Fool-the-eye book nook - change the coat closet to the book racks

Fool-the-eye book nook

Made from 1-by-2s, 1-by-3s, and 1-by-4s, the 3-1/2-inch-high boxes project 4-1/4 inches into the study. The back piece was screwed to the wall first, then the bottom piece added, with openings for the blinds already cut out. The front piece was then nailed on, and the blinds installed, using clips (supplied with the blinds, but bent to suit this assembly) to hold them at the right height against 1-by-2 end blocks.Heavy crown molding a foot below the ceiling created a soffit for lighting. The closet's ceiling was lowered to molding level. Bookshelves lead the eye to the nook's rear wall, where artist Randolf Johnson painted a cat boarding an elevator.

Photo: Trompe-l'oeil mural conjures illusion of depth within shallow book nook, formerly a coat closet. Painted marble steps continue the look of real marble tiles in entry