Do you NEED floor-to-ceiling bookshelves for your room(s)? A tall built-in or even cleverly-done DIY bookshelf can solve a heap of visual AND functional problems in your home! How? We’ll show you!
To Bookshelf vs not To Bookshelf, that is the question!🤓
Bookshelves are can add warmth and depth, but they’re also notoriously busy and cluttered-looking.
Yet people continue to build them, want them, and search online for examples of where a bookshelf (or two, or three, or more!) have been done well.
So how “To Bookshelf” well?
If you have an especially large wall (or if you simply want to draw your eye UP in a small-ceilinged room), a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf can be the perfect answer for you!
Example: We currently have a client with a HUGE blank, tall wall that needs something. (Pic below!)
Bookshelves alone is not my final answer (there will be a LOT more to this wall!), but for now, let’s look at the bookshelf options we’re creating to solve the room’s aesthetic (and functional) problems!
Let’s go!
We’ll also answer popular questions such as
- “Is it cheaper to buy or build a bookshelf?”
- “How much do floor-to-ceiling bookshelves cost?”
- “Should bookshelves be floor-to-ceiling?”
- “How to do floor-to-ceiling bookshelves?”
- “Are floor-to-ceiling bookshelves really my only option with how to decorate a big blank wall?”
FLOOR TO CEILING BOOKSHELF IDEAS
The Problem Child Wall In Question!
Behold, the wall example below:
Now, let’s take a look at the 12 best bookshelf ideas and designs we’ve analyzed for this wall!
FLOOR TO CEILING BOOKSHELF
Bookshelf #12: Black + Natural!
I love these bookshelves with black facings and natural wood background…although for this project we’ll probably do a simple non-planked background and no spaces between the bookshelves because it will all be custom…
…but IF you don’t have the budget to go custom, these are great!
I have 3 notes on the above:
Note #1: This has the ability to add a library ladder (I wrote a post about library ladders HERE for a completely different client project), and that’s just money in your pocket! haha 🙂 (Figuratively…)
Note #2: Spoiler alert: I’m not going with this floor-to-ceiling bookshelf design 100% because–can you guess why? what’s wrong with the picture above? 🙂
Answer: THERE ARE NO DRAWERS! And we will be using drawers in (most) of the lower half of this floor-to-ceiling bookshelf wall.
Note #3: You want to be careful about the color of wood behind the shelves. We don’t want it too red, too dated, or too farmhouse-y (which can be done in a modern-yet-timeless way)!
FLOOR TO CEILING BUILT IN BOOKSHELVES
Bookshelf #11: Glass on Upper Cabinets!
At this point, I want to add glass to the upper cabinets for this client.
You will need to consider this and decide for yourself what works best for your lifestyle.
Why?
I’ve written a post about the reasons I stay away from open shelving, and the glass cabinets gets rid of one of these reasons (if not two of them).
You’ll notice the above also has lower “hidden” storage behind cabinet doors, similar to the below, but with a clean look from no hardware!
PS: Speaking of hidden storage, the below bookshelves have hidden magnetized drawers, similar to what we did in our kitchen!
MODERN FLOOR TO CEILING BOOKSHELVES
Bookshelf #10: Modern Black w/Glass and Drawers!
We’re getting closer with this one…
…but we still want it to have some soul! 🙂
FLOOR TO CEILING BOOKSHELF
Bookshelf #9: Old World/International Flavor!
In the opposite direction from a sleek modern floor-to-ceiling bookcase style, we could go with an arched or other Mediterranean-style cabinet design…
And YES, this type of bookshelf can still be built in floor-to-ceiling!
If you’re having trouble envisioning that, I’d tell you it’s similar to the below built-in bookshelves, while they’re still not technically floor-to-ceiling (I would have gone even higher for more of an unexpected and unique focal point in this room, since they have those lusciously high ceilings to work with!):
The below is a recent client project that illustrates what I’m talking about.
See how we went allllllllllllllllllll the way up for a big impact?
Now look back at the above example and tell me they couldn’t have gone bigger. 😉 Sometimes (as I say with rugs), bigger is often better when it comes to “big-empty-wall” bookshelves!
FLOOR TO CEILING BOOKSHELVES WITH LADDER
Bookshelf #8: If You’re Dealing With An Angled Ceiling!
Flat ceilings are one thing, and working with an angled ceiling is another challenge!
(You’ll notice that our client’s ceiling is sloped, angled, vaulted asymmetrically…all of the above!)
Do you
a) Run the bookshelves up along the angle of the ceiling, or…
b) run the bookshelves straight across (leaving a “triangle” of wall above them)?
For the popular question, “Should bookshelves be floor-to-ceiling?” there are some caveats I’d ask you first, such as
- “How tall is your ceiling?”
- “What are you using the bookshelves for?”
- “What’s on your other 3 walls?”
- “How many windows or skylights do you have in the room?”
- “What would you keep on top of your bookshelves if not floor-to-ceiling?”
