Posts Tagged ‘wall mounted bookshelf’

The Wall Book Shelf Revisited

February 11, 2009

 

Some people want a wall book shelf but dread traditional styles.  Interestingly, there are actually many unique designs that completely change the concept of shelving.  If you love home projects and want to add a wall book shelf to one or more of your rooms, you might consider the following design option, which is unique and even unusual.  Although not for everyone, this is different and fun.  The method of making this type of wall book shelf is actually quite easy and fast!

 

  • Invisible Book Shelves – Seriously, you can make a bookshelf for your wall that looks as if books are simply staying in place all by themselves.  For a child’s room, this is a wonderful way to show off books and create a point of interest.  To make invisible wall book shelves, simply follow these instructions:
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    • Tools – You will need an L bracket, both small and large wood screws, pencil, a carpet or utility knife, tape measure, and several books for the weight
    • Measuring – For these wall book shelves, you want to measure to the half way point and then with a pencil, make a mark.  Then, draw an outline of the L bracket and measure a second time.  With this, the goal is to create the invisible hardware that will be at the bottom or back of the book.
    • Cutting – A hole needs to be cut out with the carpet or utility knife, carpet glue, making it deep enough so you can put the bracket in flush
    • Screws – Using the small wood screws, the L bracket will need to be secured by using one screw on either side where the edges of the books will go, which helps secure the pages.  Be sure to use adequate pressure so you can keep all of the books in line and if not, the books will be uneven and unstable.
    • Gluing – The next step for creating invisible book shelves is to use the glue so the bottom cover of the books is held firmly and securely in place.  Again, the screws are used for keeping pages together while the glue holds the books in place.  To ensure the glue holds solid, we recommend you place something heavy or numerous books on top overnight.
    • Wall Attachment – The next step for invisible wood book shelves is on the following day, use the large wood screws to mount the shelving unit to the wall, making sure you find studs for the best security.
    • Add Books – Now that the bottom book is your actual shelf, you can add several more books on top, which is what creates the appearance of floating books or the invisible shelving unit.

Creating a Formal Look with your Wood Bookshelf

February 11, 2009

Many people believe that a wood bookshelf only works with rooms that are more informal but the truth is, wood also looks amazing in contemporary rooms. As you will learn, choosing the right type of wood, shelving style, and the way in which items are displayed is all it takes to create an elegant and sophisticated look. For one thing, you want to choose the right type of wood. For instance, a wood bookshelf that will be used in a formal room needs to have richness, which comes from wood species such as cherry, mahogany, teak, and bamboo. Typically, these wood species have deeper coloring with a slight touch of red that is simply gorgeous. Additionally, a wood bookshelf such as this will guarantee you get a strong and durable shelving unit and since these wood species are easy to work with, there are gorgeous designs to be found. In addition, you want to consider the styling of the wood bookshelf for a formal room. For instance, keep to designs that have clean lines and curves, which tend to be softer and more elegant in appearance. While a little bit of ornate embellishment is fine, be careful not to go overboard. Remember, instead of the wood bookshelf being the focal point, you want it to be the supporting piece of furniture for the beautiful items you plan to show. Then, the type of collection and the way in which you display your items on the wood bookshelf will complete the formal style. We recommend you consider your display items carefully, choosing colors that would enhance the room and keeping to small collections. Some of the best options would be small pieces of artwork, ethnic figurines, ornate trinket boxes, or vases in varied designs, sizes, and shapes. If the formal room has jewel tone furnishings, then find items for your wood bookshelf that would pop while still having the richer tones The bottom line is that while pine, oak, and walnut are great wood bookshelf materials for traditional or informal rooms, choosing the wood species will make a huge transformation. The same is true by keeping the style of the wood bookshelf rounded and clean with little embellishments, and finally, choosing your display items and collections carefully so they draw the eyes to them without overwhelming the room. The results will be stunning! If you conduct online research, you will be able to get some great ideas for the specific look you want. Of course, never be afraid to add your own personal touch. Sometimes, when done right, even a little bit of whimsy can enhance a formal room. Choose Google, Yahoo, or other larger search engines in the search field, type in words such as “formal wood bookshelf options” and you will be amazed at what you find.

