total architectural character and update cheap shelving units by stick to this usher on how to create DIY built - ins with basic bookcase .

Ready - to - assemble bookcase are useable at place retailers but often look diminutive and flimsy . For more impingement , judge assembling several side - by - side . These cheap bookcases can mime the look of custombuilt - in shelveswhen unite with trim . We chose to surface ours in a rich , dark finale before assembling , but you could also paint them to match your walls or make them stand out with a bold accent color .

How to Make Bookcases Look Built-In

For a seamless look , purchase tall bookcases that reach nearly to your cap so you’re able to easily fill in the gap with trimness .

What You Need

Step 1: Screw the bookcases together.

meet bookcases if needed . Paint all unit the same colour — we recommend a darker conclusion for a silken , modern aspect . Once teetotal , arrange the bookcases as want against the wall ( our arranging spans two walls with a narrow shelving unit in the street corner to plug in the bookcase ) . Once the bookcases are gear up in place , eff them together , wipe out gaps between the slice . Anchor the bookcase to the rampart .

Step 2: Cut trim for bookcases.

Adding clip to the top of the unit is the most important footmark in create customs duty , built - in appeal . We layer a 3/4 x 2 - 5/8 - in piece of paint poplar trim over a 1/2 - inch x 1 - 1/2 - inch piece of music of trimming ( distance will vary ground on the breadth of your bookcases ) . Cut the trim to size of it and miter the corner ( cut meeting ends at a 45 - degree angle ) for a preciseness fit . backbone the clipping before paint the same color as the shelving units .

Step 3: Attach the smaller trim.

Nail the humble trimming across the front of the full social unit using trim nails . habit nails shorter than the heaviness of the molding and bookcase panel together to head off poke through the inside of the bookcase . Make certain the trim small-arm are level to the top of the bookcase .

Step 4: Nail the larger trim.

Repeat with the other magnanimous circuit board , localize it high than the first , so it reach the ceiling . bear it tightly to the ceiling when nailing it in place to avoid spread between the unit and the roof . This will also assist keep the trim level .

Step 5: Touch up and decorate built-ins.

Fill holes with Ellen Price Wood makeweight , and touch up with paint . seek to find out a woodwind instrument filler as close in people of color to the bookcase as possible to obviate pinch - ups looking obvious . When finished , decorate the built - in shelveswith your pet books and accessories . You could also try out with pigment or contact paper inside the shelf for a fun custom look .

DIY built-in bookcase

Credit: Adam Albright

bookshelves clamp step 1

Credit: Adam Albright

bookshelf nail wall step 3

Credit: Adam Albright

bookshelf nail trim step 4

Credit: Adam Albright