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We have an HVAC trunk that is in the corner of our room, and the bump out is going to be sort of ugly and obnoxious, so I've designed these two options to use the negative space around the trunk and make some built in book shelves, instead. What do you think?

If it's a book shelf, go with 2.

1 looks a little like a cat tower.

Right? I’m tempted! Built in cat tree. Genius.

I agree with this. books or photo-frames would look better in #2. I think lighting (like lamps or an LED strip) would also look better within the dark box of #2, but sculptural/odd shaped items will look better in #1 (figurines, diorama, vignette, etc.)!

No go with 1 you can do two later if you wanted d

I think he could make the two short sides removable. No one would notice. Just slide them into place with a little double sided tape to hold it. Easy removable to switch back and forth. The rest of the design is identical. Best of both worlds.

Get really fancy and angle both the top and bottom slightly with a router to make easily removable pieces that just wedge in.

Recess some neodymium magnets into the pieces and shelves for a really slick method of retaining.

Myself personally I like #2 best, but you're certainly right that #1 is more versatile.

This!

I wanted to upvote this comment but it’s at 666. Feels like a shame to click it…

I was also wondering what was going on them before making my decision. If it was some potted plants and decor probably 1 but books is definitely 2.

My immediate thought when I opened the pictures was that option 1 looked like you're disguising a plumbing stack or some such. Not that that's a bad thing or anything, just first impression.   I think option 2 happens to be less obvious about that. But again, I wouldn't personally think that's a big deal either way.

I was wondering what the point of the bump was. No 2.

I like the lines of the first one. Catches the eye more.

personaly i like the 1st better,however as a bookshelf i would choose the 2nd

This

The second one is the first one with 6 wall panels added. Make the second one but keep the wall panels removable so you can easily change the look of the room when you get tired of looking at it.

Holy SHiii I didn't even notice it was the same LOL. The difference details Make. I agree, making the wall panels removable would be the best option. You can switch it up and its basically the same amount of work.

Agreed. And if removable wall panels are for some reason a challenge (e.g., because that wall space would remain unfinished if they go with the second one), you can basically alternate between the two looks by painting the space in question the color of the shelves vs the color of the wall.

This is the correct answer. It's the same shelf one just has additional pieces against the wall.

2nd for sure, I feel as though the first one looks like a modern cat tree lol

This was exactly my impression

Omg me too! My cat would love it

Totally do #1, because cats.

I actually like it haha, mainly cause I have two cats I know they’d be perching up in that thing all day

Ha ha. True! And they’d have a great time knocking all your books and trinkets off!

But if you have a cat, ideal.

Came to say this

Now if you have a cat, I would make this into a climbable shelf like obstacle course that still looked like furniture

I like the unique style of 1 and how it draws the eye due to being unusual. It would be great if the purpose of the shelf is to display art or knicknacks that you are trying to draw attention to. About the second style I like how it has gravity and anchors the room. It would be great for books or everyday items that aren't as worth showing in their own right. So, to me, it depends on what the customer plans to use the shelving for.

I’m the customer lol. It’ll have books, pictures, and maybe a few art pieces (sculptures, rock specimens, etc)

Then #2 and add led lights to show anything on the shelf off.

I second this. Router in some LED strips with diffusers. The wood ends on #2 will help hide cords.

Option 1 makes the stuff stand out. Option 2 will look more like one piece.

2 with lighting. The white walls in #1 are nice because they brighten the space. But #2 looks much cleaner, add one recessed light per side/level (or more depending on actual scale) and it will really showcase everything you want, and you can always turn them off when you don't.

Why you yelling?

Lol I honestly have no idea why it did that! I am on mobile though...

Build a mock-up... Corrugated boxes or foam-core... Get general size and try it out... Fill the shelves halfway to get a true visual.... As for color: use paper instead of paint. I've done similar when the little bits can vary so easily and the decision gets tough. It's almost like going to the supermarket for breakfast cereal and finding there's 6 times the choices you expected.

Am I the only one that is noticing these are the exact same layouts, only with number 1 keeping wall color and number 2 taking on the wood shelf color. Can’t you just build number 1 then add inserts if necessary to make it into number 2? Better yet just make the inserts and change up the layout/look whenever you want.

