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£300ish budget to spend on turning a (big) cupboard into a library HELP

47 replies

AngelsLieToKeepControl · 17/11/2013 21:56

I have a massive cupboard, its about 6ft x 4ft and is currently full of crap, which will be going into the attic.

My lovely brother has just given me some money for Christmas to get the kids something but they have loads of toys (and pigeons, for anyone who remembers my pigeon dilemma) already so I have come up with this probably stupid idea of converting the cupboard into a mini library, I have a cheap offcut of carpet and I'm going to paint the walls in a woodland theme (unless anyone has a better idea/theme).

There will be a double plug socket in there and there is already a light in there.

Can you please help me find some bits to make the place look fantastic for my daughters (9, 5 and 3) I need something to put the books in/on and maybe something comfy for them to sit on, although they will probably only be in there one at a time, if I can afford it I would also like to get them some new books too, any other great ideas?

Thank you.

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Hessy · 18/11/2013 07:42

Not exactly the same but I built a study into my understairs cupboard space and everyone comments how effective it is - like adding a whole new room. Good luck Smile

Iris445 · 18/11/2013 07:51

We have a library room,( can't stand playrooms as they are messy so opted for a library room) it has expedit bookcases, they are great value and super sturdy.

Charity shops are great for books as are book people.

Love the quote by dr suess that's a lovely idea.

Soldierskittle · 18/11/2013 07:56

We've used. Both RIBA ledges and bekvam spice racks painted bright colours for books

They're great and super cheap. I think we've got about 10 spice racks between the kids bedrooms

KoalaFace · 18/11/2013 08:03

Gorgeous idea!

I've been saving pictures like this and this on Pinterest in the hopes we find the space to do this one day!

Retropear · 18/11/2013 09:27

Apartment Therapy has loads of posts re this,some are fab.Think it's under book nook,will just look.

Retropear · 18/11/2013 09:30

Fab one on AP under Kids Closets Used as Reading Nooks.

Loads of other good posts re the same issue on that site.

IHopeYouStepOnALegoPiece · 18/11/2013 10:36

Try the book people for books...theres discount codes floating around to!

Amazing idea!

TessCackle · 18/11/2013 10:51

Use ikea spice racks for the book shelves. That way they have more floor space and the books can all fve outwards for the younger 2

AngelsLieToKeepControl · 18/11/2013 14:01

Thanks again, some more amazing ideas.

The cupboard is now empty, sadly my leg is in plaster so I couldn't stick it all up in the attic, but dh really appreciated me dishing out instructions Grin

The cupboard looks massive now.

So far I have ordered - a faux fur rug, 3 throws, 10 cushions all different shapes and sizes, a padded storage bench that they can sit on and keep books in, some of the ikea spice shelves, some plastic stackable boxes, I found a drape thing in the cupboard that dd had over her bed a few years back so I'm going to hang that from the ceiling and I bought some fairy lights and some of the wall mounted battery operated lights too, 3 bean bags, (faux) leather, fur and suede and I found a great deal on a book bundle from ebay which completely blew my budget I found my little stereo so I'm going to stick a shelf up in the corner of the cupboard and put it on there.

I have decided to do a mural, but not a woodland one, I thought it would look too busy so I am going to do a Dr Seuss theme, on one side I'll incorporate a character holding up a chalkboard, and the other a magnetic board and then either paint a couple of phrases in the sky area of the mural or do it on canvas and hang them, I'll see how it looks first.

I just hope it doesn't look too cramped, I want it to be a lovely comfy space for them, although dh is still making noises that he thinks it won't work, I have to prove him wrong.

I'm going to have a look in more depth at those links (thank you) to see if I can steal any more ideas from them, there are some really great book nooks out there. I had no idea it was even a thing.

Hopefully it will be done in the next two or three weeks, as soon as it is I'll put some before and after photos up on my profile so you can see it.

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TessCackle · 18/11/2013 18:12

I can't even begin to explain how jealous of your DD's I am!

I would be amazed and forever grateful for this at their ages. I hope they love it. Please upload photos when it's finished Smile

PotteringAlong · 18/11/2013 18:16

I am green with envy!

WaitMonkey · 18/11/2013 19:47

I am so jealous. It's a brilliant idea. Please come back to the thread and tell us what you do.

WaitMonkey · 18/11/2013 19:52

You paint murals. Shock This is going go be amazing. I am even more Envy .

cockedup · 18/11/2013 20:02

Please please put up a pic when you're done - am very jealous - want a reading nook for my lot plus one for me!!

AngelsLieToKeepControl · 19/11/2013 13:06

I have started painting it today, I can only do it while the girls are at school so it's going to take ages. I took a few 'before' photos and I promise I'll upload those and the after photos as soon as I am done.

Then I just have to keep it quiet until Christmas day and put a big bow on the door Grin

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frenchfancy · 19/11/2013 15:39

I want a reading nook for Christmas Envy . Not for the kids, for me!

AngelsLieToKeepControl · 20/12/2013 19:06

I put a picture up on this thread for you to see Grin thanks again for the great ideas.

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milk · 20/12/2013 19:17

I love it!!! Looks very comfortable :)

MissPricklePants · 20/12/2013 19:22

totally inspired!! going to do this in my bedroom cupboard for dd and me!

AngelsLieToKeepControl · 20/12/2013 19:23

Thanks milk it is so comfortable in there, all fluffy and soft and cosy, I doubt I'll see my daughters again Grin

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AngelsLieToKeepControl · 20/12/2013 19:26

Excellent MissP Grin I would second the advice I was given about looking on pintrest and some American sites there are millions of ideas (although I got all mine from here).

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