Projects for Built-in Shelving Dormers

Collection Display

• Take a weekend to set up your most beloved collection on your dormer shelves. These types of built-ins work well as displays for succulent plants, colored glass or any other collection you want to display. If you don't have a collection, display several accent pieces that have some sort of element in common, be it color, material or theme. Colorful plates work well, or you can collect clear glass from around the home and place a fresh or dried flower in each one.

Adding Color and Patterns

• Turn your shelving dormers into an architectural accent piece with color and texture. Paint the back walls one or more bold colors, paint only the shelves, or the entire unit. Wallpaper in an antique or contemporary pattern also adds depth and texture to the room. For depth, use textured wallpaper, and paint it a bright or deep color. The paint captures the light and highlights the textured design just slightly.

Custom Shelving

• Give your shelving dormers an update with customized storage and shelves. Remove the standard shelves you're not using and add cubbies, cubes and even drawers for architectural interest and more versatile storage. For a do-it-yourself wine rack, stack cardboard storage rolls -- they usually come with posters or other paper goods. Glue the rolls together for stability. Adding glass doors or windows adds even more variety and a quaint touch.

Decorating with Books

• Rearrange your dormer bookcase to turn your books into decorative pieces. Stacking books in different ways, such as flat and standing, gives the eyes more to look at. Alternate these methods, and place knick-knacks or decorative accents in between the books to break things up. Stack books by height, putting the tallest ones on the ends of each shelves, or color code the books for a burst of color. For a vintage library look, install vintage-style glass doors on the shelves. Brighten the look with jeweled knobs.