An empty wall is your best friend these days. Shelving, closets, benches—people have been all about adding storage to their homes over the past few months, according to a recent Houzz report that noted an increase in requests for custom projects from home professionals during June. Installing bookcases ranked high on that list (it saw a 126 percent spike compared to the same time in 2019).
Other than the fact that bookcases (especially ones with lower cabinets) help you stay tidy, this update is a lot more affordable than the other renovations that have been popular during quarantine, like redoing a bathroom. In another recent survey, people revealed they spent an average of $765 on the project. (But if you hack a unit like IKEA’s Billy option, you can bring that number down to $500.) Get cozy library vibes just in time for fall with these easy bookcase ideas.
Choose a Dramatic Color


Hunter green radiates old-world charm in Joanna Gaines’s office-library. She took the moodiness one step further by swathing the ceiling tiles in the same hue.
Turn It Into an Art Display


Where is it written that a gallery wall has to be a wall? Transform a bookcase into an eye-catching piece by hanging a few of your favorite oil paintings or sketches along the front of the shelves.
Allow for Easy Access


Make a dent in your reading list this fall by turning your bedroom into a full-on library, rolling ladder included.
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