From scratch

Alcove bookshelves.

Scribed into a chimney-breast alcove: cupboard below, adjustable shelves above.

Width
1,100 mm
Height
2,400 mm
Depth
300 mm

Starting size in 18 mm birch plywood. Every measurement can change.

Start from this template

Make it yours

Change the numbers to match your room.

Change the measurements to match your room.

About this template

Alcoves are rarely square, which is why shop-bought bookcases never quite fit them. This plan treats the alcove as the starting point: the carcass is sized a little under the narrowest width, and scribing strips close the gap to each wall.

The cupboard below hides the things that don’t look good on a shelf and gives the unit a solid base. Above it, shelves sit on pins so you can re-space them when your books change.

What you can change

  • Alcove width, height and depth, including walls that are out of square
  • Cupboard height and number of doors
  • Number of shelves, fixed or adjustable
  • Material and finish, panel by panel

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What would you build if it only had to fit your room?

Show Caminu your room and describe the piece. You get the 3D model, the cut list and the assembly guide.

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