Design Principles for Built-Ins
Built-in shelving and cabinetry should look like it grew from the walls—not like furniture pushed against them. Three design principles: (1) Use the room's existing trim profile—if the baseboards are ogee, the built-in's base should match or complement that profile. (2) Maintain consistent reveals—the gap between the built-in and the wall/ceiling should be uniform (typically caulked with paintable caulk). (3) Respect proportions—shelves for books are 10-12 inches deep and 10-14 inches apart. Display shelves are 8-10 inches deep. Media storage is 16-20 inches deep. Vertical dividers should be evenly spaced or follow the golden ratio. A built-in that fills an entire wall niche appears intentional; one that stops 6 inches short of the ceiling looks like a bookcase someone forgot to finish.