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Ask any New Yorker what they wish they had more of in their apartment, and the answer is likely to be, "Storage space." Bookshelves, dressers, and entertainment centers can certainly help those who'd rather not buy a separate storage unit, but such bulky furniture has an unfortunate tendency to eat up an apartment's valuable square footage. That's where built-in shelving comes in so handy.

Below, we take a look at apartments where built-in shelving enhances the character of the home and seamlessly adds extra storage space. It's supposed to rain this weekend, and these homes would seem designed for sitting down with a good book, perhaps one chosen from the abundant shelves. On brighter days, this feature contributes to an airy atmosphere.

In this article:

The Wellston, 161 West 75th Street
The Wellston, 161 West 75th Street Broadway Corridor
Cannon Point South, 45 Sutton Place South
Cannon Point South, 45 Sutton Place South Beekman/Sutton Place
The A Building, 425 East 13th Street
The A Building, 425 East 13th Street East Village
50 Pine Street
50 Pine Street Financial District
259 West 4th Street
259 West 4th Street West Village
148-West-23rd-Street-01 All images of Chelsea Mews via Douglas Elliman
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From the Listing: This is a true loft with 12-foot ceilings and six, seven-foot windows! Perfectly located in the heart of Chelsea, this penthouse two-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom co-op loft is what you're looking for. The windows offer two open exposures, where you have direct views of the skyline and Empire State Building from the living room and main bedroom, and another open view all the way down West 23rd Street also from the living room and second bedroom. The kitchen has been recently renovated with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The main bedroom is outfitted with a walk-in closet to customize your own design, the living room has an eco-friendly ethanol fireplace, and there are hardwood floors throughout. See floor plan and full details here.

575-Main-Street-01 All images of The Island House via Development Marketing Team
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From the Listing: Tranquil Roosevelt Island two-bedroom has an abundance of natural light flowing into it. The renovation offers the purchaser top-of-the-line finishes such as hardwood floors and finishing and fixtures from Pottery Barn. The large open chef's kitchen comes fully equipped with stainless steel Viking appliances, custom cabinetry, and a breakfast bar. The open layout really provides an incredible amount for living and entertaining. Storage will not be a problem, you will find an abundance of custom closets thought out the home. Fresh paint and hardwood floors throughout the apartment add to move-in ready convenience. See floor plan and full details here.

8-East-96th-Street-01 All images of 8 East 96th Street via Sotheby's International Realty
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From the Listing: Welcome home to this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom sanctuary designed by award-winning architect John B Murray. South-facing and sun-flooded, 8C offers city views, a wood-burning fireplace, a full wet bar, high ceilings and hard wood floors. The dining room which is currently being used as a den, has over-sized windows, two exposures, excellent light and build-ins with ample storage. The windowed kitchen has a breakfast bar, incredible storage and state-of-the-art appliances such as a Subzero refrigerator and Viking stove with a vented hood. The bedroom wing is separate from the living, which is ideal for entertaining. See floor plan and full details here.

308-East-79th-Street-01 All images of 308 East 79th Street via Compass
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From the Listing: Set on the 14th floor of an exceptionally well-run and gorgeous pre-war co-op, Residence 14GH has been expertly combined and completely gut renovated with no expense spared. An expansive south-facing living room is bathed in sunlight all day through 4 large windows framing wide open views of the Manhattan skyline. Custom millwork, crisp white wainscoting, tray ceilings and Jacobean stained hardwood floors all blend together beautifully to create an elegant yet modern masterpiece. Thoughtful touches such as an integrated entertainment system, recessed lighting, and custom-designed bookcases and storage cabinets, help keep the home clean and organized. A tastefully designed windowed kitchen features ample storage space including a carefully concealed large pantry. See floor plan and full details here.

320-East-72nd-Street-01 All images of 320 East 72nd Street via New York Casas Ltd.
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From the Listing: Featured in the pages of Elle Decor Spain, The Style Edit, and Modo de Vida Magazine the Venezuelan roots of designer Maria Gabriela Brito can be sensed throughout this extraordinary home in a distinguished boutique cooperative. The striking foyer entry sets the tone for a bold, yet playful aesthetic, which is backlit by pre-war beamed ceilings, crown moldings, and the original hardwoods. The expansive great room features oversized windows, and an elegantly-framed wood-burning fireplace as the focal point, flanked on either side by beautifully crafted built-in shelving. Coming full circle, the windowed chefs kitchen connects back to the entry via an eat-in breakfast room, and offers more than ample counter-space, a full-sized pantry, and top of the line appliances. See floor plan and full details here.

334-East-77th-Street-01 All images of 334 East 77th Street via Douglas Elliman
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From the Listing: Apartment 17 is a spectacular, gut-renovated, south-facing one-bedroom with roof rights for a private terrace. This freshly painted sun filled apartment has 11' ceilings with exposed wooden beams, re-finished hard oak wood floors, and custom baseboards. In the charming light-filled living room there is a refurbished decorative fireplace, sand blasted brick walls, and a large closet with storage above. It also has a floor-to-ceiling library with a beautiful rolling ladder built by the renowned Putnam Rolling Ladder Co, established in 1905. See floor plan and full details here.

