Built-In Bookcase

We moved into our first purchased-home back in November – loving every minute of it.

In the livingroom, there was a recessed section of the wall, next to the fireplace, presumably for the occupant to put their TV (not a fan of builders who dictate where they think you should put your ‘stuff’).

Well, firstly, we dont’ watch that much TV, and when we do, it’s on the small(ish) flatscreen which we hang above the fireplace.

So… what to do with the recessed wall section? Well, build the first (of many, I’m sure) custom pieces for our very own home… a built-in bookcase.

It took a while to complete – not because of complexity, so much as available time. We have two little boys (3 1/2 & 1 yr), so there were times when I quite literally had to build this one cut at a time – in between naps, play-time, work, etc.

This is what we had before – when we first moved in…

This is what we have now…

and in case you’re curious – it’s Batman Begins playing on the TV ;o)

And if you’re wondering why such a large space before the first shelf (as well you should be wondering) – this will be eventually filled with…

...the 46 gallon bowfront fishtank my wife has been wanting.

And since we have our TV hanging above the fireplace, I was able to route the wires/cables through the wall and to a panel that houses the speaker wire terminals and a pass-through for the power/audio/video cables…

As you can obviously see, the whole thing is red oak – but I also added a small touch of inlay on the cabinet top of a cherry stripe and a walnut diamond… mostly to cover my mess-up ;o) (I’ll post a picture later).

Anyway – first project completed in the new house – next one will be in the master bedroom. On the other side of that livingroom wall is our bedroom. There’s another recessed section of wall on the opposite side of the fireplace – I’ll be making a built-in desk this time.

-- Jchon - Denton, TX