---
title: "9 Built-In Bookshelf Ideas for Customizable Storage and Display"
description: "Discover functional and attractive solutions to organize and show off books, decorations, and more with these built-in bookshelf ideas."
date: "2024-12-30"
modified: "2024-12-30"
authors:
  - name: "Deirdre Mundorf"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/deirdre-mundorf/"
url: "https://www.bobvila.com/interior/built-in-bookshelf-ideas/"
categories:
  - "Cleaning & Organizing"
  - "DIY"
  - "Interior"
  - "Storage"
---

# 9 Built-In Bookshelf Ideas for Customizable Storage and Display

![A built-in bookshelf displaying and storing books and decor in a dining room.](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-532845094-built-in-bookshelf-ideas.jpg>)
*Photo: Andreas von Einsiedel/Corbis Documentary via Getty Images*

A built-in bookshelf can transform both the functionality and aesthetics of a room. Beyond offering a place to hold your books and keep them from piling up in a corner or on a table, built-in bookshelves can bring charm and style to your space. They also allow for creativity, allowing you to [give purpose](<https://www.bobvila.com/category/cleaning-organizing/>) to corners, the walls surrounding a window or fireplace, stairwells, and other areas of the home that are often viewed as wasted, unusable space. The trick is deciding on the best design and layout for your space. Use the built-in bookshelf ideas below to help you find some inspiration for this next home improvement project.

## 1. Hidden Door Bookshelf

![A hidden door built-in bookshelf idea.](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/murphy-door-hidden-door-built-in-bookshelf-ideas.png>)
*Photo: Murphy Door*

While doorways are often overlooked when it comes to storage and organization, creative built-in [bookcase ideas](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/bookshelf-plans/>) don’t let these spaces go to waste. Instead, they transform a basic doorway into an attractive storage solution. With a Murphy door bookshelf, your doorways can pull double-duty. They’ll not only provide access between rooms in the home, but they’ll also offer a convenient and attractive solution for organizing books and displaying treasured items.

## 2. Relaxation Nook

![Built-in bookshelves around a window making a window seat with lots of storage and display space.](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/built-in-bookshelf-ideas-window-seat-storage.jpg>)
*Photo: [Sand & Sisal](<https://www.sandandsisal.com/>)*

Whether you’re looking for a [DIY bookcase](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/diy-built-in-shelves/>) idea or would rather hire a professional to construct one, consider making better use of the space around a bedroom, office, or family room window. Adding built-in bookcases on either side of the window, with a cozy bench connecting them, will instantly create a relaxation nook. Add all of your favorite books to the shelves, toss a blanket and some throw pillows on the bench, and you’ll be all set up to cuddle up and enjoy a wonderful story.

## 3. Wall-to-Wall Storage

![White built-in bookshelf ideas in a living room.](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/built-in-bookshelf-ideas-white-built-ins-Home-Depot.png>)
*Photo: The Home Depot*

Why not make your new bookshelf the focal point of your space? With wall-to-wall built-in book cabinets, you can do just that. Upper glass doors allow you to showcase memorabilia and other more attractive items, while solid lower cabinets offer hidden storage for items that aren’t as visually appealing.

## 4. L-Shaped Corner Library

![An L-shaped built-in bookshelf in a living room.](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/corner-shelves-built-in-shelf-ideas.png>)
*Photo: Home Gallery Stores*

The corners of our rooms are among the most underutilized spaces in a home. L-shaped built-in bookshelves can help reverse this trend, converting a corner into one of the most organized and functional spaces in a room. With an L-shaped corner library, you can display artifacts and mementos, while still having ample room to store books, file boxes, bins, and more.

## 5. Floating Shelves

![A set of floating shelves installed on a living room wall.](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/built-in-bookshelf-etsy.png>)
*Photo: [RelicReligion](<https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=P71lsVf3GNs&mid=54027&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F1467041832%2Fmidcentury-style-floating-shelf>) via Etsy*

Floating shelves are a built-in shelving option that can allow for greater flexibility. You can customize the design and layout based on the other elements in your space—placing the shelves underneath a television, above a couch, or behind the desk in the office. [Installing floating shelves](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-install-floating-shelves/>) is also relatively simple if you’re up for a quick DIY project. You’ll just need a stud finder, a level, a drill, and a few anchors and screws to secure everything in place and support the weight of the books and other items you wish to keep on the shelves.

## 6. Modular Library

![A set of built-in bookshelves holding monochromatic neutral display items and books on a wall.](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/built-in-bookshelf-ideas-neutral-monochromatic-display.png>)
*Photo: [WoodmadeCreations](<https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=P71lsVf3GNs&mid=54027&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F1802078759%2Fwall-bookshelf-modular-shelves-floating>) via Etsy*

If you’re looking for some bookshelf plans you can make in a weekend, consider a modular library made from floating shelves. For this DIY built-in bookshelf, consider the available wall space, and then create modular boxes that you can hang to create a design that is as functional as it is attractive. Place a mix of books and decor items for an aesthetically pleasing finished product.

## 7. Branched-Out Storage

![A tree-shaped built-in bookshelf installed on a wall holding several books on the branches.](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/tree-shaped-built-in-bookshelves-installed-on-a-wall.png>)
*Photo: [WoodlandShelfCompany](<https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=P71lsVf3GNs&mid=54027&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F1025187805%2Fsolid-oak-tree-shelf-branch-shelf>) via Etsy*

This tree-shaped built-in bookshelf design might be the ideal fit for your space if your goal is to make the shelf an integral element of your room’s decor. The branches of the “tree” function as the shelves to hold books. Some of these shelves are slanted, mimicking the twists and turns of real tree branches and adding to the overall appeal of the design.

## 8. Wall of Books

![A large wall of build-in bookshelves in a home office.](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Library-shelving-in-a-home-office.jpg>)
*Photo: Closet Factory*

Those looking to [embrace Cluttercore design](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/cluttercore-design/>) and showcase precious items can consider installing a wall-to-wall built-in bookcase with [open shelves](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/upper-kitchen-cabinets-swap-for-open-shelves/>). Sectioning these shelves into separate compartments will help you organize books, memorabilia, and other items, making it possible to draw attention to your favorite treasures.

## 9. Fireplace Surround

![Small white built-in bookshelves on either side of a white fireplace in a living room.](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Kraftmaid-built-in-bookshelf-ideas.jpg>)
*Photo: KraftMaid*

Direct attention to your fireplace by building some bookshelves on either side of it. The fireplace will stand out as the star of the room, while the built-in bookcases will provide additional storage and allow you to highlight other key decorative elements that make the space unique to you.

## FAQ About Built-In Bookshelves

## Author
Deirdre Mundorf is a former teacher turned writer who most enjoys working on topics related to homes, family, and pets. She has been contributing to BobVila.com since 2020.