Brownstone parlors in Park Slope, Fort Greene, Harlem and Brooklyn Heights almost always have a fireplace on the long wall, with two alcoves either side of the chimney breast. Those alcoves are made for bookcases.
01Use the alcove depth
The chimney breast usually projects 12 to 20 inches. Bookcases built flush with its face look original to the house; recessed slightly, they let the mantel stand forward.
02Base cabinets plus shelves
A closed base cabinet about 30 to 36 inches high, with shelves above, is the classic layout. The cabinet top can align with the mantel height, so the eye reads one line across the wall.
03Clearances
Keep combustible materials the required distance from the firebox, especially for working fireplaces. Your contractor or the fireplace's specification sets the numbers, and the drawing follows them.
04Respect the trim
Brownstones have deep baseboards, picture rails and plaster cornices. Built-ins that continue the baseboard and stop under the cornice look like they belong.
05Where does the TV go?
Over the mantel is often too high for comfortable viewing. Better options are a side wall, a cabinet with doors in one alcove, or a separate media room. Our sister site explains comfortable TV height.
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