Making your Own Wall Mounted Bookshelves

February 9, 2009

Some people want a wall book shelf but dread traditional styles.  Interestingly, there are actually many unique designs that completely change the concept of shelving.  If you love home projects and want to add a wall book shelf to one or more of your rooms, you might consider the following design option, which is unique and even unusual.  Although not for everyone, this is different and fun.  The method of making this type of wall book shelf is actually quite easy and fast!

 

  • Inverted – Yes, you can create wall mounted bookshelves with the books hanging upside down.  Just imagine this type of shelving in your child’s room or a family room.  Not only are these wall mounted bookshelves functional, they make a great conversation piece.  This design is such that rather than books being supported by shelving underneath the books, they are held securely in place with the magic of Velcro.  Because the Velcro is unseen, it makes the wall mounted bookshelves appear as if they are simply hanging in space – very awesome!

 

  • Crates – Typically, wall mounted bookshelves are made with wood, glass, or plastic held up with brackets of some kind.  However, a really easy way to create bookshelves is with plastic crates.  Not only are crates easy to install, they also provide a tremendous amount of room where books and display items fit.  You will find wall book shelves made from crates available in a wide variety of colors, perfect, safe, and functional for a child’s room.

 

  • Tubes – If you look around salvage or construction companies, many times there will be throw away concrete form tubes.  These tubes measure about two feet in diameter, they are round, and very solid yet relatively lightweight.  The round shape makes unique wall mounted bookshelves and an overall appearance that you can be sure no one else has.  In addition, these tubes can easily be painted so if you prefer to leave them natural you can but if you want to add color to match or enhance the room’s décor, then the tubes are an ideal material for making wall mounted bookshelves.

 

The great thing about making your own wall mounted bookshelves is that the only limitation is your imagination.  When looking at garage sales, home improvement companies, or in your own garage, think outside the box.  Chances are that you will find unique and interesting materials that could easily be used for shelving.  Of course, the most important thing in building wall mounted bookshelves, especially for small children, is to make sure they are securely fastened to the wall to avoid accidents.  Have fun, be creative, and put your talent to work and see what designs you come up with for wall mounted bookshelves – you will probably surprise yourself.

Wall Book Shelves Like None Other

February 9, 2009

 

Are you tired of the same old options when it comes to wall book shelves and want to do something like none other?  You can and we will show you how.  Sure, you could go with the standard type of shelving that you find in most homes but if you love the unusual, we have something very special in store for you.  The following are some unique and even bizarre wall book shelves that will instantly become a conversation piece.

 

  • Staggered – Although a little more common than some of the other designs, wall book shelves that are staggered look great.  Because of the way these shelves are made, they appear uneven, almost as if they are going to fall apart.  However, if you were to measure, you would find that each of the shelves is perfectly even and the appearance is simply an optical illusion.

 

  • Room of Shelves – These wall book shelves are actually full units that create a room.  While some of the shelves are attached to the wall, others are designed as see-through walls that create a space in the center where you can place seating.  Then when you want to enjoy a good book, you choose from any of the shelves and relax right there.

 

  • Special Shapes – If you have children at home, a great way to encourage reading is with wall book shelves in the shape of something they like.  For instance, you might have a little boy who loves cars or robots or a girl who likes ballet dancers or teddy bears.  Regardless of the shape, you simply build the outline and then add the inside shelving, all securely attached to the wall.  Filled with books and favorite toys or other display items, these wall book shelves add fun and character to any child’s room.

 

  • Chair and Bookshelf – For people who have little space such as a small home or apartment, finding seating room is near impossible.  However, you can create wall book shelves that are made with a built-in seat.  With this, you have several shelves that encapsulate a reclining seat so you can literally sit back inside the bookshelf for some R&R with your favorite author.

