Hallway Library

How are hallway libraries not a thing? 

We have a shed ceiling on the second floor of our home and one shockingly long (16 ft.) hallway. Since a large part of the ceiling is so short, hanging artwork was challenging and there was a lot of wasted space. Enter the hallway library idea!

We thought about doing custom cabinetry but opted for the less expensive/labor intensive version -- IKEA Hemnes glass front cabinets. Unfortunately, IKEA no longer carries this particular option, but I have linked several similar options below.

We painted the walls (Simply White by Benjamin Moore), added artwork and swapped out the early 80's light fixture for something a little bit more fresh. We also attached a picture light over the fine art poster (Fritz Scholder, Fred Harvey Indian) to help highlight that area. Matthew didn't want to cut into the drywall, we used a battery operated picture light (linked here)! Incredibly easy to install and it works so well.

Before:

Our initial plan was to trim out the cabinets for a perfect fit but we lucked out with the standard sizing and they are flush against both sides of the wall. 

If you can't find the Hemnes glass-front cabinet, here are some similar IKEA options:

Havsta Cabinet

Idasen Cabinet

Syvde Cabinet

Fabrikoer Cabinet

Non-IKEA options:

Cortona Library Bookcase

Highland Dunes Cabinet

Finally, if you have a full wall in your hallway, I am jealous and here are a couple of floor to ceiling options:

Billy Bookcase

Brimnes Cabinet

Let me know if you end up with a hallway library! It will absolutely make you feel like Belle from Beauty & the Beast and worth the effort. 

- SV