16-East-96th-Street-01 All images of The Queenston via Compass
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From the Listing: Beautifully renovated loft-like open space gives this unique home a downtown feel with all the best of the Upper East Side, including a very reasonable board, and proximity to every uptown convenience, Central Park and Museum Mile. As you enter the 4th-floor landing, you immediately appreciate the European feel of the building with its terrazzo floors and the open staircase dating back to 1908. 4B, with its recently completed high-quality renovation, boasts three grand entertaining spaces with soaring 10' ceilings and double-height north facing windows looking out to the treetops of 96th Street. The spacious living room opens up to a study and gracious dining room, complete with a powder room for guests. The enormous chef's kitchen brings the entertainment and living space together, making it the heart of the home. It is replete with abundant storage, and every top-of-the-line appliance you could ever need. See floor plan and full details here.

45-Sutton-Place-South-01 All images of Cannon Point South via Compass
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From the Listing: Beautifully renovated Sutton Place home boasts fabulous water views, expansive floor plan, and tons of closet space. Upon entering the building's newly renovated lobby you are warmly greeted by experienced and attentive staff. A doormen, concierge and live-in resident manager make living here easy and keep this immaculate building in top notch form. Maintenance includes all utilities. See floor plan and full details here.

230-East-79th-Street-01 All images of Belmont 79 via Douglas Elliman
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From the Listing: Spacious and cheerful, this 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home situated in the heart of the Upper East Side is an exceptional value. A gracious entry foyer leads to a living/dining room with a custom bookcase and tree-top views on to 79th Street. The kitchen has been thoughtfully designed with plenty of counter and storage space, as well as professional grade stainless steel appliances. The primary bedroom includes a marble en-suite bath and walk-in closet. Additional features include hardwood floors and crown molding throughout, as well as an abundance of closet space. The apartment can easily be configured as a 3-bedroom. See floor plan and full details here.

300-Central-Park-West-01 All images of The Eldorado via Douglas Elliman
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From the Listing: Located in in the coveted Eldorado, this sun-drenched classic seven featuring full Central Park views from the living room, primary suite, and second bedroom is rarely available. A semi-private landing presents the perfect introduction to this distinguished residence that is in estate condition. Once inside, the generous Emery Roth floor plan really sets this home apart with its grand scale and proportion. The separate entrance gallery leads you to all major rooms, including an oversized living and a formal dining room area with beautiful casement windows rarely found anymore. A cozy den/library adjacent to the foyer completes this home, and provides a comfortable nook for reading or media needs. See floor plan and full details here.
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161-West-75th-Street-01 All images of The Wellston via Compass
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From the Listing: Elegant Classic Six apartment (2 beds, plus a maids room), which is showered in southern light all day while basking in east and western exposures as well, welcomes the discerning buyer seeking the quintessential New York City apartment! Enter into an oversized foyer that has large arched openings (a signature of the architect) that lead to the living room, the bedroom wing and the formal dining room. Off the dining room is the windowed galley kitchen facing east and the maids-room currently a functioning third bedroom complete with half-bath and washer and dryer. The bedroom wing houses two large bedrooms with ample closet space and renovated en suite baths. See floor plan and full details here.

940-Park-Avenue-01 All images of The Conanado via Douglas Elliman
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From the Listing: Welcome to this unparalleled mint-condition seven-room coop which is the perfect synergy of meticulous design and glamourous living. Designed by Aidan Tobin Interiors there is a sincere attention to detail from the custom millwork to the skilled craftsmanship which is evident throughout the home. Upon entry one is greeted by a gracious foyer that is wrapped in an exquisite custom-designed silver leaf finish which leads you to a sizable living room anchored by a wood-burning fireplace and two over-sized windows over-looking Park. Past the formal dining area sits an amply-sized home office with built-in shelves and his and her desks with west-facing window. Additional features of the home include a professional grade full-sized Miele Washer/Dryer, Sonos sound system, new thru wall A/C units in every room, motorized shades, new wiring and plumbing throughout, and the conveyance of private storage in the basement. See floor plan and full details here.

115-Willow-Street-01 All images of 115 Willow Street via Compass
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From the Listing: This duplex apartment feels much like a private home with 3 exposures and the amenities of a doorman and live-in superintendent. Off the entry hall is a coat closet and north facing windowed den/office or a 4th bedroom. Moving on you enter a large open space with an oak stairway leading to the second level and entry to a large living room with a wall of west-facing windows and a decorative fireplace. A large open archway in the living room leads to a dining room also with west-facing windows and designer built-ins. The eat-in kitchen off the dining room has stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops. and a window facing east. Off the kitchen is an entry to a hallway with powder room and another entry into the den. The second level consists of a light and bright huge primary bedroom with en-suite bath, a wall of closets, a walk-in closet and west-facing windows with Manhattan skyline views. See floor plan and full details here.

