I like the look in the blue picture because the contrasting colors in the books make the shelves more defined. In the second photo, the decor is the same color as the walls, and I do think it would just read as a particularly cluttered flat wall in real life. I'd go for it. If you get tired of it, it's not that hard to repaint.

My house had this when I bought it (a FLW-esque MCM). Paint was sort of a khaki.

It was OK for a few years but I ended up redoing it to cream with white shelving and a black with green undertones back to the built ins. It's much more stunning this way, everyone noticed and loved the change when I did it (5ish years ago).

It may photograph well but I’ve never seen this look good in real life.

What color are you thinking?

I don't like the look at all (feels strangely like a plastic dollhouse or something - this is the blue room!), but if you're willing to paint over wood once, there's no reason not to try it out. You can always change it later if it doesn't work for you, like PP.

I did this in my guest room/office. I loved it initially, but now that I work in here everyday I think it’s monotone and boring. It makes everything feel flat, without any pop or depth. I’m planning on painting the built-ins white again.

I think this is a great look, takes courage to do it but it offers a great outcome

I wouldn't do it all the same color. I like the built-ins to be classic white. It makes it pop. Plus, the rooms doesn't look so boring and monotone.

OP here- quick clarifying point: If the 4th wall wasn't fully open (like- has an opening the width of a couple doors, with a transom above, and short walls on either side), does that change people's opinions? It does have the feel of being it's own contained room, but definitely doesn't have a door.

I love this look. But agree it is for a room with doors and not an open space. Make sure you check the paint colors at different times of the day. If I decide to go this route, I will take the plunge in my powder room making the ceiling, walls trim and interior of the door the same color.

Maybe you should ask Eye Candy her thoughts???

I love this look too and am having the same debate. Because I’m worried about how it will age, and the cost of repainting trim, I’m leaning toward doing something like your second picture that is a more neutral color rather a bold color like your first picture.

I’ve done it and I love it but I think it works best in a room with a door. I don’t think the transition will be good in an open plan space.

I love it. No idea if it will age well, but does that really matter?

I keep seeing rooms where all the built in shelves are painted the wall color. I really like the look, but I'm also worried it may not age well. We have a rectangular room with windows on one side, a long wall, and then a wall with built in shelves/cabinets (shelves on top, cabinets below) and a fireplace (with a mantle that currently matches the built ins). Fourth wall is open to the rest of the house. Right now the shelves are white, but I'm wondering if we should paint them to match the rest of the wall? For the record, the walls are currently a color (as opposed to a neutral), so it would definitely be a statement.

This is what I'm talking about: