Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Inspiration

Project Book Shelving: The Plans

November 11, 2013
We mentioned after we painted the reading room, that we wanted to revisit it soon. Our books are still boxed up in the garage and we are anxious to give them a more permanent home. Now that our costume party is over and the bathroom is done-zo, we're ready to build some shelving in here.
The plan is to build floating shelves (although we're not above disguised center support if needed) on the far wall.  I gathered a ton of inspiration photos, but this one below we loved the most.
The big difference is ours will go from wall to wall.  I'm glad the photo illustrated how an even number of shelves (instead of the usual design should be in odds) can look good, because that's how many we felt would fit comfortably in our room. And then, of course, we tried to decide on the color of the shelves by quickly mocking some up in photoshop.
The same green as the wall? (no)
Stained wood. (warmer)
But white seemed to win us over.  Since the shelving will butt up against the window moldings, painting them the same white feels like the best, least busy choice.
The last thing we're trying to figure out before diving in head first to this project is lighting.  This room currently has no lighting at all--not even an overhead.  So while there will surely be a lamp or two, lighting the book shelves is something on our list. We currently feeling inspired by the sconces in this photo (where can I find them!?):
To be sure the lights come out far enough and don't just light the top shelf, we'd have to build out the wall at the top to mount the lights to.  While I am trying to think of a way around that, Chris feels confident.  Still a few measurements to crunch behind the scenes, but we'll be sure to walk you through the whole process as we go.
Project book shelving--commence!
— Hide Comments
+ ShowComments
What do you think?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Please tell how you are going to create long floating shelves that are wall to wall. We want to do something similar in our office and I need a tutorial!

  2. I wish you hadn't dismissed the natural wood or green shelves. They could look really elegant in the same shade (only in a glossier finish) -especially if you are going for a cozy library feel (which is how those brass lights read). White open shelves could read "kitchen" in there because of the lack of other architectural elements, unless they are pact to the gills with books. Hope you don't mind me putting in my two cents. ;) -Caitlin

  3. I like the natural wood version better! It might be more expensive to get a nice look (vs just painting any shelves white) but I think it looks much more high end. Either way it'll be gorgeous, I'm loving this room!

  4. Those lights (which are awesome) are usually called library sconces .. I think? The ones in the photo are one arm (instead of two arm which have more articulated joints) I think these are pretty close:
    http://www.bellacor.com/productdetail/visual-comfort-and-company-sl2922hab-antique-brass-boston-functional-library-fixture-355675.htm?partid=googlePLA-DataFeed-SwingArmPlugIn-355675

    Sadly they are awesome... and not ever cheap.

    I hacked something similar, but unfortunately the wiring wasn't as easy as I had hoped so I had to change the plan and it didn't end up looking like what I hoped for.

  5. we are lacking book shelves for sure in our place right now and it drives me crazy! So many books packed away. That second picture of the bookshelves and the cozy couch in the middle makes me want to curl up and read a book asap! That color green is still making me weak in my knees. So beautiful.

What We're

Loving

Right Now

What We're

Loving

Right Now

Looking for our favorite things? A place to shop our home room by room, or just catch up on what Julia's wearing / loving right now? Browse the CLJ shop
Shop All

Love Stories

Love Where You Live

In an industry that often feels designed to make you discontent, we want this to be place you come for inspiration, ideas, and encouragement to make the space you're already in feel like home.
Read All Posts
let's break this thing up

BROWSE BY CATEGORY

01

Portfolio

Befores, afters, mood boards, plans, failures, wins. We’ve done a lot of projects, and they’re all here.
read more
02

Projects

We have a long-standing relationship with DIY, and love rolling our sleeves up and making it happen.
read more
03

Design

Even when you don’t want to rip down a wall, you can make that space in your home better. Right now.
read more
hello world!

looking for inspiration?

Sales

The Best Early Black Friday Deals in 2024 (And More to Come!)

So many of our favorite stores have already launched early Black Friday sales, and we know there’s more to come! We collected all of the best deals of the holiday season—from tech to home decor—in one place for easy reference. Whether you want the lowest price on one of the best gifts of the year […]
Design

The Exciting Plans for Our Primary Bathroom Design

Chris and I have always said that if we don't feel 100% all-in excited about a project—both of us—then we probably haven't found the solution yet. I think that's been the tale with our primary bathroom renovation as a whole. We feel excited about doing the project, but it's been YEARS in the design phase […]
Chris Cooks

Mom's Light & Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls

I do a lot of cooking for food restrictions, but this recipe is none of those things. These dinner rolls are my mom's recipe, and they're one of her signature dishes. She has made them for almost every gathering since I was a kid. The smell of these...it's the smell of every family event in […]
Beautifully wrapped traditional presents stacked in a doorway
Gift Guides!

Holiday Gift Guides for Everyone in Your Life {2024}

Remember the thrill of unwrapping a gift that felt just right? Let's bring that magic back this holiday season!! Our curated gift guides for 2024 are filled with thoughtful picks that will make your loved ones feel special. That's what it's all about, after all. Whether you're shopping for your main guy, your clutch coworker, […]
Learn With Us
Want to do what we do? Get the tools, mentorship, and training to be a Good Influencer professionally.
Learn More
Looking for Something?

SEARCH THE BLOG

We've been doing this since 2009 and we've posted a whopping 24145+ blog posts and counting. You might need a little help searching, huh?

Can We Send You Our Love Letter?

Another way for us to stay in touch! Joining our weekly newsletter gives you access to exclusive content, never-before-seen photos, your questions answered, and our favorite DIYs. Sign up below!

hello world!
Follow Along on Instagram
Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations
© 2024 Chris Loves Julia, LLC
PRIVACY POLICYTERMS & CONDITIONSAFFILIATE DISCLAIMERSITE CREDITCOMMUNITY GUIDELINES