Create the illusion of openness in an existing bookshelf by replacing the wood shelves with glass, painting the back panel to match the walls and installing a battery-powered light. - Remove the wood shelves (figure A).
- Measure the shelves, and have glass shelves cut to size at a glass or craft shop. Regular 1/4" glass is strong enough for lightweight items, but you'll need 3/8" tempered glass to support books.
- Before installing the glass shelves, measure the inside back panel of the bookcase, and have a piece of luan (a thin plywood) cut to size. Paint it the color of the wall behind the bookcase. This will create the illusion that the bookcase is open in back.
- Fit the painted luan into the back of the bookcase (figure B).
- Replace the shelf clips, and put the glass shelves in the bookcase (figure C).
- Illuminate the bookcase with a small battery-powered stick-on light (figure D). Install the light inside the bookcase at the very top. If possible, hide the light behind the front lip of the bookcase.
In small spaces, glass creates a feeling of openness and reflects light -- and it's easy to maintain.
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