Reveal 83+ Stunning Built In Shelves Living Room Diy For Every Budget

The living room is often the heart of a home, where family and friends gather to relax and spend time together. It's important to have a functional and visually appealing living room, and one way to achieve that is by adding built-in shelves. These DIY built-in shelves can not only provide extra storage space, but also add character and style to your living room. In this article, we'll share 10 creative DIY built-in shelves ideas that you can easily incorporate into your living room.

If you have some basic carpentry skills and tools, you can easily build your own DIY built-in shelves for your living room. The process may seem daunting at first, but with proper planning and the right materials, you can have beautiful built-in shelves that will enhance the look of your living room. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to build built-in shelves in your living room:

Gather your materials: You will need wood boards, screws, drill, level, saw, and wood glue. Measure the space where you want to install the shelves and buy enough materials to fit that space.

Create a plan: Use a pencil and paper to sketch out your desired shelf design. Make sure to measure accurately and consider the size and weight of the items you plan to store on the shelves.

Cut the wood: Use a saw to cut the wood boards according to your measurements and design plan. Sand the edges to ensure a smooth finish.

Assemble the shelves: Use wood glue and screws to attach the boards together. Use a level to ensure the shelves are straight and properly aligned.

Install the shelves: Use a drill to attach the shelves to the wall. Make sure to securely anchor them to the wall studs for maximum stability.

Finishing touches: Fill any holes or gaps with wood filler and sand the shelves again for a smooth finish. You can also paint or stain the shelves to match your living room décor.

When it comes to adding shelves to your living room, you have the option of DIY built-in shelves or freestanding shelves. Both have their pros and cons, and it ultimately depends on your preference and the layout of your living room. Here are some factors to consider:

Space: Built-in shelves are a great option for smaller living rooms, as they can maximize space by utilizing empty walls. Freestanding shelves, on the other hand, can be moved around and can be a good option for larger living rooms.

Style: Built-in shelves can seamlessly blend in with the walls and create a more cohesive look. Freestanding shelves can add a unique touch and can be easily changed to match different styles.

Cost: DIY built-in shelves can be cheaper in the long run, as they are made of sturdy materials and can last for a long time. Freestanding shelves may need to be replaced more often if they are made of cheaper materials.

Now that you have a better understanding of how to build built-in shelves and the differences between built-in and freestanding shelves, let's dive into 10 creative DIY built-in shelves ideas for your living room:

1. Wall-to-Wall Shelves: This design involves building shelves that span the entire length of the wall, creating a seamless and visually appealing look.

2. Floating Shelves: These shelves are attached to the wall without any visible brackets, giving the illusion of floating shelves. They are perfect for displaying decorative items and can add a modern touch to your living room.

3. Corner Shelves: Utilize the corners of your living room by building corner shelves. These can be a great space-saving option and can add an interesting design element.

4. Bookcase Shelves: If you have a large collection of books, a bookcase shelf design can be perfect for your living room. You can customize the size and number of shelves to fit your needs.

5. Built-In Window Seat with Shelves: This design combines functionality and style by creating a window seat with built-in shelves on either side. It's a great way to utilize space and add charm to your living room.

6. Built-In Entertainment Center: If you have a TV in your living room, consider building a built-in entertainment center that can also double as shelves for storage and display.

7. Recessed Shelves: These shelves are built into the wall, creating a sleek and minimalistic look. They are perfect for smaller living rooms as they don't take up any floor space.

8. Ladder Shelves: Ladder shelves are a unique and versatile option for your living room. You can easily move them around and adjust the shelves to your liking.

9. Built-In Bar Shelves: If you enjoy entertaining, consider adding built-in bar shelves to your living room. You can store and display your favorite drinks and glassware in a stylish and functional way.

10. Built-In Plant Shelves: Bring some greenery into your living room by incorporating built-in plant shelves. You can create a mini indoor garden and add some life to your space.

If you're not confident in your carpentry skills or don't have the time to build your own built-in shelves, you can still achieve the look by using pre-made shelves and customizing them to fit your living room. Here's how:

1. Measure the space: Take accurate measurements of the space where you want to install the shelves.

2. Purchase pre-made shelves: Look for shelves that are the right size and style for your living room. You can find a variety of options at home improvement stores or online.

3. Cut the shelves: If necessary, use a saw to cut the shelves to fit the space. Make sure to sand the edges for a smooth finish.

4. Install the shelves: Use a drill to attach the shelves to the wall. Make sure to securely anchor them to the wall studs.

5. Add finishing touches: Fill any holes or gaps with wood filler and sand the shelves again for a smooth finish. You can also paint or stain the shelves to match your living room décor.

For those with smaller living rooms, adding built-in shelves can be a game-changer. Not only do they provide extra storage space, but they can also make the room feel larger by utilizing vertical space. Some tips for maximizing space with DIY built-in shelves include:

1. Utilize wall space: Build shelves that go all the way up to the ceiling to make use of every inch of space.

2. Use narrow shelves: Instead of wide shelves, opt for narrow ones that can fit in tight spaces and still provide storage and display space.

3. Build around doors and windows: Take advantage of the space around doors and windows by adding built-in shelves that blend seamlessly with the walls.

4. Use modular shelving: Modular shelves can be rearranged and adjusted to fit any space, making them a great option for small living rooms.

Built-in shelves are a versatile and practical addition to any living room. They provide extra storage space, add character and style, and can be customized to fit any space and design. With these DIY built-in shelves ideas, you can transform your living room from ordinary to extraordinary. Get creative and have fun building your own DIY built-in shelves!

In conclusion, DIY built-in shelves can be a great way to enhance the look and functionality of your living room. Whether you prefer a more traditional or modern style, there are endless possibilities and designs to choose from. With some planning and a little bit of effort, you can have beautiful built-in shelves that will make your living room stand out. So why wait? Start planning and building your own DIY built-in shelves today!