A wall of books can give a living room its character. In this home at The Interlace, a dark, full-height bookcase forms the backdrop to a light-filled seating area. The project photographs show how open shelves, closed lower cabinets and a repeated vertical pattern work together as one large piece of custom cabinetry.
A bookcase that defines the living room
The shelving extends across a broad wall, with tall vertical divisions setting out a regular rhythm. Books occupy the middle shelves, while more open space above gives the display room to breathe. Closed compartments along the bottom introduce a different kind of storage without interrupting the overall pattern.
From the front, the bookcase reads as a single wall composition. The angled views reveal its depth and its relationship with the chairs, sofa and circulation around the room.
Open shelves for books, closed cabinets for other belongings
The close-up photographs show the contrast between visible book storage and enclosed lower sections. Open shelving makes the collection part of the room’s appearance; the lower doors provide space for things that do not need to remain on display.
For a similar home library, begin with the dimensions and quantity of the books you own. Large art books, paperbacks and display objects need different clearances. Shelf spans, loading and wall fixings should be specified for the collection rather than decided from the exterior appearance alone.
A dark backdrop in a bright room
The deep cabinet colour contrasts with pale flooring, white walls and light-toned seating. Daylight and open space around the furniture keep the room from relying on the shelving for all of its visual interest.
The wood-framed chairs and curved floor lamp create a reading area in front of the bookcase. Their placement illustrates why furniture should be considered alongside fitted cabinetry: cabinet access, seating comfort and the route through the room need to coexist.
Plan the bookcase and room together
The side view shows how strongly the vertical divisions shape the wall. This kind of repeating structure is worth reviewing on a full elevation drawing so that shelf heights, lower door lines and the top of the unit relate to one another.
Before finalising a similar design, check the room’s actual measurements, nearby switches, lighting and furniture positions. Upper shelves should be planned with safe access in mind, and lower doors need enough space to open without moving the main seating every time.
Frequently asked questions
Is the bookcase entirely open shelving?
No. The photographs show open shelving above closed lower compartments, combining book display with concealed storage.
Can the shelf layout be adapted to a different collection?
A new design can be planned around your books and display objects. Shelf dimensions, loading and fixing details should be confirmed for that brief.
What should I bring to a home-library consultation?
A floor plan, photographs of the wall, approximate book quantities and the dimensions of your largest books are useful starting points. Include the furniture you want to keep in the room.
See more of this home at The Interlace
Explore the companion case study: The Interlace Kitchen & Pantry: Custom Cabinet Design. Both articles feature different areas of the same home.
Plan your custom cabinets with Meerkat Home
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