By the Book

Finding creative storage for books can take almost as long as it did to collect them. Write a new chapter in your home with these three novel organizational ideas.


 

Closet Drama

How To Get the Look

Open up an underused space by removing the door and hinges, patching holes where necessary.

Measure the interior of your closet, and cut 3/4-inch plywood for the shelves. Secure the shelves with metal brackets (four per shelf). Here, the top shelf is supported by both brackets and an existing cleat. Attach a 1- x 2-inch board to the front of each shelf to cover the plywood edges.

Add fresh paint colors for dimension. Contrasting mustard walls and creamy white shelves are perfect partners. You can also line the back wall with your favorite wallpaper.

 

Step It Up

How To Get the Look

Determine the dimensions of your space and the arrangement of shelving. In this room, the homeowners designed the bookcase so that it would not be directly in front of the window (see diagram below). For the shelves and dividers, measure and cut boards to length (we used 1 x 12s). Stagger the dividers for added stability and a graphic effect.

Glue and nail the boards together; finish the perimeter edges with 1- x 2-inch trim.

Paint the exterior of the bookcase to match the staircase and surrounding area. Then take it up a notch by using blue and green paint, alternating colors for the interior shelves.

 

Corner Office

How to Get the Look

Use two or more chrome shelving units to section off a corner of the room. Place a cushioned chair in the alcove for a cozy place to read.

Add a touch of personality to the space. Here, the homeowners chose a quote by cartoonist Scott Adams to bring a literary touch to the warm gray-brown walls. To create, use a pencil to draw freehand if you’re comfortable, or use a light projector to trace the design. Then fill in the letters using paint and a small brush.

 

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Project Details
Closet Drama Lowe’s List
Skill level: Intermediate
Rough cost estimate: $270*
Rough time estimate: 3 days
  • wall paint inside closet (Valspar Signature Colors, Sewing Basket MS083, satin)
  • shelf paint (Valspar Signature Colors, Lemon Chiffon MS113, semi-gloss)
  • 16 shelf brackets (#49149)
  • 4 sheets of plywood, 3/4-inch x 4
  • x 8-foot**
  • 4 boards, 1 x 2 x 6**
  • 1 box of 4d finishing nails
  • 3 packages of (#8 x 1/2-inch) screws
  • wood glue (Titebond II, #41217)

 

Step It Up Lowe’s List
Skill level: Advanced
Rough cost estimate: $275*
Rough time estimate: 3 days
  • shelf paint (Valspar Signature Colors, Spiny Sea Urchin MS245, semi-gloss)
  • shelf paint (Valspar Signature Colors, Pea Coat MS301, semi-gloss)
  • bookcase exterior and staircase paint (Valspar Signature Colors, Mourning Dove Gray MS151, semi-gloss)
  • 7 boards, 1 x 12 x 8**
  • 3 boards, 1 x 2 x 8**
  • 1 box of 6d finishing nails
  • wood glue (Titebond II, #41217)

 

Corner Office Lowe’s List
Skill level: Beginner
Rough cost estimate: $225*
Rough time estimate: 2 days
  • wall paint (Valspar Signature Colors, Book Cloth Brown MS174, satin)
  • lettering paint (Valspar Signature Colors, Chalkboard Green MS347, satin)
  • 2 shelving units (Shelving By Design, chrome, #71034)
  • *Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market.
    **Availability varies by market.

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