 bucks. If you do go the built-in route you may not even feel bad about leaving them behind.
Hope this helps,
Bobby
view Bobby Jones's profile
Thanks everyone. The Lowe's shelves may work, Colleen. I'm going to take a trip over and check them out. If not, there are lots of other suggestions here for me to pursue.
Thank you!! I love this site.
Brenda
BTW--I checked with Ikea. Besta in white comes out in April.
view breny's profile