401-East-86th-Street-01 All images of The Fairmont Manor via Compass
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From the Listing: Beautiful and spacious move-in ready 2 bedroom (convertible to 3)/2 bath apartment with 10 south facing windows enjoys incredible light and boasts low maintenance. The gracious foyer, with coat closet, opens to the large living room and L-shaped dining area, that can accommodate at least 10 and is easily convertible to a nursery, office or third bedroom. The renovated kitchen has stainless GE and Fisher & Paykel appliances, white glass tile backsplash, Silestone countertops, abundant cabinet space and a walk-in pantry. Both bedrooms are very generous in size, the primary has an ensuite bath. Stunning 4" red oak floors, crown molding, motorized shades with separate blackout shades, California closets, two marble baths, and thoughtful built-in radiator/ac covers with storage in each room add to the specialness of this apartment. See floor plan and full details here.

249-West-4th-Street-01 All images of 259 West 4th Street via Yoreevo
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From the Listing: The perfect West Village apartment! This is your rare chance to purchase at The Victoria, one of the neighborhood's greatest buildings and greatest locations. Apartment #20 boasts an in-unit washer/dryer, dishwasher, 9-foot ceilings, original hardwood floors, windowed kitchen and tree-top views overlooking Perry Street. The unique layout can easily be flexed into a 1 bedroom + nursery depending on your needs. The apartment also has significant closet space between its living room built-ins, bedroom built-ins and wall of closets in the secondary room. See floor plan and full details here.

72-Mercer-Street-01 All images of 72 Mercer Street via Douglas Elliman
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From the Listing: The attention to detail and the exquisite workmanship featuring top of the line finishes and custom work throughout the Penthouse is astonishing. As soon as you enter through the private elevator landing, the grand living room with over 19' double height ceilings, oversized windows, and custom mahogany walls with a library on one end and a gas burning fireplace on the other, will take your breath away. In the main living room, above the fireplace, there is hidden remote controlled cinema screen, hidden speakers and a projector opposite the fireplace. Adjoining the living room and dining area, the kitchen features a Thermador 5-burner stove, Sub-Zero refrigerator, double Miele ovens, dishwasher, and a Sub-Zero wine fridge. There are Mahogany floors throughout the loft, and to match the floors there are Mahogany-stained American black walnut doors. The center of the floors in the apartment are flooded with light from an overhead skylight that embraces the grand stairway leading to the private rooftop terrace. See floor plan and full details here.

33-Willow-Street-01 All images of 33 Willow Street via Compass
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From the Listing: Set on one of the prettiest and quiet blocks in historic Brooklyn Heights, this fully renovated 3 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath full-floor co-op apartment has been finished with uncommon care and attention to detail. It's just one flight up to this stylish space with generous ceiling height, hardwood floors, and great built-ins throughout. Light streams into the open living room and dining room area from windows that run the length looking out over window boxes to bucolic Willow Street. The dining area is highlighted by a chic custom light fixture. In the living room, a beautiful built-in bookcase/media cabinet compliments the custom woodwork surrounding the windows and modern radiator covers throughout. A thoughtful office area has been cleverly designed on one end of the space. See floor plan and full details here.

50-Pine-Street-01 All images of 50 Pine Street via Brown Harris Stevens
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From the Listing: Welcome to your perfect downtown two bedroom home located on a quiet street in the FiDi, with all of the best amenities and conveniences right at your fingertips. This modern apartment in a prewar setting offers Southern light, with three other exposures, loftlike 10-foot ceilings with large dramatic windows, and superb high-end finishes. Relax in your living room featuring a floor-to-ceiling custom bookcase and entertainment center, while gazing at the architectural history of downtown New York. There is a proper dining area, and the kitchen features Italian black honed granite that is paired with custom dark ebonized oak cabinetry. The modern kitchen includes a new Samsung professional style 30" gas cooktop and Broan externally vented oven. The bedrooms are both generously-sized and have ample closet space, and the main bedroom has a floor-to-ceiling custom book and storage shelf, room for an exercise bike, and en suite bath. See floor plan and full details here.

60-Tiffany-Place-01 All images of 60 Tiffany Place via Brown Harris Stevens
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From the Listing: Soaring ceilings, a large built-in bookcase and thoughtful banquette flanking the dining area invite you into this one of a kind home. The large walk-in coat closet doubles as a pantry and the kitchen is tucked away yet open to the living room allowing to hide your food preparation but still communicate with everyone while cooking. This two bedroom, two bathroom condo has tons of light, low monthlies, and private storage. See floor plan and full details here.

425-East-13th-Street-01 All images of The A Building via Compass
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From the Listing: Welcome home to this stylish duplex loft that has it all! It is rare to find this particular style of apartment available for sale. The moment you enter the apartment you will be amazed by the stunning kitchen with sleek cabinetry and updated appliances, a dining alcove, 18' high ceilings in the living area accompanied by a custom built-in bookcase, a little nook that can be used as a home office, and double-sized windows allowing the southern light to enter. As you head up to the second level, you will find a beautiful spa-like bathroom to relax in accompanied by a custom walk-in closet. See floor plan and full details here.
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Would you like to tour any of these properties?