Glenn Lowson for The Globe and Mail
The question
I am considering white particle-board bookshelves for our small den, hoping they'll recede. But I dislike the horrible pre-drilled holes all along the interior panels. Can I fill and conceal the holes or should I spring for real wood shelves and paint them white?
The answer
Particle board is never a good option. The pre-drilled holes, as you note, are conspicuous, especially when the finish is white. Filling in the holes won't make it look much better. What's more, if you ever get water in the holes or seams of the board, the material will blow apart. So my answer is yes: Bring on the real wood and paint away. (I prefer poplar for painting because of its smooth finish.) A few notes on bookshelves before you buy (or design built-ins): Their maximum width should be three feet so that they do not bow under the weight of whatever you adorn them with. And I prefer a thick front edge on the shelves – three inches is ideal – for both appearance and function. I also suggest that you pick a shelf height and stick to it – and never drill another hole after that.
Follow architect and interior designer Dee Dee Taylor Eustace on Twitter: @ddtaylordd. Have a design dilemma? E-mail style@globeandmail.com .