Create Built-In Bookshelves

If you want the look of custom bookshelves but your home didn't come with them built in, no worries! You can make your own for a fraction of the price of custom, handmade ones. The secret to creating the custom look quickly and inexpensively is to accentuate a plain, standard bookshelf with molding. Or go a step further and use stock shelving components to build your own  bookshelf first.

Here's a brief overview culled from step-by-step instructions found in Home Depot Decorating Projects 1-2-3.

Begin by building a plinth base that's the same height as the baseboard in the room. Then remove the existing baseboard where the bookcase will be attached so you can screw it into the wall (this prevents the bookcase from falling over). Once you make sure the plinth base is level and screw it into the wall, place the bookcase evenly on the plinth base and attach it to the walls studs. (If there's a gap between the back of the bookcase and the wall, you may need to slide a shim into it; you can caulk the gap later.)

Now you can attach face-frame pieces to the top, sides, and bottom of the front of the shelf. Attach crown and base molding to the shelves, then cut and nail beaded screen moldings on the three vertical face frames. After that all that's left to do is seal any gaps between the bookcase and wall or between pieces of molding with paintable caulk. Sand the whole darn thing, prime, and apply two coats of paint. Once it's dry, you're ready to fill the bookcase walls with your musty tomes or paperback best-sellers.