In general, without ever seeing your space and having to answer right off the cuff, I’d recommend taking them to the ceiling like we recommend with how to extend kitchen cabinets to the ceiling!
FLOOR TO CEILING BUILT-IN BOOKSHELVES
Bookshelf #7: Bookshelves Around a Fireplace (and/or TV)!
While we aren’t doing a fireplace on this wall because the opposite wall facing it already has a large floor-to-ceiling plaster fireplace we’re designing…
…there’s no question that if you’re looking for a good design idea for around your fireplace and/or TV, floor-to-ceiling built-in bookshelves are a stunning choice!
FLOOR TO CEILING BOOKSHELF IDEAS
Bookshelf #6: To Paint Or Not To Paint Behind?
Many people ask about whether they should paint behind their bookshelves as an “accent color”…
…and while I generally steer people away from this, it can be done right in certain scenarios!
To me, the above (and most attempts at painting the “behind” of a bookshelf, which is just plain fun to say) is more of a “fun” or “quirky” feel that belongs in a child’s room or bonus/multi-purpose area. (Unless, of course, your whole home theme is “fun” and/or “quirky”! 🙂 )
Keep in mind that if you do bookshelves like the above, you cannot easily do a ladder!
Why? You’ll have those swinging-open cabinet doors to deal with!
Speaking of ladders…
FLOOR TO CEILING BOOKSHELVES WITH LADDER
Bookshelf #5: Clean Lined Modern With a Ladder!
If you’re not into the traditional floor-to-ceiling bookshelves with ladder look, here’s a clean example of a simple style I love with minimal detailing!
What’s great about the clean lines of this is that it can fit into both a modern space or a timeless, classic one without being too overpowering.
Because, let’s face it: if you have that many books, you’re already tipping the scales towards “overwhelming” aesthetics! 🙂
If you’re torn between classic and modern, try this: combining the simple, clean lines of the above bookcase with the ladder and lighting as shown below. (The ladder + downlighting brings in that timeless, traditional feel while the rest of the bookcase design keeps it clean and modern!)
On the near-opposite end of the spectrum is the below “dark n’ moody” library option in an old traditional home…
Just to show you that whatever style floats your boat, you can (and dare I say should? 😉 ) work a ladder into it!
It’s a classic that doesn’t have to look traditional; it can be modern too!
MODERN FLOOR TO CEILING BOOKSHELVES
Bookshelf #4: Modern Minimalist Bookshelves to Ceiling!
Here’s an airy, modern floor-to-ceiling bookshelves example that could be used not only against a wall (showing the wall behind it) but as a room divider as well!
Just something to consider if you’re on the hunt and haven’t found your perfect solution yet! This is an option I’ve seen solve a lot of problems for a lot of people, no matter their style!
LIBRARY FLOOR TO CEILING BUILT-IN BOOKSHELVES
Bookshelf #3: Keep In Mind What’s In Front Of Your Bookshelf!
Now is the time to remind you that you’ve GOT to keep in mind what you’re putting in front of your floor-to-ceiling bookcases!
No, you shouldn’t just design the bookcases then figure out the furniture placement afterwards.
It all should be figured out at the same time!
Why?
Well, for example, with our client’s room it makes a big difference. If we propose that this client have a “library feel” here with big soft cushy chairs in front of the bookcase, the layout of the rest of the room dictates that they’d need to be fairly close to the bookshelves.
THAT then means we couldn’t put cabinet doors or drawers low on the bookshelves because you couldn’t access them!
So you must keep all the pieces of your room in mind even as you design just one of the areas!
Did you know? I help you plan your room to perfection (without forgetting or missing a single thing!) with my Expert Room Design & Layout Guide!
FLOOR TO CEILING BOOKSHELVES
Bookshelf #2: REALLY Built-In Bookshelves! 🙂
For the particular client project, I’m envisioning bookshelves for this project that look like they’re a part of the wall!
Something akin to (but not at all exactly like) this:
See how these are not built onto the wall but into the wall?
YES!
FLOOR TO CEILING BOOKSHELF
Bookshelf #1: Arched Bookcase!
Will we go with a combination of the above built-in floor-to-ceiling bookshelves AND with arches?
Something similar to a mix of the above and below?
BONUS SNEAK PEEK: I’m also considering doing something like the below again, where the built-in bookshelves themselves look almost “lined” with a beautiful natural-toned wood:
Here you can see where we did an inset, arched bookshelf in a wall, this time with a darker wood:
DIY FLOOR TO CEILING BOOKSHELVES
“Is it cheaper to buy or build a bookshelf?”
Honestly, the answer to that question depends on the quality you’re going after!
If you’re going to compare a cheap-o IKEA or Target bookshelf to a sturdy, quality-built bookshelf you’ve done by hand, you’re going to have one low cost and one higher cost (while still not “expensive” unless you’re going with something like a fancy imported hardwood, which can be beautiful but costly)!
If you’re wanting to compare apples-to-apples, however…
…Matt and I believe building a bookshelf is going to be “cheaper” overall for you–and by “cheaper” I mean less of a stress on your pocketbook, your eyes, and your everyday life!
