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Old 09-26-2016, 11:57 AM
 
142 posts, read 166,911 times
Reputation: 194

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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!
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Old 09-26-2016, 12:08 PM
 
2,819 posts, read 2,565,631 times
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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.
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Old 09-26-2016, 12:15 PM
 
Location: southwestern PA
22,292 posts, read 47,230,980 times
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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.
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Old 09-26-2016, 01:12 PM
 
142 posts, read 166,911 times
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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?
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Old 09-26-2016, 01:34 PM
 
Location: Berkeley Neighborhood, Denver, CO USA
17,676 posts, read 29,589,839 times
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Nuke it.

Or, given that this sub-forum is Home Interior Design and Decorating, you could get an old CRT TV and put it in there.
Zero$
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Old 09-26-2016, 01:48 PM
 
2,819 posts, read 2,565,631 times
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If you have basic tools you could probably even make the doors yourself.
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Old 09-26-2016, 02:17 PM
 
Location: Johns Creek, GA
17,421 posts, read 65,612,338 times
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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.
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Old 09-26-2016, 03:03 PM
 
Location: San Antonio, TX
11,495 posts, read 26,745,148 times
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Personally I'd hang a large mirror over it and enjoy having some secret storage. My kids would think it was fun.
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Old 09-26-2016, 03:09 PM
 
42,732 posts, read 29,741,271 times
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Or I'd store stuff I didn't use very often in large baskets, decorative boxes in the back, and in front I'd display pictures or stack books.
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Old 09-26-2016, 04:13 PM
 
Location: Southwest Washington State
30,585 posts, read 24,955,649 times
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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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