My Wall Was Boring—Until I Built Custom Library & Bookcases

May 24, 2025 Your Realm of Remodels 0

Let me paint you a picture.

There I was, sitting in my living room, staring at this massive, empty wall. Not a single thing on it—just beige paint, some questionable nail holes from a previous owner, and the faint shadow of what might’ve been a once-proud poster of a kitten hanging from a tree branch.

“Hang in there”? I almost didn’t.

So I did what any sensible person who owns too many books, a tape measure, and exactly one free weekend would do: I built a custom library & bookcases. And let me tell you—it changed everything. Not just the wall, but how I feel about that room, my home, and the six random piles of books that were previously doubling as furniture.

The Problem: Book Chaos, Wall Sadness, and No Storage Plan

Let’s be honest—most of us don’t have a storage plan for books. We have stacks. We have boxes. We have “I’ll just leave this here for now” piles that stay there for six months. My wall, meanwhile, looked like it had dreams once. But instead of art or shelves or, you know, something interesting, it just sat there—lonely, unappreciated, wasting square footage.

Now, I love a good budget-friendly project as much as the next home improvement addict. But this wasn’t just about fixing a design flaw. This was about:

And yes, finally having a place for the complete works of Stephen King (alphabetized, of course)

Reclaiming storage space

Decluttering the floor

Boosting home value

The Solution: Custom Library & Bookcases (AKA Sanity Shelves)

First things first: I measured the wall. Then I re-measured it because, as I’ve learned the hard way, nothing good comes from “eyeballing” lumber.

Then came the fun part: designing the custom layout. You see, the beauty of custom library & bookcases is that you’re not stuck with off-the-shelf sizes (pun absolutely intended). You can:

Build to ceiling height for dramatic effect
Add closed cabinets at the bottom for storage
Create built-in lighting for “Look at me, I’m cultured” vibes
Include adjustable shelves (because paperbacks and coffee table books don’t play by the same rules)

And while you’re at it? Throw in a rolling ladder. You may never use it, but it looks like you read Latin for fun.

Let’s Talk Numbers (Because Scott McGillivray Would)

Now, this wouldn’t be a proper home improvement project if we didn’t talk ROI—and I’m not just talking about your return on intellectual investment.

A survey by the National Association of Realtors found that custom built-ins can add 8–12% to perceived home value, especially in living areas and home offices.

Translation? A boring wall with books = missed opportunity. A stunning custom library = potential equity boost, and also your guests thinking you’re 42% more intelligent than you actually are.

The Build: Expect Sawdust, Surprises, and Swearing

Full disclosure: I thought this would be a “quick weekend project.” So naturally, it took two weekends, three hardware store trips, and one minor existential crisis when I realized I’d cut all my vertical supports upside down.

But here’s the thing—custom doesn’t have to mean complicated. Whether you’re DIY-ing or working with a contractor, the process can be as luxe or as laid-back as you want.

Just remember:

Add personality (paint, wallpaper backing, or display items to break up the rows)

Sketch your layout first

Use quality materials (MDF is budget-friendly; hardwood looks next-level)

Anchor everything (books are heavy, and gravity is petty)

The Payoff: From Beige Blah to “Whoa”

Now when I walk into that room, I don’t see a boring wall. I see a focal point. A conversation starter. A space that works harder than half my furniture. It’s cozy, it’s classy, and it finally does justice to the 63 cookbooks I’ve never actually used.

Even better? I know I’ve increased my home’s value while solving a real problem—lack of storage, lack of character, and yes, lack of bookshelf real estate.

Call to Action

If you’re staring at a blank wall thinking, “One day, I’ll do something with that,” let this be your nudge. A custom library & bookcases project doesn’t just organize your life—it upgrades your space, your style, and your home’s appeal.

Talk to our team today for help designing the perfect built-in library—whether you’re a DIY warrior or a “please just make it happen” homeowner.

Either way, trust me: your books, your home, and your walls will thank you.