Key takeaways
- Start with what you will store, not with the look.
- Plan for the TV, wires, lighting and outlets before you draw shelves.
- Painted plywood and poplar are cost-friendly, while stained hardwood costs more.
Start with function
List what the built-ins must hold: books, a TV, games, photos, a printer or a bar. Measure the tallest and deepest items and decide which should be hidden behind doors and which should be on display.
Then think about use. A reading nook needs seating and light, and a media wall needs ventilation and cable paths.
Design the layout
Most built-ins combine closed storage below with open shelves above. Base cabinets of about eighteen to twenty-four inches deep and shelves of about ten to twelve inches are common. Adjustable shelves keep things flexible.
Plan symmetry around windows and fireplaces, align tops with window or door heads and finish with crown that matches the room.
Materials and cost
Paint-grade built-ins often use plywood boxes with solid poplar face frames. Stained built-ins use oak, maple or walnut veneers and solid wood fronts. The more doors, drawers and details, the higher the cost.
Published ranges commonly run from several hundred dollars per linear foot up to more than a thousand. Our Built-In Studio gives a planning range as you play with the design.
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Quick answers
How deep should built-in shelves be?
Ten to twelve inches suits books and decor. Media components and baskets may need fifteen to twenty inches.
Can built-ins be installed in a rental or older home?
Yes. We scribe to uneven walls and floors, and the design can often be built so it can be removed later.
Ready to talk it through? Get a free estimate or call 615-431-3789.