Dreaming of Built-in Bookcases

Country Living

I have always been a fan of built-in bookcases. So much so, that when we built our house we planned for a matching pair on either side of our family room fireplace. Unfortunately many things – including the bookcases – had to be deleted due to our budget.

Beautiful Homes

Ten years later, we have finally reached the point where we might be able to make this dream a reality.

Traditional Home

Beautiful Homes

The picture below of our family room is probably familiar to many long time followers.

Women’s Day Budget Decorating / Photographer – Michael Partenio

Stylist – Donna Talley, Regional Producer and Editor for Meredith Publications

What you can’t see in this photo is the built-in television cabinet on the left side of the room.

Up until about five years ago, this space was occupied with an antique wardrobe which we used to house the television. We were lucky to have a very talented local carpenter create this beautiful custom cabinet and are thrilled he most likely will be coming back to build the bookcases as well.

The space on either side of the fireplace is about 52 inches wide and our plan is to once again match the other architectural elements already present in our home.

I have been searching my files and have come up with two inspiration photos of fireplaces which are very similar to ours.

Source unknown

The preliminary sketches include a matching pair of cabinets with glass front doors. The top of the cabinets will sit just below the bottom of the large molding which makes up the top part of the fireplace. We have requested cut outs in the tops of the cabinets in which to feed electrical cords through to reach the existing outlets. The shelves will, of course, be adjustable and removable.

Country Living

One of the details which have not been finalized is the type of glass for the doors. I have been considering three options - seeded glass like the kind found in my kitchen cabinets, regular glass which I have in most of the other display cases in my house, and simple leaded glass panes.

Since this decision does not have to be made right away I would love to know your opinion. Which would you choose? You always have the best advice so I am looking forward to hearing what you think! Thanks in advance -