S H E L V I N G

Including Bookshelves. Wall Units. Home Libraries. Kitchen Shelving.

*For the purpose of this post and to keep things simple, I’ll refer to any type of bookshelf with or without doors, wall units, home libraries, and kitchen shelving with or without doors as shelving.

I make a range of bespoke shelving from different timbers. For example, Tasmanian Oak, Blackwood, Red Ironbark, Pine and Huon Pine. At client requests I have also made bookshelves from plywood, one home library included a wine rack.

Client designs vary from more traditional farmhouse style shelving through to modern designs. It really does depend on what you would like built.

Clients varnish or paint the shelving, this also keeps costs down. It’s not uncommon for clients to have custom shelving/cabinetry made from Tasmanian Oak with the intention to paint it, only for the shelving/cabinetry to be installed and they varnish it instead because they like the patina of the timber so much. 

Questions from Instagram followers:

1. “Is there an ideal height between shelves on a bookshelf?”

Custom made shelving means you can design the spacing of the shelves to be exactly what you would want. 

It really does depend on what you are going to put on your shelves. For example, on the bottom shelves the spacing could be bigger to accommodate large books and smaller spacing at the top to accomodate novels or a collection of ceramics. Maybe you collect miniatures or large art books or dolls.

You could include different sections for your different collections or each family member has their own section. Picture books and games at the bottom for easy access. Breakables on the top shelving.

The spacing depends on you. To help you decide the spacing of the shelves, measure what you are going to put on your shelves. 

Photos: This 2620mm high x 2470mm wide x 350mm depth home library has sections for speakers that are behind mesh doors (no more ugly speakers in full view), tuner, and records.

Photos: Made from plywood, client choice of materials and design. Tasmanian Oak kitchen shelving. Client design home library.

Photos: Install day, doors open and closed, client design. Shelving in store cupboard.

Photo: Tasmanian Oak bespoke kitchen dresser with an Ironbark benchtop. Client design. Large area bottom right specifically designed for firewood for the Aga.

Photo: Tas Oak kitchen shelving in a Tiny House. Client design. Made and installed by me. Wall paneling installed by me.

2. “Would love to see solutions for small spaces too”

Think outside the traditional bookshelf. 

Could you place a single shelf around the perimeter of the room that is high enough on the walls that you don’t bump your head on and low enough to reach a book from?

Corner shelves. 

Could you recess a bookshelf in the wall between the studs? *Do not remove the studs, otherwise you may do structural damage to the building.

Photo: Install day. Cabinetry and corner pantry made by me. Client design for a prep kitchen.

Photos: Pantry/Larder. Tasmanian Oak cabinetry. Wattle bench top. Pine shelving. Made & installed by me. Client design under the stairs, a great way to utilise the space.

Photo: Install day. Tasmanian Oak cabinetry, shelving, and bench top made by me. Pine back panel on shelving and pine cupboard door. Client design and choice of materials.

Photos: Custom made fitted shelving follows the slope of the ceiling. Below the bench top there is shelving behind the curtain for easy access. Tasmanian Oak benchtop and shelving. Regardless of whether the ceiling is sloping, you could use this design, for example, in a children’s room, a craft room, laundry, boot room, studio or bedroom.

Photo: Tasmanian Oak Shelving and cabinetry. Myrtle bench top. Made and installed by me.

If you would like to move forward with an enquiry, please include the following:

Photos of the where the shelving is to go.

Please include measurements of the space and a plan (it doesn’t have to be fancy and can be hand drawn).

Also include some inspiration photos (for example, photos from my Instagram or website, from Pinterest/Instagram or magazines). 

I can give you a quote based on your specific design details and if you would like delivery and install.

I am happy to deliver and install. Huon Valley, The Channel area through to Hobart.

There is the option for you to collect and install yourself, I’m based in the Huon Valley.

Photo: Tasmanian Oak shelving and wall paneling installed by me.

I am really happy to work with client designs together with my 30+ years of carpentry knowledge and experience.

Until next time,

Michael

Bespoke Carpentry.
Huon Valley. Kingsborough/Channel. South Hobart.
Quotes. Delivery. Install.
Statewide collection.