White bookcase by the window with oak shelves, by Joas

Make a bookcase around the window yourself

A window in the middle of the wall doesn't have to get in the way of your plans for a large bookcase. In this DIY project by Joas, the window actually forms the focal point. Using custom-cut wood from OPMAATZAGEN.nl, he created a virtually ceiling-high bookcase around the window. The combination of 30 mm MDF, a white finish in RAL 9010, and oak shelves gives you plenty of storage space and a warm look.

A smart layout around the window

The photos show how the cabinet, made from individual panels, evolves into a complete wall unit in the living space. Tall book shelves stand to the left and right of the window. Above the window, a wide, shallow compartment connects both sides. Photos and cards find a nice spot there. The opening around the window remains unobstructed, preserving the daylight and allowing you to continue using the windowsill.

Books on display, stuff behind the doors

In the upper sections of the cabinet, you can see three oak shelves on both sides, with space for books and personal accessories. Below the window, the cabinet extends across the full width. In the finished result, four flat white doors close off the wide lower compartments. In the middle, two narrow compartments remain open: in the photo, there is a black speaker at the top and a tall, brass-colored vase at the bottom. This way, you combine a calm, closed base with a personal touch at the top.

30 mm MDF in RAL 9010 with oak shelves

The generous white borders give the bookcase a distinct frame. The specified 30 mm MDF complements the sturdy, clean lines well. The RAL 9010 finish provides a soft white base, while the oak shelves add a natural contrast. The bottom shelves are white, creating a unified storage space behind the doors.

The cabinet is situated between a black stove on the left and a dining area on the right. With the wood-colored floor, warm seating, and accessories on the windowsill, the combination of white and oak is beautifully showcased here. You utilize the wall surrounding the window without the window itself fading into the background.

From individual parts to a homemade wall cabinet

In the first photos, white panels, mounting hardware, and tools are laid out on the floor. Next, you see the base cabinet taking shape, followed by the tall side compartments and the frame above the window. During assembly, clamps hold parts in place. Rows of holes for shelf supports are visible in various side panels: handy if you want to adjust the height of your shelves to suit your books or items.

Cut to size by OPMAATZAGEN.nl

Joas made the project entirely himself, using wood cut to size by OPMAATZAGEN.nl. This saves you the hassle of sawing large sheets yourself and provides matching parts as a basis for assembly. This is particularly convenient for a bookcase around a window: the width of the side compartments, the height of the base cabinet, and the space above the frame must all match.

DIY gives you freedom regarding dimensions, material selection, and finishing. You decide how much space to leave open, where you want doors, and which planks will have a wood color. You also keep a grip on your budget by doing the assembly and finishing yourself. Of course, the final cost depends on the dimensions, materials, and chosen hardware.

Useful points to consider for your own window cabinet

Measure the wall at multiple heights and check that the floor, walls, and ceiling are level. Take protruding parts of the frame and the window operation into account in your design. Securely fasten a tall cabinet to the wall using mounting hardware suitable for the surface. Is your cabinet next to a stove, as shown here? Then observe the safety distances specified in your stove's installation instructions.

Warm timeless style

The finished cabinet demonstrates how well a calm base and natural materials complement each other. The flush doors without visible handles keep the bottom clean, while the books, photos, and oak shelves at the top add warmth. This is how you transform a wall with a window into a personal piece of furniture that is both practical and atmospheric.

The materials used

Oak shelves

With oak shelves, you add a visible wood grain and a warm color to your white bookcase. The natural grain makes every shelf slightly different. You can match the look to your interior with a suitable oil or lacquer; try the finish on a scrap piece first to assess the color effect.

MDF Primed

MDF Primed is MDF that has already been primed. The smooth, even surface is a great base for a sleekly painted piece of furniture in RAL 9010. You save on preparatory work on the pre-treated surfaces, but be sure to check saw edges, drill holes, and joints before applying the topcoat. Touch up untreated areas with a suitable primer and follow the drying and recoating times of your paint system. This way, you give your self-made bookcase a polished finish.