top of page

Back to all articles

A Feature Display Wall with Custom Bookshelves

  • Tektōn
  • Jun 10
  • 2 min read

Updated: 8 hours ago


Custom Bookshelves

These custom bookshelves and media display wall was designed for a young couple in their first home.


The Brief

They wanted a feature that felt bold and contemporary, with space to show off items from their travels and framed photos of family and friends. But it also had to be practical with hidden storage to tuck away the less glamorous bits of everyday life.


The Design

The couple asked for a "truly random" arrangement of open shelves across the top half - a sculptural mix of box sizes, tailored precisely to fit their collection of books, objects, and mementos. Below, a run of minimalist cupboards provides closed storage, keeping the whole wall feeling clean and contemporary.


The look is modern and understated, with flat panel doors, minimal detailing, and a soft, neutral paint finish that allows the shape and lighting to take centre stage.


Custom Bookshelves

Materials & Finishes for Custom Bookshelves

The cabinetry is built in moisture-resistant Finsa Hidrofugo MDF, chosen for its strength and stability, with veneered oak internals for a warm, subtle contrast. The exterior is professionally spray-finished in Farrow & Ball’s Cornforth White, a timeless, mid-tone grey that sits beautifully with the oak and soft LED lighting.


To keep the lines clean and long-lasting, we used Blum soft-close inset hinges and engineered the whole piece in-house with attention to every joint and junction.


Lighting & Details

Lighting played a key role in giving this piece its drama. The clients chose warm white dimmable LED ribbon lighting from Häfele, set discreetly above each shelf to wash soft light over the objects on display.


Because the shelves and verticals are all equal thickness by design, we had to run cabling though various uprights with very long drilling to enable us to run the cabling for the lighting. With two transformers and full integration into the couple’s smart home system, we also built in a central service unit that allows for both manual switching and app-based control.


It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes detail you’d never notice but it makes all the difference.


Project Highlights

  • Bespoke “random” open shelving layout, tailored to the clients’ own items

  • Clean-lined cupboards below for hidden storage

  • Moisture-resistant Finsa MDF construction with veneered oak internals

  • Spray-finished in Farrow & Ball Cornforth White

  • Integrated dimmable Häfele LED ribbon lighting, smart home connected

  • Precision-installed with Blum inset hardware and fully concealed fixings


Suppliers & Materials


Looking for custom bookshelves of your own?


Whether you're after something sculptural and striking, or clean and practical, Douglas works closely with clients to design built-in furniture that fits your home and your life beautifully. Get in touch to start your project.

bottom of page