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Leave it to this Brooklyn loft to school us on the art of decorating a massive built-in unit. Creative consultant, Gillian Schwartz’s approach is all about making the shelves double as a
Featuring a curated mix of decorative accessories—an exposed cabinet of curiosities, if you will— it boasts everything from ceramic animal figurines to family photos.
![Brown and White Living room](https://www.domino.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/20/57ed3cb4ab6b79084cbfe06a-h1000_hzziz6.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
Take your built-in shelves to the next level by painting the backdrop in a bold and dynamic shade. Not only will it impart the spot with a major dose of style but it will add a layer of impact to the design. Bonus points for adopting a color-coordinated approach to displaying your books.
![Taupe Bedroom](https://www.domino.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/20/5653597184cc6e023ab97f65-h1000_ksc6ng.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
File this one under one seriously clever hack: a folding Murphy bed is ingeniously framed by a wall-to-wall installation of built-in shelves, allowing the bed to be seamlessly concealed when needed.
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What better way to show off that extensive collection of cookbooks than with a built-in unit specifically reserved for that purpose? Bonus points for incorporating a multi-tone color scheme into the design.
Tour the rest of this Mid-Century modern home here.
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Hudson’s Rivertown Lodge has its fair share of Insta-worthy decor moments but, nothing quite rivals its hidden library nook that comes complete with a wall-to-wall bookshelf surround and an equally embracing lounge chair.
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Spotted in this quaint Brooklyn apartment via Homepolish’s Ariel Farmer, a pair of adjacent built-ins surround the window space, making ample use of the space beneath. As an added bonus, the floor-based shelf also doubles as a bench or spot to showcase decorative accents and more!
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An impeccably styled bookshelf paired with a complementary, whitewashed aesthetic is always a foolproof way to embrace the look. We love the way this one makes excellent use of the space above the door!
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A modular set of built-in shelves uses up the negative space between the windows in this East Village apartment designed by Homepolish designer Megan Hopp. A color-coded organization system for the books brings in a much needed pop of color to the space.
![Red and White and Wood Dining room](https://www.domino.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/20/56c76214cc657e184583d65e-h1000_et7ysr.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
This set of built-ins function as a room divider and we couldn’t think of a more clever and functional display. Consider it an upgrade from light-blocking walls, especially for spaces that are short on windows. Take a ‘less is more’ approach to filling the shelves, allowing the maximum amount of light to filter throughout.
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Part bookshelf, part built-in study, grays rule in this modern and cozy home office. Note the two-toned effect of the shelving and how it extends a hint of warmth against the paint.
![Taupe and White Living room](https://www.domino.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/20/56d5ee2db8d2f1435e3a9635-h1000_saypbw.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
Built-in shelves were practically made encompassing fireplaces. This elegantly mod living room packs in major style with worldly flair, an aesthetic further elevated by the semi-stocked shelves and patina piece above the mantel.
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Elevate your typical shelf space with a captivating shade that will seamlessly blend into the existing wall paint. This hue is all the rage.
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Bare stairs? Line the wall with built-in shelves to impart the area with a colorfully dynamic touch. Filter in greens for good measure, and complete the look with bold decorative accents and art. We’re taking notes from this dreamy home.
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Within the exclusively whitewashed room, consider bringing in shelving of a contrasting finish to create a more dynamic effect. Here, reclaimed wooden shelves lend the perfect complement to the Moroccan rug below.
Read More:
First Look: Inside Emma Straub’s New Brooklyn Bookstore13 Pin-Worthy Ways to Organize Your BooksThe Best Bookshelves on Pinterest Right Now
Originally published June 2017. Updated January 2018.