Question: I want a row of bookcases in my study, but there would be gaps in between if I line up standard ones. Can I get the sleek look of custom-made shelves for less?

Answer: Wall-to-wall custom shelving is expensive due to the rising costs of labour, laminate finishes and quality materials like teak and mahogany. But you can trim costs by using cheaper industrial materials. Instead of teak plywood or textured laminate, try sturdy medium-density fibreboard (MDF), which is made of compressed wood chips.

Asked to design a big library in this flat (above), the designers at Whiz Concepts used MDF to create a run of wall-to-wall open shelving units that wrap two walls of the living room and study. The shelving even wraps around the doorway to the bedroom. The smart-looking result can be truly called “style for less”. Not only did the owners save a bundle, they also made an excellent green choice as using a recycled wood waste product like MDF helps to save trees and reduce deforestation.

Photography Justin Loh
Design whiz concepts