Converting A Closet Into A Bookcase: My Personal Experience

As an avid reader and book collector, I was constantly struggling with finding enough space to store my beloved books. I had already filled up all the shelves in my living room and bedroom, and I was desperate for a solution. That’s when I decided to convert my unused closet into a bookcase. It was one of the best decisions I ever made, and I’m here to share my experience and tips with you.

How To Convert A Closet Into A Bookcase: Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Clear Out The Closet

The first step is to empty the closet completely. Take all of your clothes, shoes, and other items out and place them in a separate location. This will give you a clean slate to work with.

Step 2: Measure The Closet

Measure the closet’s dimensions, including the width, height, and depth. This will give you an idea of how many shelves you can install and the size they should be.

Step 3: Install Shelves

Install shelves using brackets and screws. Make sure to space them out evenly and adjust the height according to the size of your books. You can also use adjustable shelving to customize the space to your liking.

Step 4: Add Lighting

Adding lighting to your bookcase will not only make it easier for you to find books, but it will also add a cozy ambiance to the room. You can use LED strip lights or battery-operated puck lights.

Step 5: Decorate The Bookcase

Once you’ve installed the shelves and lighting, it’s time to decorate the bookcase. You can add bookends, plants, picture frames, and other decorative items to make it look more aesthetically pleasing.

Top 10 Tips And Ideas For Converting A Closet Into A Bookcase

Choose a closet that is not being used or can be repurposed.
Measure the closet carefully to ensure that you have enough space for your books.
Use adjustable shelving to customize the space to your liking.
Consider adding lighting to make it easier to find books.
Use bookends to keep your books organized and prevent them from falling over.
Add decorative items to make the bookcase look more aesthetically pleasing.
Paint the inside of the closet a different color to make it stand out.
Consider adding doors to the bookcase to keep dust away from your books.
Use baskets or bins to store small items such as bookmarks, pens, and notepads.
Don’t overcrowd the bookcase; leave room for new additions.

Pros And Cons Of Converting A Closet Into A Bookcase

Pros:

Maximizes space in your home
Provides a unique and customized storage solution
Makes your books easily accessible
Can be a fun DIY project

Cons:

May require some carpentry skills
Can be time-consuming to install
May not be suitable for large book collections
Removes the option to use the closet for other purposes

My Personal Review And Suggestion

Converting a closet into a bookcase was one of the best decisions I ever made. It not only provided me with the space I needed for my books, but it also gave my room a unique and cozy feel. I highly recommend this project to all book lovers out there. However, make sure to measure your closet carefully and plan out your shelving before starting the project. It can be time-consuming, but it’s definitely worth it in the end.

Question & Answer

Q: Can I still use the closet for storage?

A: It depends on the size of your book collection and how much space you need. If you have a smaller collection, you can still use the closet for storage by installing shelves above or below the bookcase.

Q: Do I need to have carpentry skills to convert a closet into a bookcase?

A: While it’s helpful to have some carpentry skills, it’s not necessary. You can purchase pre-made shelving units and brackets at your local hardware store and install them yourself.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to convert a closet into a bookcase?

A: It depends on the size of the closet and how many shelves you plan on installing. It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

Q: Can I still use the closet door?

A: Yes, you can still use the closet door if you install the shelves correctly. However, you may want to consider removing the door to make the bookcase more visible and accessible.

Q: How many books can a converted closet hold?

A: It depends on the size of the closet and how many shelves you install. On average, a converted closet can hold anywhere from 200-500 books.