Stock Furniture vs. Built Ins: Which is the Better Choice for a Feature Wall?
January 15, 2025
Contributed by: Louie Martini
Stock furniture and built ins each serve a specific purpose within your home. Depending on design preference and budget, both can help turn a blank wall into a statement wall.
Tired of trying to decide what to put on that blank wall in your living room? Check out three key factors in deciding between stock furniture and built ins and which may be a better choice for you when creating the ultimate feature wall.
Furnishing your home is not only an opportunity to customize your space, it’s also a reflection of you. Some furniture pieces are functional, some tell a story and some check both of those boxes. When it comes to a feature wall in your home, whether you choose a standalone entertainment stand or a full-blown fireplace/media wall built in, you’re making a personal statement about what’s important to you.
Before choosing which direction to go, consider these three key factors that could help in that decision: budget, customization and permanence.
1. Budget: The first, and perhaps most discussed, factor when choosing between stock furniture and built ins is cost. Though some quality, custom furniture can be quite pricey (and for good reason), there are many options available that can be considered budget friendly. Tons of manufacturers are pumping out their own renditions of shelving and entertainment centers. When it comes to built ins, whether shelving, cabinetry or media walls, you’re likely looking at a larger financial investment in comparison to something you could buy off the shelf at your local home improvement store. If you’re looking for something economical and functional without breaking the bank, a piece of stock furniture will likely be your best bet. On the other hand, if you have a bit larger budget and are looking to make a statement, built ins could be the way to go.
2. Customization: The next factor to consider is customization options. We just touched on budget and what you can expect from purchasing stock furniture off the shelf in a store. One gripe most people have when choosing this route is the lack of customization. Sure, the piece you chose aligns with your style and looks great in your home, but does it truly fit your space. Sometimes you get lucky and the stock standard size/dimensions of a furniture piece fits beautifully in the designated spot you have picked out for it. Sometimes, not so much. If you’re looking for a guaranteed fit and value a piece looking like it truly belongs where it is, custom built ins may be the way to go. No guess work involved in whether it’ll match surrounding trim work or color schemes and no unwanted wall gaps or surrounding void spaces.
3. Permanence: Perhaps the most obvious of the three factors is permanence. How long do you anticipate keeping a piece where you decide to put it? Stock furniture has the advantage of being moved wherever you want. Did you originally envision your new book shelf between the couch and window only to realize that it sticks out too far from the wall? Your stubbed toe leads you to a simple solution, move it somewhere else. Custom built ins on the other hand, once they’re in place, they’re in place (hence the name built in). These become part of the wall, floor or ceiling by being attached with nails or screws. Another point to add is if your living situation is temporary (i.e. you plan on moving soon), consider the actual ownership component. You essentially own a piece of furniture and can take it with you wherever you move. Built ins…not so much.
Although this isn’t an exhaustive list, it could be a good start in helping you to decide whether a stock piece of furniture or custom built in is a better option for a feature wall in your home. Both convey style and personality and can help turn that blank wall into a bold statement!
*Thank you for visiting the BHC Blog. Feel free to send me a message with any questions you may have regarding this article.*
