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Looking for suggestions for what to do with deep built-in shelves over a fireplace mantle. Pic is attached. The shelves are 2'4" deep. It must have originally been built for old larger TV and stereo system. There is a cable and electrical outlet in there. We've lived here a year now and I still don't know what to do with it. I'd really like to put doors over them and use it to store games, blankets, and odds and ends. It would have to be custom made because of the large size. I had a cabinet guy come out, and he gave me a quote for $600. Too much for me. Because it is so deep, books and decor look strange to me, but maybe something is better than nothing. Or maybe I need to get another door quote. This is located in a keeping area off my kitchen. Would love suggestions. Thanks!
Can you remove them? Or cut off part and drywall over it? Or hang a painting in front of it?
I'd do one of those personally. But you could also do some pretty vases and books and clocks and just position them towards the front of the shelves. or two rows of book. A nice globe could look nice too and would take up a lot of space.
I would drywall over it, personally. Ans that would cost more than $600.
OP, $600 is not a bad price to make the space functional for you. A separate piece of furniture to do what you want that space to do would more than likely cost more.
Thanks for the suggestions. Drywalling the area is something I hadn't thought of before. The shelves are not moveable. Attached is a pic of the type of doors I was hoping to do. My space is much higher than this pic though. I thought $600 was steep for one set of bi-fold doors. But maybe another quote would be worthwhile. Or can I take my measurements to home depot and order custom doors like this? Anyone know?
I really wouldn't consider that "usable" storage space due to its locale.
First thought, is just rip it out, drywall over the hole- done! Hang pic/mirror and you've transformed a wart into something appreciated.
But, if you really think you would use the space I can see spending some money for a face frame and hinged doors. Like some raised panel MDF doors- these can be made to size.
I'd hate it for storage. It would always look sloppy. I don't like the door idea, because over the fireplace is a great place to make a focal point for art.
I think I'd have it drywalled over, honestly. You might be able to find someone to do this for less than $600, but I think I'd pay to have it done whatever the price. Then I'd hang a great piece of art.
If you really don't want to do that route, then you have to regard the spaces above your fireplace mantel as an opportunity. Put a picture in the TV space. Place it on an easel, and pull it to the front. Then add things to the shelves that add interest and that are beautiful to your eyes. If you have old family pieces, that would be a place to display them. Don't clutter up each shelf. I think you'd want to put fewer things in each space to showcase them.
You could also paint the interior of the spaces in a deeper color.
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