When I first moved into my home, I was thrilled about the possibilities. My living room was spacious, but I quickly realized it lacked functionality. With a growing family and a need for extra storage and display space, I started looking into living room built ins. Built ins are one of the best ways to create functional, stylish storage solutions that also add a personal touch to your home. Throughout this process, I learned a lot about how to incorporate built ins into my living room, and I’m excited to share my experience with you.
What Are Living Room Built Ins?
Living room built-ins are custom-made, often fixed, storage units integrated into the room’s structure. These units can include bookshelves, entertainment centers, or cabinetry to utilize unused space, organize a room, and add architectural interest. In my perspective, custom shelving transform your home’s look and feel, making it cozier, more efficient, and uniquely yours.
I always wanted my living room to feel open and organized, and integrated cabinets gave me that opportunity. I had a ton of clutter—books, toys, movies, and random knick-knacks—that needed a home. With built-ins, I was able to create a streamlined solution that looked good and worked for my family’s needs.
Why I Chose Living Room Built Ins for My Home
One of the biggest challenges I faced was making sure the living room didn’t become chaotic. Living room built ins became the ideal solution for this. Not only did they provide the storage space I needed, but they also offered the perfect balance between style and practicality.
Here’s why living room built ins worked so well for me
- Maximizing Vertical Space: I’ve always been big on using every inch of available space, and built-ins helped me utilize the height of the walls effectively.
- Customization: The best part of built-ins is that you can tailor them to fit your space. I customized mine to include shelving for books, closed cabinets for toys, and a dedicated space for the TV and electronics.
- Streamlined Look: Built-ins create a clean, organized appearance because they blend seamlessly into the room’s architecture. Nothing looks out of place, and I love how they match the style of my home.
- Added Value: From a long-term perspective, integrated cabinets not only solved my immediate storage issues, but they also added value to my home. Built-ins are a permanent feature that future buyers may appreciate.
How I Designed My Living Room Built Ins
Designing living room built-ins requires careful planning. I focused on ensuring they not only looked good but also served daily functional needs. Key points I considered during the design phase include:
Primary Purpose of the Built Ins
The first thing I considered was the main purpose of the built-ins. For me, it was a balance between storage and display. I needed a place to store toys, books, and media while also having a section for showcasing personal items like family photos and artwork.
Style Consistency with the Rest of the Room
I knew I didn’t want my built-ins to feel disconnected from the rest of the room. I chose simple, clean lines that matched the overall aesthetic of my living room. My home has a bit of a modern rustic vibe, so I stuck with natural wood finishes to complement the other furniture.
Choosing the Right Materials
When selecting materials, I opted for durable wood that could withstand everyday use. I went with a sturdy oak finish for the cabinets and shelves because it’s not only long-lasting but also adds warmth to the room.
Built In Lighting
I’m really glad I added built-in lighting to my shelves. It not only brightened up the space but also highlighted my decorative items, making additional floor or table lamps unnecessary.
Installing My Built Ins: The Process
I initially debated whether I should tackle the installation of my fixed shelves myself or hire a professional. After weighing the pros and cons, I decided to hire someone who had experience in custom carpentry. It was worth every penny because the end result was polished and precise, which I don’t think I could have achieved on my own.
Steps I Took in the Process
- Measuring the Space: The professional started by taking exact measurements of my living room, including wall dimensions, ceiling height, and the placement of windows, doors, and electrical outlets.
- Choosing the Layout: We collaborated on the layout of the built-ins. I wanted a combination of open shelving and closed storage to balance the visual openness of the room with practical storage.
- Installation: Once the design was finalized, the contractor began installation. This part took a few days, but it was a smooth process. By the end, the built-ins looked like they were part of the house all along.
The Benefits of Living Room Built Ins
Reflecting on my decision to go with living room built ins, I’m incredibly happy with the outcome. Here’s why:
1. Extra Storage Space
This is the most obvious benefit, but it’s worth mentioning again. I now have dedicated space for everything in my living room, which keeps clutter to a minimum. Toys go in the closed cabinets, books on the open shelves, and decorative items on top.
2. Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal
Built ins added a touch of sophistication to my living room. They don’t just serve a purpose; they also look good while doing it. Everything feels more organized, and it gives the room a custom-designed, well-thought-out look.
3. Increased Functionality
I love how much more functional my living room is now. Before the built-ins, my TV was just on a stand, and there was clutter everywhere. Now, I have a designated spot for the TV, and all the media components are neatly tucked away.
4. Perfect for Display
I’ve always wanted a place to display personal items like family photos, books, and art. Built-ins give me that space without feeling like the room is crowded or cluttered. It’s the perfect balance between function and decor.
Tips for Maintaining Your Built Ins
Once the built-ins were installed, I knew I had to take care of them to ensure they stayed in great shape. Here are some maintenance tips that have worked for me:
- Regular Dusting: Open shelves can gather dust quickly, so I make sure to dust the shelves and the items on them at least once a week.
- Organize and Rotate Items: Every few months, I like to reorganize the items on my shelves. This keeps things fresh and prevents the space from looking too cluttered.
- Check for Wear and Tear: Occasionally, I check the cabinet hinges and shelves to ensure everything is in working order. This prevents small issues from becoming bigger problems down the road.
Living Room Built Ins vs. Freestanding Furniture
At one point, I thought about just buying more freestanding furniture for storage instead of going through the effort of installing built ins. But after comparing the two, I’m glad I went with built ins. Here’s why:
Built Ins
- Custom Fit: Built-ins are made to fit your space exactly. They maximize every inch of wall space and give your living room a seamless look.
- Increased Home Value: Since they’re a permanent fixture, they add value to your home. If I ever sell my house, I’m confident the built-ins will be a selling point.
Freestanding Furniture
- Mobility: Freestanding furniture can be moved around, which is a plus if you like to rearrange your space often. However, it doesn’t offer the same streamlined look.
- Limited Customization: With freestanding pieces, you’re stuck with standard sizes and designs. You may not be able to find a piece that fits perfectly in your living room.
FAQs About Living Room Built Ins
Q: How much do living room built ins cost?
A: The cost-of-living room built ins can vary widely depending on materials, size, and the complexity of the design. For my project, I budgeted around $3,000, but prices can range from $1,500 to $10,000 or more.
Q: Can I install living room built ins myself?
A: While it’s possible to do it yourself, I recommend hiring a professional, especially if you’re looking for a polished, seamless look. Built-ins are a permanent addition, and it’s worth having them done right.
Q: How do I make sure my built ins match my living room?
A: To ensure your built-ins blend seamlessly with the rest of the room, focus on matching the style, materials, and colors to the existing decor. That’s what I did, and the end result was harmonious and cohesive.
Final Thoughts on Living Room Built Ins
Living room built ins have completely transformed my space, making it more organized, functional, and stylish. From the design process to the installation, the journey of adding these built-ins has been worth every step. If you’re considering adding fixed shelves to your home, I’d highly recommend it. They’ve made my living room more practical and enhanced its overall look.
For me, fixed shelves were the perfect solution for maximizing space without sacrificing style. Every day, I appreciate the clean, organized feel they bring to my home. Whether you need extra storage, a place to display personal items, or simply want to add a custom touch to your living room, built ins could be the answer you’re looking for.
When designing your living room built-ins, consider incorporating bold color choices to make a statement. For instance, dark blue cabinets can add a modern and sophisticated touch to your space. To explore more about the benefits and styles of dark blue cabinetry, check out our article on Dark Blue Cabinets. This complementary color choice can truly transform the aesthetic of your built-ins.