 

Keep in mind, wall book shelves can be made into any design.  All you need is a little creativity, a few standard tools, and time.  With these things, you can begin a do-it-yourself project, coming up with wall book shelves like no one else.  Of course, if you are not much of a craftsman but you have good ideas, you might look for someone local who can bring your creation to life.  Another option is to conduct a search online using keywords for the wall book shelves you have in mind.  Chances are that you will find several companies that make unique designs or custom shelving units to your specs.

Books, a Man’s Best friend

February 8, 2009

Library is a student’s company in the same manner as books are student’s best friend.  Books are the most precious resource materials for researching.  It is the ultimate source of wisdom and consultant for a fount of knowledge.  Amazingly, it would be unbelievable for individuals who can afford to put up a mini-library at home knowing that it is a rare instance and most books created by famous authors are costly.  Even classic literature books are so expensive that rarely one can afford to buy.

            Book enthusiasts, some of whom are writers, journalists, columnists, editors, authors and working professionals can afford to make their own mini-library.  However, at the onset of their collection, they have started from making use of the corner book shelves.  As time progresses, unknowingly they have a box of novels and books already given by a colleague either as a gift or a remembrance.

Students can put up their own.  If one is used to be studying in a private school from kindergarten to high school, it is a normal attitude to organize textbooks used in the school through corner bookshelves.  Unlike pupils from public schools, private school students are provided with reading materials included in their tuition fees.  If these books are compiled up to college, a corner book shelf won’t suffice.  Depending on how bookworm a person will be, one may start collecting from childhood until adulthood.   For instance, barter and trading in can be a good concept.  In exchange of parent’s errands or as a reward for hitting a high mark in school, a child can negotiate to ask for that favorite novel that he is dying to read.  For sure, parents won’t say ‘no’ for it.  It is a better request than anything else. As a hobby, book collection is indeed very purposeful in nature.

            Additionally, book lovers are well-trained during their early year that is why when they enter at the age of maturity, they could have been very much advanced readers.  A person who is a wide reader will obviously have excellent research, communication and writing skills.    In the bedroom, a piece of corner bookshelf may just be necessary enough for the placement of everyday reading materials such as bible, diary, favorite novel and a magazine.  All other books, if they are plenty enough, can be placed in a mini-library in a certain nook of the house, probably at the living room.

            Since the onset of technology, visiting libraries may not only be limited to the physical books.  But one can research comprehensively online with the help of internet connection and various websites around the globe.  Easy accessing of the books will be available to students.  Just a click and everything pops out.  If you are a person who is always on the go and really needs to browse an important material needed for the report, an online library may just be the right solution for your problem.  There is only one disadvantage; that if, there is an intermittent power interruption and internet connection failure.

International Corner Bookshelf Designs

February 8, 2009

 

Many homeowners use different ethnic influences to decorate.  If this is you, the look can be completed simply by choosing a corner bookshelf design that goes with the international flare.  Many times, a person will go all out with room design but forget the importance of shelving.  However, so you can display beautiful objects from world traveling or simply ethnic pieces you have purchased locally, you can be sure to find many wonderful options for international corner bookshelf designs.

 

  • Mexico – A beautiful style often seen in Southwest and Spanish style homes comes straight out of Mexico.  Vibrant yet warm colors and a casual feel this is a wonderful way to transform the look of any home. A great corner bookshelf option is one with a rustic appearance made from 100% ponderosa pine and wormwood.  To get the most out of this purchase, we recommend you consider a corner bookshelf with both upper and lower cabinets, which creates display room and storage.  You can fine authentic pieces made in Mexico by local craftsmen, some as old as 250 years old for around $500 to $600.

 

  • Spain – Another fabulous and more ornate option for a corner bookshelf comes from Barcelona Spain.  Priced around $600, this is a stunning piece designed in the Spanish revival style.  Made out of dark, red walnut with a gorgeous over glaze, this particular corner bookshelf is embellished with cast metal door grills and metal accents.

