[Tkubik]

I am trying to flank my fireplace with two half height book shelves that can accomodate my av equipment and other things. I haven't been able to find any book shelf system ikea that is 18" or deeper that can hold standard av equipment. I'd also like to have doors on the bottom row of cabinets. So I got thinking that perhaps I can use the kitchen system, rip the backs down to 20", use the doors and put a cover panel on the top as the top finish. Anybody do something similar? Please send me pics if you have - thanks!

[stacylu]

We're planning a project to use wall cabinets to flank our fireplace in the spring... I want something shallow and the 12" will be perfect. No pics yet, just the plans at home... Have you worked up a plan in the planner for yourself? It's a good way to visualize the results.

[Joann23456]

I'm sure that someone's done that with Ikea cabinets, but you might also want to look on other cabinet sites for inspiration, as it's a common thing to use kitchen cabinets in place of to-purpose case goods in other rooms. For example, check out the following:

Kraftmaid - entertainment and media centers
Mill's Pride - rec room use
Schrock - other rooms
Omega - other rooms

I'm curious, because I've thought of ripping down the cabinets to reduce the depth, but wouldn't you need to move some of the cam locks so they'd fasten at the new back of the cabinet? How would you do that? What sort of tools would you need?

.. Joann

[stacylu]

Also, there are several people who have ripped down the back of cabinets to work as bathroom vanities. Here is a sample of a thread with pictures if it helps
Base Akurum cabinet modification

[kisaacs]

One thing to consider - if you're going to leave some as bookshelves and some with doors, you'll need to go with a white or birch door, as the ones that are open as bookshelved will be either white or birch effect. That is, unless you cover every inch with cover panels, and that could get expensive fast.

Kristen

[NBeth]

Kisaacs is right, gotta think about interior color. But dramatic contrast is also an option. White can be a deliberate statement in contrast to brown black, red, etc.. Just plan for it, no matter which way you go!

[panaluu]

We used adel cupboards and pot drawers for our built in office.

I'm really happy with it. We have three work stations and lots of file storage space.

[stacylu]

panaluu - do you have any pictures of your space? I'd love to see them if you do!

[panaluu]

I do have pics I just have to figure out how to post them

[stacylu]

There's a link in my siggy to help (hint hint!) Seriously though, most people on this site love seeing the creative uses for the cabinets.