Built In Bookcase in Southampton and Hampshire

A bookcase fitted to the room

Bookcases are listed within the existing bespoke-joinery service. VIP Walls makes cabinetry for spaces that standard furniture does not fit. The useful starting point is the wall measurement and a description of what the shelves will hold, rather than choosing a fixed number of equal shelves first.

Shelf spans and weight

Books are heavy, especially across a long shelf. The thickness, material and support arrangement need choosing for the load and span. A long uninterrupted shelf may need an extra division or support to avoid sagging. That structural detail should be settled while the layout is drawn, not hidden behind a finished decorative edge.

Adjustable shelves give flexibility, but their supports also need to suit the weight. Fixed shelves can help stiffen the bookcase structure. A mixture may work well: fixed divisions for the main bays, with adjustable shelves within them. Think about where larger books will go and whether the collection is likely to grow.

Alcoves and a full bookcase wall

Alcoves either side of a chimney breast are not always equal. Measure them separately and check the walls at more than one height. The outer edges can be fitted to uneven plaster while the shelf bays remain straight. A full bookcase wall needs the same checks, with attention to doors, sockets and radiators along the run.

A library wall may include cupboards below the shelves, open display sections or a clear space for a desk. Keep the layout focused on the room rather than adding every possible feature. Access to high shelves also needs thought. Everyday books should be reachable without relying on a difficult climb or unstable furniture.

See also: alcove cupboards.

Doors, finishes and wall fixings

Lower cupboards can hold papers, games or equipment that would look untidy on open shelves. Door fronts can be plain or panelled to suit the room. Painted and timber finishes have different preparation and maintenance needs. A sample seen beside the existing floor and woodwork is more useful than a colour chosen from a screen.

Tall joinery must be secured appropriately. The wall construction and condition determine suitable fixings, so plaster alone should not be assumed to carry the load. Keep services in the wall in mind before drilling. Where the bookcase sits near a heat source, allow the clearance and air movement needed rather than enclosing it behind books.

Built in bookcase cost

A bespoke bookcase cost depends on the wall size, shelf material, number of divisions, doors and finish. Decoration and fitted lighting add work. A simple alcove unit is a different scope from a full-height library wall with cabinets underneath. Ask for the proposed layout to be priced with those choices clearly listed.

Compare the usable shelving rather than the outside width alone. A cheaper layout with thin shelves or fewer supports may not suit a heavy collection. Check whether fitting to the walls, finishing the exposed edges and decoration are included. If lighting is planned, identify the electrical work and access to its controls before the shelves are made.

Planning the next step

Use the enquiry form on this page to describe the space and the work you are considering. Include the main dimensions, the finish you prefer and anything that needs to stay accessible. A photograph showing the whole wall is more useful than a close-up alone. You can also call VIP Walls to talk through the room before choosing materials.

See also: Related joinery and fitting.