Built-In Bookshelves

We’re putting floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in our brownstone living room. Wondering if people recommend using natural finished wood or painting them white? I generally prefer natural wood, but am worried it will make the space seem smaller. Would appreciate hearing thoughts on/experiences with this. Thanks.

ny11231

in General Discussion 2 years ago

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laloland | 2 years ago

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Personally, I’d paint the shelves white if the rest of your space is white. You’re right, it will make the room look smaller if you keep the natural wood look. White will give your room a really nice, clean look. If you’re in NYC, these guys did a great job on a friend’s book shelf https://www.riftcabinetry.com/ . I’m thinking of having one installed myself.

cate | 2 years ago

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It depends on the space, the shelves, and your personal preferences, but often people paint them the color of the wall so they are not so noticeable.

Amym718 | 2 years ago

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I recommend Space Carpenter. I’m blanking on his actual name. spacecarpenter.com

Guest User | 2 years ago

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All costume made to size .

Guest User | 2 years ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "195744"

[IMG_4375](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s3/:brownstoner:Nu65:img_4375.jpeg.jpg) [IMG_4117](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s3/:brownstoner:2j4g:img_4117.jpeg.jpg)

justinromeu26 | 2 years ago

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there is a company called hammertime studios in the brooklyn navy yard. he did work in a house i was working in once years ago. the customer was happy.

beast4 | 2 years ago

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I am also curious about people’s experiences with built-in shelves – and would love to know who folks hired to build them

justinromeu26 | 2 years ago

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most people go with painted wood now a days. it will cost less out of paint grade wood because they (or “we”; i used to build cases) can hide imperfections in the wood and in the work. i would usually use birch ply and make face frames. so boxes are made out of birch ply and frames put over the front to join the boxes and hide the end grain. baseboard molding on bottom and crown on top.

the cabinet guys are going to hate me for saying this but i can tell you something else you can do: go to that wood cabinet shop – is it Gotham? they had the place that burned down on the river a number of years back. get like 7′ tall stock cases from them. set them on a level platform and join them and anchor them to the wall. put trim on the front, bottom and top and you just took stock cases and made a built in. i have done it and i think i had to reinforce their shelves with cleats on the front and back.

you can find better grade paints for this sort of pro ject. Insulux made a cabinet coat. ben moore i think took them over and might have rolled that into their line.

steve
Brownstone Home Inspection LLC
brownstonehomeinspection.com