Why?
- Aesthetics: Your bookshelf can be perfectly fit onto your wall in correctly-formed sections (say, you have a 9′ wall and it would look best to have three 3′ wide bookshelf sections, but the cheap-o pre-made bookshelves come in only 23 5/8″ so at best you’ll have 4 bookshelves (not ideal, odd numbers please the eye) with an extra 13.5″ of empty wall.
- Function: Not only will you now gain all those extra inches of functionality but you’ll be able to customize the height (I am often shocked at how short the bookshelves are that brands like Target sell…not even ceiling-ish height)!
- Style: You get to choose the amount of detailing (or lack thereof: think clean modern lines!), the number of shelves, the openings for artwork…you name it! Not to mention the perfect color and any hardware you might favor!
PS: When I say “build it yourself” I don’t mean you literally have to pick up your saw and nailgun. I’m saying this as a woman who would be hiring out much more often/becoming BFFs with a local carpenter I can pay…if I didn’t have The Brawn as a handy live-in, make-it-happ’n cap’n builder genius. If literal DIY carpentry isn’t your gifting (raise your hand with me), you still 100% can “build it yourself” by being the brains behind a local woodworker’s brawn! You can hand our plans to him/her and it’s still absolutely better than buying premade!
Speaking of cost savings while keeping things beautiful and sturdy…
DIY FLOOR TO CEILING BOOKSHELVES
“How to Build Floor-to-Ceiling Bookshelves?”
If you’re looking for a floor to ceiling bookshelves DIY, we haven’t created one yet at the time of this writing but you can EASILY use our DIY Closet Plans, which will include how to build everything including your actual bookshelves as well as any cabinet doors (whether they’re solid or glass or a cane/woven material) and drawers below the bookshelves, should that be your design! 🙂
So actually, now that I think about, we have created one! It just says “closet” but it could say “bookshelves” and be exactly the same with a simple word replacement! 🙂
Get the plans HERE!
(And if you missed our posts on our Built-In Closets as well as our DIY Walk-In Closet, you can see those here!)
Now let’s talk costs!
DIY FLOOR TO CEILING BOOKSHELVES
“How much do floor-to-ceiling bookshelves cost?”
“What’s this going to run me?” you might be asking.
The answer depends on factors such as
- “What’s your wall width?”
- “What’s your ceiling height?”
- “How deep do you want your shelves?”
- “Do you want to add cabinets?”
- “What material do you want to make those cabinets from?” (Glass or wood or a cane/woven material!)
- “Do you want to add drawers?”
- …and many more details!
In general, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves can cost you anywhere from $350 to $1,400 per linear foot (all depending on your answers to the above!).
It also depends on whether you’re building them yourselves or paying someone else for labor, their insurance, etc.
For us, Matt and I always prefer to build our own bookshelves and customize EVERYTHING, because of not only the cost-savings but first and foremost because there’s often ZERO % CHANCE we will ever get exactly what we want in the measurements we want…
…and personally I just enjoy having a home that doesn’t look like everyone else’s in those typically ways, you know?
(My guess is you–lovely and smart reader–feel the same way! 😉 Not because there’s anything wrong with it, but if you spend a lot of time looking at/living/breathing design for a good portion of your life, you start to see the “Residential Same-Same-Same” and having FRESH around you in your home just feeeeeels sooooo good! Once you know, you know. 🙂 Our environments are so powerful to our brains and bodies!)
FLOOR TO CEILING built-in BOOKSHELVES
“Are floor-to-ceiling bookshelves my only option for a big blank wall?”
Absolutely not!
In fact, I’d tell you that if you don’t actually need a place to hold your 100s of books or display your curios from travels around the globe…
…then you’d be better off considering something else for your big wall!
I’ll do a post dedicated to those ideas soon, as it’s a question I get asked about often! In the meantime, you can read our article about “What to Put On The Wall Above Your Bed!” as a related topic to browse for ideas and thoughts!
Next…
Start with the basics and see our 7 Smart Strategies for Choosing Interior Colors!
Or if you need help pulling your room together, we (occasionally!) have Design Consult spots available or you can utilize our Expert Room Design & Layout Guide immediately yourself! 🙂
From living rooms to bedrooms, you don’t want to miss these related posts:
- Long Living Room Layout: 15+ Genius Design Ideas (With TV, Fireplace or Without)!
- 25 Pros & Cons of Dark vs Light Hardwood Floors: The Ultimate List!
- Living Room Area Rug Size: The (Only) 7 Rules You Need to Know!
- Design Tip: What to Hang Over the Bed (or Not!)
- The 12+ Simplest Plaster Fireplace Surround Ideas to Ease Your Eyes!
- Choosing a Pendant or Chandelier: 3 Ways to Stop Choosing What (Most) Everyone Else Has!
- TV Bookshelf Wall: 15 Genius Hidden TV Ideas for a Living Room!
PS: You can see all of our home projects HERE!
