I am in the throws of designing a built-in bookcase for our family room. It will replace a dry bar that was done when the house was built 20 yrs ago.

Given things for I have to deal with:

The area is between to walls.
There is a soffit over the area which is 22 inches deep (from back wall to front edge) it has two can (pot) lights. The soffit and can lights must stay as I do not want deal with the removal.
There is an electrical outlet in one sidewall which also must remain, do not want to deal with tracing circuit. I am guessing it is part of a daisy chain.

Plan is to have base cabinet 36" high with a wood top and doors on the front. Book shelves above from counter top to soffit.

Question:

Put a wood back on the bookcase? Bookcase will match house trim - stained red oak. Plan to have a face frame on the bookcase.

Thanks for your input.