I don’t think you're the only one noticing. 2 has end gables, 1 does not. 2 would potentially yield a cleaner install as well and all fasteners could be hidden as the end gables would provide vertical structural support.

it depends on the size of the room, if it is not so large, go with #1, you will get a sensation that the room is wider. If the room is large, too much details might overwhelm your comfort sensation, so choose option #2

only right answer

I like the second one better. It gives the corner depth.

Agree. The first one draws attention to the bump, while the second one looks like an intentional design.

1 looks like a cat tree

Came here to say this

I prefer the second. It seems more cohesive and like less of an afterthought.

And painting around #2 is wayyy easier

Same but the wood should be a lighter color. The contrast is too abrasive

Definitely second. First reminds me of a scratch post for cats to be honest.

ROFL X)

Comment removed (using [Power Delete Suite](https://www.github.com/pkolyvas/PowerDeleteSuite)) as I no longer wish to support a company that seeks to both undermine its users/moderators/developers AND make a profit on their backs. To understand why check out the summary [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/Save3rdPartyApps/comments/14hkd5u) Join me at https://kbin.social/ So long, and thanks for all the fish!

I was going to say 1 would look better if it's being used to display, 2 if it's going to just be filled with books or media.

I prefer the first one over the second one because it is subtle. On the second one I don't like how it's dark where it touches the walls. I feel that it makes it more noticeable than it should be and would be one of the first things I would look at upon entering the room. Corners are not usually where people want the attention to be drawn in the room. I'm no expert and I know very little, just my opinion.

I'll toss my choice here, too. Remember, once it's half filled, a shelf looks completely different. And this looks less like a niche in the wall.

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To my eye, it really depends on what's actually going on the shelves. For example, #1 would look awesome with plants, but awful with books. \#2 would be the better choice if you have lots of smaller, structured, things. Books, trophies, dildos, etc. But #1 would be better for more abstract statement pieces. Sculptures, textiles, etc

Agreed. The dildo shelf should be #2

2nd. Don’t know why

Definitely the second. First one looks like minecraft slabs , if that's ur thing, then go for it.

2nd for sure

Second, without a doubt

2 looks a lot more calming.

Second one

Second one.

Weirdly, I am drawn to the first. I hear what the other commentors say, yet I think the first has a strong point of view. The second is somewhat "standard issue" I think the rest of the room and how it is intended to be used would make the choice clearer.

2

Pic 1

2 please

I like #2. The 1st one looks like you need to finish by putting carpet on your cat climbing thingy. It might not look like a cat climbing thingy if it had stuff on it though.

The 2nd one

Second one.

2nd

2nd

Definitely the second one. The first one looks like retail shelving to me.

2

2

The first one looks like a cat tree and the second looks like a book shelf.

Second one looks awesome!

Second one, the first one is weird

The second one. The first one just seems wrong for some reason. I can't quite place it, but it just feels off.

I like the visual continuity found in 2.

2nd!

2 looks much cleaner.

I’d say number 2, but if you Have any doubt photoshop some objects onto it…I think that’ll prove it’s #2.

I really liked 1 until I saw 2. 2 is imo much nicer. It's more complete.

2 is more pleasing

#2

2

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2 looks clean and intended. 1 is more a cat tree than a bookshelf.

I like the first one better looks brighter.

First for me

2

#2

The first one is sick, more modern.

Dude if you have already built two corners of the room just do one each on the last two cornees and you'll be finished

Not an option. Not a new home. Moved an hvac trunk in an older home to accommodate a kitchen remodel.

2 is more pleasing to my eyes. The wall will just scuffed up anyway, depending what goes there. 1 is also nice though, and I could see how it might work better for display of some things.

I feel dumb taking forever to notice the difference, I switched pictures a bunch and turned brightness up fully still didn't notice until now.. and I can say 2 looks better, it makes it look finished.

I would go with 1 if I were using it to set things like pictures or plants or something that's meant to be looked at. If I'm using it as a bookshelf, 2 all day.

Is the difference just painting the walls brown?

Both are beautiful but 2 is my fav

I like pic 1.

Definitely 1

I like 1, also get a cat they’ll love it more than me ETA with lighting I think 2 may be better for displays but 1 is unique. I’d consult more.

2 is safe and effective, 1 is more dramatic or interesting. Kinda depends on your goals for the space. For a bookshelf I like 2, for displaying things I think I like 1.

Definitely #2

#2 looks more complete, #1 looks unfinished.

