18 Built-In Bookshelf Ideas To Display Storage In Style

Storage space and style come together with these built-in bookshelf ideas.

The benefits of built-in bookshelves come in numbers. Most of the advantages rest in their customizability; from size to shape to shelving, a built-in bookshelf is perfectly molded to your home. Through eliminating the need for a bulky shelving system or piece of furniture that gets rid of precious floorspace, built-in bookshelves bring a polished and personalized look to any room it's in.

Whether you're displaying decor, stacking books, or collecting any objects that need to be put away, a built-in bookshelf is the perfect solution to creating storage space while still having it feel visually beautiful and purposeful in the space. If you already have built-in bookshelves or are looking to add some into your home, check out these spaces for inspiration in living rooms, offices, bedrooms, and more.

Floor-to-Ceiling Arch

Vaulted ceilings are an architectural marvel in and of themselves, so adding a floor-to-vaulted ceiling bookshelf will only highlight their grandeur. This reading room in the 2020 Southern Living Idea House has a stunning wall of bookshelves that comes together in an arch to make a fabulous focal point in the space.

Related: 2020 Idea House: A Dreamy Blue Ridge Mountain Hideaway

Almost Symmetrical

While symmetry in design can make a space look cohesive, adding some asymmetry can help it feel more lived-in and homey. This family room features two structurally symmetrical built-in bookshelves with differing shelf heights to add visual interest.

Shelf Height Switch Up

Whether you remove a shelf to make room for taller items or design the openings with different scales in mind from the start, shelves of varying heights give more freedom for what can be put on display. In this house, the homeowner opted for three different heights.

Mint Arch

Adding character to your built-in bookshelves doesn't have to be through the decorations. This adorable mint bookshelf has an arch at the top of it to incorporate an understated yet effective design style.

Western Inspired

"This room, affectionately called the 'cozy room,' was inspired by trips to Colorado," says designer Katie Wolf of Wolf Interiors. "I chose to envelop the room in rich chocolate browns and did not shy away from mixing metals. After all, what western-inspired room could exist without some silver finishes?"

Sliding Ladder

A sliding ladder makes any library feel exciting, and incorporating them into a built-in bookshelf can be an easy way to achieve this. In this library, a wooden sliding ladder is added to a built-in rod that gives this area a fun feature.

Funky Corners

Having an oddly shaped wall can feel like a burden, but turning them into built-in bookcases can make them feel purposeful and designed. Here, interiors expert Molly Williams made a wall with unconventional measurements into a bookshelf that perfectly frames a window for maximum space usage.

Oak Paneling

Although rooms with dark wood get a bad rep, having walls with a gorgeous wood grain and color can make for a stunning effect. In the 2023 Southern Living Idea House, an oak built-in bookshelf lines a wall and plays beautifully off the natural light from the large windows.

Related: Idea House 2023: Step Inside Our Tennessee Country Home

Decorative Trim

Decor isn't just for the inside of a bookshelf. In the 2022 Southern Living Idea House, designer Charlotte Lucas added a handmade shell design to surround the built-in bookshelf that creates a personal and beautiful detail in the space.

Side Single Shelves

The great part about built-in bookshelves is their customizability. In this lakeside cottage, the homeowner opted to have two symmetrical thin bookshelves on both ends of the wall to create a great place to add decor and visual interest.

Symmetrical Cabinetry

Built-in bookshelves are an ideal addition when wanting extra storage, and mixing in open and closed storage helps make a cohesive space. In this sitting room, designer Taylor Hill broke down the shelving into three primary sections to make the most of the small space—books, bar, and artwork, plus tucked away storage underneath.

Surrounded Door

Don't let any wall space go to waste—even if there's a doorframe in the way. In this room, a built-in bookshelf wall was designed around a door for a unique and space-saving detail.

Built-In Focal Point

With built-in bookshelves comes the option to create your own spaces. This living room features a bookshelf with a space in the middle for a painting that balances the colorful and tightly-packed books with a neutral object.

Coordinated Colors

Built-in bookshelves make for a gorgeous detail against a wall, and coordinating paints colors and wallpaper can make the entire space feel seamlessly executed. This living room features a red-pink painted bookshelf that leaves space for a peek of wallpaper that blend together perfectly.

Small Side Arch

Curved edges can make a typical architectural element like bookshelves feel more elevated. In the 2021 Southern Living Idea House, a pair of arched built-ins flank the bed, ensuring the guest room feels extra special.

Related: 2021 Idea House: Our Picturesque Kentucky Home

Small Scallops

It's no secret that Southerners love a scalloped trim. In this child's room, a small bookshelf is built-in to the wall with a scalloped trim to add a youthful touch to the space.

Bright Backsplash

If a bold color isn't in the cards for the whole room, splash the back of your bookcase with it to add spunky energy to any space. This room features a white built-in bookshelf with a vibrant pink backsplash to create a bold yet understated focal point.

Door Replacement

If you're remodeling your home and have unwanted doorways to close off, consider adding a built-in bookshelf. Not only is it a great low-budget solution, it adds extra storage to the room.

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Read the original article on Southern Living.