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Built in fireplace with bookecases and hidden storageFight the winter blues with a fun project that creates a very cozy space using 2 old bookcases.
This project saw two yellowing and chipped 25yr old bookcases converted into a built in fireplace with hidden storage. The project was completed over several weekends and has provided a huge amount of storage while creating an absolutely stunning feature in a small space.
Materials
MDF 12mm 2400mmx 1200mm boards*
Wood glue
Screws (wood Screws and steel screws to secure into house frame)
MDF 6mm 2400mmx1200mm boards
MDF Primed VJ lining panel
Trim and trim nails
Wood filler
3 in 1 Primer sealer undercoat
Paint (I used British Paints, All Black in Aqua Enamel)
Fireplace insert (electric plug and play version)
hinges
Scrap wood to build toe kick
Painters tape, Sugar soap
*you could use a nicer type of timber here but given this unit will be painted and not exposed to water, I chose to use MDF.
Tools
Circular saw
Hammer
Drill (Standard Drill bit, Shovel, hole saw)
clamps
Wood Filler spackle tool
Sandpaper and sander
paint brush and roller
rags
Steps
Step 1
Measure the space available for the built in unit. Consult Fireplace insert manual for minimum clearances and measure bookcases. Using these details, make up a draft plan of the project to suit your space and needs. Box out a simple fireplace surround by cutting MDF pieces to size using circular saw (or bunning in store cutting service), and glueing then screwing edges together into a rectangle. Secure your fireplace inside and double check safety clearance according to fireplace manual. Screw a backing piece along the top inside edge of the box to provide a surface to secure the unit to the wall.
Create 2 additional boxes the same way to fit either side of fireplace (add shelves if desired). Consider how your fireplace will reach a power point and use a hole saw attachment to drill access through units if needed.
Build a short rectangle using scrap wood to place flat on the ground as toe kick area, then secure boxes on top. Secure boxes to the wall by screwing through the backing piece using screws that will suit your house framing.
Cut bookcases to fit remaining space, line with VJ boards if desired, lift into position and secure to the wall. Cover your toe kick area and joins between the new unit/old bookcases with a nicer piece of MDF cut to size.
Step 2
Measure and Cut doors to cover the opening in the bottom units (or which parts of your design you would like enclosed). Add trim pieces to suit your decorative needs if desired (here I secured 4 pieces into the shape of a basic rectangle frame using trim nails to give a slight Hamptons vibe to the unit). Test your doors fit nicely with small gaps on all sides (but secure them with hinges after painting). Cut trim pieces to cover space between units and walls. Wood fill all the nail holes visible and damaged areas of old bookcases. Caulk around edges if needed to cover any gaps.
Step 3
After wood filler has dried, sand back to smooth. Sand old painted areas to ensure paint will stick well. Vacuum unit clean, then dust using a cloth. Finally wipe out old bookcases with diluted sugar soap to clean off any remaining grime so paint will adhere well. Mask off unit with masking tape to protect floors/walls/fireplace and then paint entire unit (old and new), with 3 in 1 primer, sealer, undercoat. Finally Apply 2 coats of your chosen paint (I used ALL BLACK in aqua enamel) using a brush to cut in and a roller for bigger areas.
Step 4
Once paint has dried, mount the doors to unit using hinges and run the fireplace's power cord to the power point. At this stage I decided to add additional shelving above the fireplace by screwing rectangles of MDF into the bookcases either side. I then enclosed this area with doors made from several rectangular pieces of 6mm MDF (on which I repeated the decorative Hamptons styled trim), to provide additional hidden storage
Step 5
Flick on the power, and enjoy your new cozy winter wonderland!