 

  • Asia – Of course, corner bookshelves made in Asia are among the most gorgeous and detailed.  Although original pieces can be quite expensive, there are a number of reputable companies throughout Asia that have master craftsmen capable of making amazing reproductions.  A common type of corner bookshelf made into reproduction pieces is the cherished curio cabinet, which can be used for intricate figurines, books, artwork, or whatever you prefer.

 

  • India – A corner bookshelf made from beautiful rosewood is also a popular consideration.  These shelving units are made from the highest quality raw wood, carefully chosen to avoid large knots.  The wood is then chemically treated to eliminate termite and other insect damage and after going through the seasoning process, the corner bookshelf is designed.  This is a wonderful addition that has clean lines, making it ideal for traditional, transitional, or even contemporary style homes.

 

  • Vietnam – Bamboo has become one of the most popular flooring and furniture materials in today’s market for a number of reasons.  First, bamboo is harvested, which means the tree never dies but reproduces the materials needed.  Therefore, this is a “green” material that helps save the environment.  Second, bamboo is gorgeous, rich in color, and a very strong, durable material.  Of course, a bamboo corner bookshelf can be made with a formal or informal design but either way, the furniture piece is stunning.  A corner bookshelf made in Vietnam is treated to prevent termite and ant damage while not changing the natural color.  The piece is finished with a glossy for shine and adds style to any room.

Saving Space Corner Bookshelves

February 8, 2009

For people living in apartments, dorm rooms, or even homes with little space, corner bookshelves are a great way to display favorite items and increase storage.  Today, there are hundreds and hundreds of design options with corner bookshelves made of all types of materials and in various sizes and styles.  Many times, people forget about room corners where small or large bookshelves can be placed.

 

Corners offer viable space, perfect for creating a visual in the room and storing books, CDs, videos, magazines, small sporting equipment, dolls and stuffed animals, office supplies, and much more.  If you want a corner unit simply to show off a great collection then you could go with open shelves but if you are looking for both display and storage, there are many corner bookshelves that are designed with closing cabinet doors.

 

The key when purchasing any type of bookshelf is to buy the highest quality you can afford.  After all, nice corner bookshelves could easily remain in the home for many year and even be passed down through generations.  Therefore, when you get ready to buy, consider the bookshelf as an actual piece of furniture to enjoy.  For a contemporary room, glass and wrought iron are strong and attractive but if you want something warmer then choose wood and go with the species that would enhance the overall décor of the room.

 

Now, prior to running out and shopping for corner bookshelves, it is important to think about not only the current way in which the shelving will be used but also possible future use.  As an example, if you are looking at a bookshelf to hold stereo equipment you probably want something designed specifically for that purpose in that there would be holes through which cords would fit and the bookshelf would be both strong and durable.  On the other hand, if you want corner bookshelves for the kid’s rooms, then having cabinet doors or a pull out drawer would be ideal for storing games and toys.

 

Regardless of what the corner bookshelves will be used for, you next want to think about style.  Obviously, if you are choosing a bookshelf for a cozy family room, then something magnificent and ornate would not work.  However, if the bookshelf were for a formal dining room, you could easily choose a fancier style that would coordinate with and enhance the overall look and feel of the room.

 

You will also find wonderful options for corner bookshelves made specifically for the bathroom.  These shelving units are made from materials that can handle high humidity environments so you never have to worry about peeling, warping, cracking, or rusting.  The great thing here is that all you need is one small corner and immediately, a small bathroom with little to no storage is made into a more functional room, giving you storage for towels and toiletries.

 

Remember, there are many materials from which to choose.  Typically, a more traditional home with both formal and informal décor would look best with wood corner bookshelves.  A contemporary home, one with clean lines and a minimalist style looks best with glass and metal corner bookshelves.  If you have room and the style would work, you can always consider authentic antique pieces crafted in a foreign country or choose a reputable company that makes beautiful reproductions.