Custom Bookshelves

Discover Our Handcrafted Custom Bookshelves

Our custom bookshelves are 100% handcrafted in the USA from locally sourced black walnut and white oak, ensuring that every piece is high quality and has the unique grain and texture that only natural hardwood can provide. With over 10,000 pieces sold nationwide, we pride ourselves on offering custom high-quality, American-made bookshelves that stand the test of time.

Why Choose Artisan Born Custom Bookshelves?

Here’s why Artisan Born Custom bookshelves stand out:

• Locally Sourced Wood: We use only the finest black walnut and white oak from Southern Missouri, known for its durability and rich texture.
• Handcrafted Quality: Each bookshelf is carefully crafted by skilled artisans, ensuring attention to detail and superior quality.
• Customizable Designs: Whether you need a tall, narrow bookshelf for a cozy nook or a wide, low bookshelf to display your collectibles, we can create a design that perfectly fits your space and needs.
• Eco-Friendly Process: We use locally sourced wood and plant a tree for every log we mill. We kiln-dry our wood in-house, a process that not only enhances the wood's durability but also minimizes environmental impact.
• Nationwide Shipping: We ship our custom bookshelves across the United States, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a piece of Artisan Born furniture.

Types of Custom Bookshelves

At Artisan Born, we understand that every home is unique, and so are the storage needs of our customers. That's why we offer a variety of custom bookshelf designs, each tailored to fit different spaces and styles.

Tall Bookshelves

Ideal for rooms with high ceilings or for creating a dramatic focal point, our tall bookshelves provide ample storage without taking up too much floor space. These towering structures are perfect for storing large volumes of books or displaying taller items like vases and sculptures.

• Height: Ranges from 6 to 8 feet.
• Best For: Living rooms, libraries, and offices.
• Customization Options: Height, width, depth, wood species and choice of wood finish are all customizable options for our bookshelves.

Low Bookshelves

For a more subtle storage solution, our low bookshelves offer a sleek and modern look. These are perfect for spaces where height is restricted or where you want to keep your storage at eye level. Great for entertainment centers.

• Height: Typically 2 to 3 feet.
• Best For: Under windows, behind sofas, or along entryways.
• Customization Options: Height, width, depth, wood species and choice of wood finish are all customizable options for our bookshelves.

Wide Bookshelves

Our wide bookshelves are designed to provide expansive storage while making a bold statement in any room. These are ideal for large collections of books, art pieces, or even media equipment.

• Width: Ranges from 4 to 8 feet.
• Best For: Living rooms, media rooms, and large offices.
• Customization Options: Height, width, depth, wood species and choice of wood finish are all customizable options for our bookshelves.

Narrow Bookshelves

Perfect for small spaces or as an accent piece, our narrow bookshelves are designed to fit into tight spaces without compromising on style or storage capacity.

• Width: Typically 1 to 2 feet.
• Best For: Hallways, small bedrooms, or beside a desk.
• Customization Options: Height, width, depth, wood species and choice of wood finish are all customizable options for our bookshelves.

The Artisan Born Difference: Craftsmanship and Customization

At Artisan Born, we believe that true craftsmanship lies in the details. Our process begins with selecting the finest wood, followed by a meticulous crafting process that transforms raw materials into beautiful, functional pieces of art. Each bookshelf is built to order, ensuring that it meets your exact specifications and complements your home’s decor.

Customization Options

Our bookshelves are fully customizable to meet your specific needs. Here are some of the options you can choose from:

• Wood Type: Choose between our signature black walnut or white oak, or opt for a combination of both for a unique look.
• Finish: From natural wood tones to custom stains, we offer a wide range of finishes to match your interior design.
• Hardware: Select from a variety of hardware options, including flat black, hammered steel, satin bronze, and satin silver.

Sustainability and Quality: A Commitment to Excellence

Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond just sourcing local wood. We ensure that every step of our production process is as eco-friendly as possible. By sourcing our logs locally, milling and kiln-drying our wood in-house, we not only reduce waste but also enhance the longevity and quality of the final product. Moreover, our custom bookshelves are built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements and thereby minimizing environmental impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How deep do bookshelves need to be?

The depth of bookshelves typically ranges from 10 to 12 inches, which is sufficient for most books and decorative items. However, if you plan to store larger items or want to use the shelves for multimedia storage, you might consider a depth of up to 15 inches. It’s important to balance depth with room space and ensure that the shelves don’t protrude too far into the living area, making the room feel cramped.

2. What is the best wood for bookshelves?

The best wood for bookshelves depends on your budget and the desired aesthetic. Hardwood options like oak, maple, and walnut are durable, attractive, and capable of supporting heavy loads without sagging. Oak, in particular, is a popular choice for its strength and traditional look, while walnut offers a rich, dark finish that adds a touch of luxury. Pine is a more affordable option but is softer and may dent more easily.

3. What is the best wood for shelves that won’t sag?

Hardwoods like oak and walnut are excellent choices for shelves that need to resist sagging under heavy loads. These woods have high tensile strength and density, making them less prone to warping over time. For even greater support, consider using thicker boards (at least 3/4 inch) and shorter shelf spans to distribute the weight more evenly.

4. Is oak too heavy for shelves?

While oak is a heavy wood, it is also very strong, making it a good choice for shelving, especially if you plan to store heavy items like books or electronics. The weight of oak can actually be beneficial, as it provides stability and reduces the risk of the shelves bowing or sagging over time. Properly installed, oak shelves can support substantial weight without issue.

5. How thick should bookshelves be?

Bookshelves should generally be at least 3/4 inch thick to provide sufficient strength and prevent sagging under the weight of books or other objects. For longer spans or if you’re using a softer wood like pine, you might consider using boards over an inch thick. We use .

6. How tall should each shelf in a bookcase be?

The height between each shelf in a bookcase typically ranges from 10 to 12 inches, which accommodates most books. If you have larger items or plan to display taller decorative pieces, you might increase the shelf height to 15 inches or more. Adjustable shelving is a versatile option that allows you to customize the space between shelves to fit your specific needs.

7. How much do custom bookshelves cost?

The cost of custom bookshelves can vary widely based on factors such as size, materials, and design complexity. On average, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $4,000 per unit. High-end bookshelves with premium materials, intricate designs, and other features could cost $5,000 or more. 

8. Do bookshelves increase home value?

Yes, bookshelves can increase the value of a home by adding functional, aesthetic appeal, and offering additional storage space. They are often seen as a desirable feature by homebuyers, particularly when they are well-designed and constructed from high-quality materials. Bookshelves can give a room a custom, high-end look that sets your home apart from others on the market, potentially leading to a higher resale value.

At Artisan Born, when it comes to custom bookshelves, we offer something for every space and taste. Start designing your custom bookshelf today and join the thousands of satisfied customers who have made Artisan Born their go-to for handcrafted furniture.