What Are Built ins?
Built-ins are custom cabinetry or shelving units that are permanently installed into the architecture of a room. Unlike freestanding furniture, built-ins blend seamlessly with walls or nooks, making them feel like a natural extension of the home’s structure. They’re designed to serve both function and form—offering tailored storage, enhancing flow, and adding long-term value to your space.
Whether open or closed, minimal or ornate, they offer a polished, intentional look that’s hard to replicate with store-bought furniture.
Why They Matter in Interior Design
Built-ins do more than store stuff, they shape how a room feels. Designers use them to create structure, symmetry, and a sense of permanence. From framing a fireplace to anchoring a TV wall, built-ins help organize space while elevating it visually.
They’re also a smart use of square footage. In tight layouts or small homes, built-ins maximize every inch. In larger homes, they bring definition and purpose to open-plan areas. Best of all, they can be customized to your lifestyle and aesthetic—whether that means ultra-modern shelving or traditional shaker cabinetry.
Where to Put Built ins
They’re versatile and work in nearly any room:
Living Room: Frame a TV, add display shelves, or create a media wall.
Fireplace: Flank the fireplace with symmetrical shelves or cabinets.
Home Office: Build custom desks, bookcases, and file storage that boost productivity.
Bedroom: Create storage around the bed, under windows, or even as a closet alternative.
Entryway or Mudroom: Use cubbies, hooks, and bench seating to keep things organized.
Dining Room: Add built-in sideboards or bar cabinets for entertaining and storage.
How to Use Them in Your Home
Start by identifying where clutter tends to collect. Then, work with the architecture of your home to create solutions that feel integrated, not added on. Choose materials and finishes that match or complement your existing decor. Want to add charm? Incorporate details like inset doors, lighting, or panel moulding.
Paige Harris
Paige Harris is the voice behind Harris at Home, an interior design blog for Canadian audiences where she shares organic modern inspiration, step‑by‑step design guides, and curated decor shopping tips for fellow home enthusiasts.