Built-in bookshelves can be more than just a spot for storing your favorite novels—they add style, character, and even value to your home. Whether you're dreaming of a small nook or an entire wall of shelving, this guide walks you step by step through building your own custom built-ins from scratch.

Step 1: Measure Your Space

Start by measuring the area from the floor to the base of your molding. Don’t forget to factor in the height of the molding itself. Once you have that number, subtract one inch. Why? Because walls are almost never perfectly square or plum, and you’ll need a little wiggle room.

Next, measure the width of the space—at the top, middle, and bottom. If those numbers don’t match (which is pretty normal), base your shelf width on the shortest measurement, and subtract two inches. This allows for the thickness of the side panels and trim, so your final number becomes the true width of your shelves.

Step 2: Prep the Room

Move furniture out of the way and lay down drop cloths to protect your flooring. Use a utility knife to cut the sealant line where the molding meets the wall, and gently pry off the baseboards or any wall features like wainscoting.

Now grab a stud finder and mark where your wall studs are—it’s going to make the install much easier down the road.

Step 3: Cut the Wood

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Two vertical side panels from 1x12 boards (cut to height)
• Six horizontal shelves from 1x12 (cut to width)
• Two vertical face pieces from 1x2
• Six horizontal face strips from 1x2, each one 1.5 inches shorter than the shelf width

These 1x2s will become the face plates of your shelves, giving everything that built-in, finished look.

Step 4: Mark for Crown and Baseboard

Place your side panels side-by-side for easier marking. Mark one inch below where the crown molding will rest and one inch above where the baseboard will sit. Use a square to draw guide lines across the panel faces. These marks will help you align the shelves later.

Step 5: Shelf Placement and Assembly

Decide where you want each shelf to go and mark those positions on the inside edges of your side panels. Use a square to extend those lines down the front of the boards to keep things consistent.

Lay your first side panel flat and glue the edge of a shelf. Line it up with your mark, then secure it using a nail gun. Repeat this for the remaining shelves. Once that’s done, reinforce everything by drilling pilot holes and securing with screws.

Now glue the other ends of the shelves and attach the second side panel using the same method—wood glue, nails, and screws.

Step 6: Backing and Front Trim

With the shelf unit face down, apply wood glue around the edges of the back and attach a piece of cut plywood to fit. Extend your shelf marks around to the back and use your nail gun to secure the plywood.

Next, it’s time to make it look polished. Glue and nail the 1x2 face plates to the front edges of the vertical sides and all shelves. This gives the bookshelf that clean, custom-built appearance.

Step 7: Install the Unit

Slide your assembled shelf unit into place and screw it into the wall studs to make sure it’s anchored securely.

Now install any trim pieces needed to blend your new shelves with your room’s existing molding or baseboards. You might need to cut a vertical 1x2 to fit snugly between the crown molding and baseboard or wainscoting.

Step 8: Paint and Finish

Time to bring it all together. Paint your built-in with a color that complements your room. Give it a solid 24 hours to dry completely.

And finally… decorate! Add your books, favorite décor pieces, or even framed photos. Now your space not only looks elevated but feels more personalized, too.

Tools and Materials Checklist:

• Measuring tape
• Utility knife
• Stud finder
• Nail gun and nails
• Wood screws
• Wood glue
• 1x12 boards (for sides and shelves)
• 1x2 boards (for face trim)
• Plywood (for backing)
• Square
• Paint and brush or roller
• Drop cloths

That’s it! With a little time, patience, and planning, you’ve created your own built-in bookshelf that looks professional and fits perfectly in your space. Enjoy your new home upgrade—and maybe start organizing those books alphabetically (or by color, we won’t judge).

Thanks for following along—and happy building!