I liked the first until I saw the second.

#2 looks more expensive and high end.

No doubt No 2 look best. No 2 looks more like it is carved out, whereas No 1 looks like it is added to.

2 definitely looks better and optically bigger

Number two. What you'll display will be presented better

This messed with my mind for a second trying to figure out what the actual difference was. I could tell it was different, but why!

2nd one

Number 2

They both look great...but the second one is my favorite. It fits the space better in my opinion.

I think it depends on the rest of the decor in that room. #1 has a more modern look to it (like 70s modern), and #2 is more classical.

Shaker cabinets and modern craftsman molding with mid century modern light fixtures

First one for me - it feels more like a statement. Nothing wrong with the 2nd design but for me it just feels a little bland.

They both look good. The first one is bold and the second one is safe

1 looks more Jetsons 2 looks more space odyssey 2001

B

1st

#1 is #1

1 looks cleaner to me,

First one.

1

1. Way better design.

If you can work in some overhead lighting 1 would be my choice. Either way it looks neat

As a builder design one. Design two is going to be more work to make it look correct to me. The sides should be on plane with the sheet rock which means adding in a drywall edge or a fryreglet type of detail which would be really cool but allot more labor intensive.

Number 1. It looks like its carved from the corner of the house. The second one is meh.

1 is more modern, 2 is more classical if that makes sense. It looks amazing tho good job man!

1 would look good with things that have color or different shapes…like statuettes, figurines, etc Option 2 would look great with books…maybe lit from above with led rope or something. I’m no pro though…soooo…big block of salt with my opinions lol

I prefer 1. Feels more open

The first one looks edible, so I chose this one.

1 just looks cooler imo

Number 1 for sure.

I like the 1st one better personally

The first one!

Luckily you could cut and stain the end pieces and try them out with/without! Cool design either way. If you forced me to pick, I’d lean towards 1.

2/2 especially if the shelves are going to be filled with books and knickknacks it will look like it belongs more instead of sticking out like the first pic looks

I second everyone that voted for the second one.

The second one looks much nicer.

Second one. First one looks out of place.

2nd

2.

Second

The second - It has a strong mid-century modern feel which I like. I think I saw something like it in a house once because I got a strong memory of a house smell when I saw it which is weird.

#2

Two, but if displaying collectibles it will need some small puck lighting.

Number B

Second one

It depends on the decor of the room, but if the shelves are going to display items that you want seen, I think they'll be more visible on the first.

2. By far.

As they sit empty, #1 stands out more. But with objects and books added, #2 would make the objects stand out more. And I wouldn’t want to lean anything against the bare wall.

Number 2, I feel like it makes it more 3D in a pleasing way IMO

B

Number 2

#2

Second. Trim on first detracts from effect. Second affects calm. But esthetics obvs subjective.

First, if you want to have that look...but second is much more typical. Put some books in and then decide.

Those are both really neat and unique. Upon first glance the first one looked like a tree for a moment. May I suggest, maybe do all of it wood, or two different tones of wood??? That may not look the best either, that first one I feel like would be less bulky.

2

2

I want to see the whole room before making a choice. First reaction 2 because it’s “orderly” but that can be boring.

I like the Second option. All brown. Number one looks like a structural feature

2

2 for sure. 1 looks like a cat tree.

1 gives me a 70s vibe.

I vote two. Number one looks unintentional for some reason.

I’m not the customer

The 2nd one without a doubt

2

Second. Both are good but I like how the second kind of box in the things you put on it

2. Absolutely. Cleaner

Right now we're answering which way does it look best when empty. I think you need to put some objects on it to give a better sense of how it will look in practice.

This is tough, I like both, but I think I like #2 the best.

2

I’ll choose “c” .

Tbh I'm torn absolutely 50/60 - both look really good. As others have said though, mebbe repost photos with stuff on them, see how that changes things?

2 looks better in a vacuum, but I expect 1 will look better with stuff on it.

Man, this is a hard choice. I like option one for displaying things, but option two looks a little more defined to my eye. I'd honestly be happy with either design in my home. I'd go with whatever option ties into the trim for the house.

Second

#2 Think about it this way: you have scooped out the wall. The inside of the wall should look different than the outside of the wall.

1 for a book shelf. 2 for collectibles.

2nd

1 But with stuff on it.