Bookcase Makeover

September 1, 2010


bookcase makeover
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    From a simple coat of high gloss paint to decorative paper, we’ll show you how to make a forgotten bookcase stand tall once again. Finish the look by arranging books, plants and knick-knacks in fresh new ways with our composition tips.

One Bookcase, Three Looks 
We started with one unremarkable bookcase, then reinvented it in three one-of-a-kind ways. Give your own bookshelf a facelift, or apply these easy techniques to other forgotten furniture in need of a refresh:

  • Look One: Two-Tone Color
    bookcase makeover beforeTransform a boring bookcase into dazzling décor: cover the entire case in one color, then accent the back panels with something different. Try a white bookcase with cheerful yellow panels, or a soft grey one with vibrant amethyst panels. Or do the same with tables (legs one color, tabletop another) and chairs (chair one color, cushions another). For a unified look, pull colors from your room’s overall décor.
  • Look Two: Paper Panels
    bookcase makeover newsprintShow off your love of the written word with book-inspired panels. Repurpose tattered, worn-out books, newspapers or sheet music to decoupage your bookcase. Layer pages from illustrated botany books and dictionaries, or add a playful touch to a child’s room with a comic book or classic fairy tale-themed bookcase. Try the same technique with storage boxes, side tables or picture frames.
  • Look Three: High Gloss Paint
    bookcase makeover highglossGo bold and make a statement by coating your bookcase in high gloss paint. To cheer up any room, try a bright color like tropical teal, granny-smith green or cotton candy pink. For touch of glamour, choose a rich color like plum, cobalt or burgundy. And learn how to add a decidedly modern sheen to everything from architectural elements to small décor accents in our article Paint Trend: High Gloss.


bench bookcaseTip: For something truly unique, repurpose furniture to build a custom bookcase. Try stacking and screwing together picnic benches, wooden fruit crates or even deep drawers. Paint them all a single, solitary hue—try taupe grey or deep plum—or mix and match complementary colors.



Composition Tips 
Change the look and feel of a typical bookcase by arranging books and decorative items in unexpected ways:

  • Add charm with natural elements, like containers of pretty little plants or vases of fresh cut flowers. For year-round, hassle-free beauty, create your own faux floral arrangement.
  • Display some books upright and lay others on their sides to create height variation. Organize books by color for a rainbow effect, or turn the spine sides in for a simple, sleek look.
  • Incorporate accent pieces—turn pottery, small statues, heirlooms and souvenirs into bookends or proudly display something you collect, whether it’s vintage clocks or antique teapots.
  • Use your bookcase to organize! The shelves offer lots of valuable space. Keep your spark journals and gardening scrapbook there, then add a set of colorful storage containers where you can house everything from photos to recipes.
  • Show off your favorite photos, family silhouettes or handmade sun prints in fun frames. To create a cohesive look, paint or decoupage the frames to match your bookcase.
 

Quick Tip

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