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Thread: Built-In Shelving Question

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
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    Built-In Shelving Question

    I've got orders to make built-in shelving floor-to-ceiling to the right and left of our brick fireplace. Issue I have is there is 36" to the right and 48" to the left. Would you build full width shelves or put a vertical divider at 36" on the left side?


    Thanks,

    Mike

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
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    Bedford, NH
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    Not so sure I'd upset the symmetry with two different width shelvings/bookcase as it would be an eye catcher. Would two matching sets of 3' shelves with a tall lamp, etc. at 4' end to use up the remaining foot be an alternative???

    However, if this to be then I would add a full length support, perhaps a 3/4 x 2, along the front of the 3' shelves rather than a mid-point divider & the same for the 4' shelves (for a similar appearance), plus a 45° slanted vertical divider, or perhaps (?????) even discreet/disguised/decorative angle brackets that support the 4' shelves.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
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    Duvall, WA
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    I'm with Al on not breaking up the symmetry, unless maybe you've got a window or other existing wall feature on that longer side that already affects the visual balance of wall. You could put in a divider as suggested on that side and add a built-in display cabinet, and give it more of a vertical appearance by adding either more closely spaced shelves or a glass paneled door with vertical muntins.

  4. #4
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    Dec 2004
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    Cincinnati, OH
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    Not sure how it would look, but you might consider an attached cabinet with doors for the corner unless you could find other uses.. Just a thought.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
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    Thanks for the input. I used my simple 2-d drawing program and symmetrical does look best, but, my wife insists we use all the space. I was thinking of putting something in the blank space like a plant of vertical decoration. She wants additional shelf space. I did look more online by googling and found some non-symmetric space designs and a couple of them tried not to make both sides identical i.e. on one side shelving floor to ceiling and on the other side a cabinet with shelving on top. Think I'll make a few more sketches and see if one grows on me (and the boss).

    Mike

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
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    Carrollton, Georgia
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    Try making the addition a different shape .. maybe a little taller or shorter and/or maybe protruding more. See how that looks.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Napa Valley, CA
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    916
    Changing the plane, the design, and/or the color of the odd space can help give a more balanced look.

    built-ins 1 8-4-15.jpg Built-ins 2 8-4-15.jpg

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