Building Shelves In Living Room: My Personal Experience

As someone who loves to read and collect books, I was always in need of more storage space in my living room. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and build some shelves myself.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here are the steps I followed to build shelves in my living room:

1. Measure the space

Before starting any DIY project, it’s crucial to measure the space where you want to build the shelves. This will help you determine the size and number of shelves you need.

2. Choose the materials

For my shelves, I used wood planks, brackets, screws, and a drill. You can also use metal or plastic materials if you prefer.

3. Cut the wood planks

Using a saw, I cut the wood planks to the desired length and width for each shelf. Make sure to sand the edges to avoid any splinters.

4. Install the brackets

I attached the brackets to the wall using screws and a drill. It’s important to ensure that the brackets are level and spaced evenly apart.

5. Attach the wood planks

Finally, I attached the wood planks to the brackets using screws. Make sure the shelves are level and secure before placing any items on them.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Here are some tips and ideas for building shelves in your living room:

Consider the overall style of your living room and choose materials that complement it.
Use floating shelves for a modern and minimalist look.
Choose open shelves to display decorative items and closed shelves for storage.
Use decorative brackets to add a touch of elegance to your shelves.
Install lighting underneath the shelves to create a cozy ambiance.
Use different sizes and shapes of shelves to add visual interest.
Paint the shelves a different color to make them stand out.
Add plants or artwork to the shelves to make them more visually appealing.
Use the top of the shelves as a display space for larger decorative items.
Consider incorporating a built-in bench or seating area underneath the shelves for added functionality.

Pros and Cons

Like any DIY project, there are pros and cons to building shelves in your living room.

Pros:

Customizable to fit your specific needs and style.
Can be a cost-effective storage solution.
Can add value to your home.

Cons:

Requires time, effort, and skill to complete.
May not be as sturdy as professionally installed shelves.
May not be removable or adjustable once installed.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

Overall, I am very happy with the shelves I built in my living room. They have provided me with the extra storage space I needed and have added a nice decorative touch to the room.

My suggestion for anyone considering building shelves in their living room is to take the time to plan and measure carefully. It’s also important to choose high-quality materials and tools to ensure the shelves are sturdy and secure.

Question & Answer

Here are some commonly asked questions about building shelves in a living room:

Q: Do I need any special tools to build shelves?

A: You will need a saw, drill, screws, and brackets. A level and measuring tape are also helpful.

Q: How much weight can shelves hold?

A: The weight capacity of shelves depends on the materials used and how they are installed. It’s important to choose sturdy brackets and screws and to distribute weight evenly across the shelves.

Q: How do I choose the right size shelves?

A: Measure the space where you want to install the shelves and consider the items you want to store on them. Choose shelves that are wide and deep enough to hold your items.

FAQs

Q: Can I build shelves in a rental apartment?

A: It depends on your lease agreement and the rules of your building. You may need to get permission from your landlord or property manager before installing shelves.

Q: How much does it cost to build shelves?

A: The cost of building shelves depends on the materials and tools you use. It can range from a few dollars for a simple project to hundreds of dollars for more elaborate shelves.

Q: Can I decorate my shelves with heavy items like vases or sculptures?

A: It’s important to consider the weight capacity of your shelves before placing heavy items on them. Use sturdy brackets and distribute weight evenly across the shelves.