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Bookshelves painting ideas


Bookshelf Paint Ideas and Inspiration

Renovation

Make your bookshelf as exciting as the volumes it stores with a simple coat of paint

Whether it’s filled with hardcover volumes or used as a spot to display collections or artwork, a bookshelf is always the most interesting spot in a room. But why let its contents get all the attention? Your bookcase should be just as captivating as the items it displays. Luckily, transforming your staid storage unit is as easy as a few coats of paint. Both freestanding and built-in bookshelves can benefit. Painting built-in storage to match the wall color can give the space a cohesive and intimate feel. For the living room of a Los Angeles home, design firm Commune painted the walls and bookshelves in a pale green, giving the space a serene but stylish vibe.

There’s no need to stick to one color. Paint the frame and interiors in different shades or in contrasting colors for an impactful look. Designer Alison Martin used two shades of green in the Virginia library of Elizabeth Locke, while in his own Kansas City, Missouri, home, David Jimenez paired chocolate-brown walls and bookcases with bright white trim. Bring your art display to the next level by using a shade that highlights nearby pieces. Burgundy paint picks up shades in a portrait attributed to Thomas Gainsborough in a Washington, D.C., home designed by Stephen Shadley, and the black bookcases in Daphne Guinness’s Daniel Romualdez—decorated apartment are the perfect complement to the David LaChapelle photograph.

High-gloss finishes work particularly well on bookcases, as designer Vicente Wolf proved when he hired an automotive painter to spray the shelves of a Manhattan library with a metallic teal. Jeffrey Bilhuber went for a glossy black in the library of a New York townhouse, allowing the books and objects on display to take center stage. Having trouble picking the perfect paint to showcase your paperbacks? We’ve gathered gorgeous painted bookshelves from the AD archives to inspire your makeover.

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DIY Bookshelf Makeovers (20+ Easy and Beautiful Ways To Beautify A Bookcase)

Bookcases are one of the most functional pieces of furniture you can have in your home. These DIY bookshelf makeovers will help you make them look as good as they function.

Bookshelves are a very versatile and functional piece of furniture.

Whether you use them for books, to display collections and accessories or as extra storage, they provide a lot of space without taking up a lot of your room.

The only problem?

As furniture goes, they can be a little boring to look at.

And some of them are down right ugly! (Yes, old brown bookcase with the scratches all over…I’m talking about you).

Fortunately, there are a lot of easy DIY bookshelf makeovers you can do that will add some pizzazz to your bookcase without requiring a ton of work.

A Note On Pinning

Many of the projects in this list are not mine so I do not own the images. These pictures cannot be pinned from this page. If you want to pin them, please click the link below the image to go to the original website. 

Ideas for Painting Bookshelves

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Whether you want to upgrade a standalone bookcase or need to modernize built-in bookshelves, the easiest way to update it is with paint.

Here are a few different ideas for painting bookshelves that will help them look more interesting.

1 | Paint It A Pretty Color

by Amy from attagirlsays.com

This bookcase was definitely in the “ugly” category before it got makeover by Amy from Atta Girl Says.

Since I’m a color fanatic (and blue is my favorite), you know I’m totally in love with the gorgeous indigo color she chose.

Get all her project details HERE.

by Cindy from diybeautify.com

Cindy from DIY Beautify painted her shelves, too.

And while she kept them white, she did discover what kinds of paint you can use to keep the books from sticking to the shelves afterwards. (If you’ve ever tried to paint bookcases with latex paint, you might have run into this problem, too).

To find out her tips on the best paint to use, click HERE.

2 | Paint the Inside A Different Color

I like to paint the insides of my shelves a different color from the outside.

The contrast makes whatever you have on the shelves stand out a little more.

In this case, I painted the outside of the bookshelf a grey color that co-ordinates with the wall color which makes the blue on the inside of the bookshelf really stand out.

3 | Create a Rainbow

via Joanna from cupofjo. com

If you want to take the paint treatment to another level, check out the bookshelf in this New York City apartment.

They have painted the inside of each shelf a different color in the rainbow, which definitely makes a statement in the room!

You could do something similar with different shades of the same color to create an ombre effect.

4 | Add Some Stripes

by Christy from confessionsofaserialdiyer.com

Christy from confessionsofaserialdiyer.com updated this $15 yard sale bookcase with a light blue paint color and some stripes in the back.

Not only do the stripes add extra interest to the bookshelf, but they also help to make the bookcase look taller.

See the whole transformation HERE.

5 | Use A Paint Treatment

by Kandice from justthewoods.com

To make the outsides of your shelving look more interesting, try a layered painting technique like the one Kandice from Just The Woods did on hers.

It takes a little time to get the right mix of colors, but it adds a depth to the finish that you can’t get with regular paint.

She also gives some great tips for painting laminate shelves, so you’ll definitely want to read her article HERE if that’s something you plan to do.

6 | White Wash It

by Jen from girlinthegarage.net

If you like the summery, beachy look, white-washing your bookshelves is a great way to create that vibe.

Jen from Girl In The Garage did that with this old bookcase and totally transformed it from dark and outdated to bright and airy.

See her white-washing tutorial HERE.

Cover The Back Of The Bookcase

These next few bookshelf makeovers all use something to cover the back of the bookcase.

This is a great way to decorate bookcases that don’t have many books on them since more of the back is visible.

7 | Line the Back in Fabric

If you want more pattern on your bookshelves, try covering the back with fabric, like I did with this built-in bookcase in my living room.

I just cut pieces of fabric that were slightly larger than the shelf opening, folded over the edges and stapled it up there.

Then I painted the rest of the bookcase with coordinating colors.

This bookshelf makeover has the added advantage that you can hide cords behind the fabric.

Which is great if you have electronics like a TV or stereo equipment on the bookcase.

How To Hide The Cords

1. Cut a piece of fabric that is few inches wider and longer than the back of the shelf.

2. Turn the edges under and line it up with the edge of the shelf. Make sure any wires are pushed up behind the fabric.

3. Staple the edges in place.

And voila! You have a shelf with no wires showing.

8 | Hang Wallpaper

Photo by Martha O’Hara Interiors

Wallpaper is another great way to add some pattern to the back of your bookshelf.

A bold geometric pattern can really make your bookcase stand out.

by Rachael from thisisourbliss.com

This upcycled bookshelf with wallpaper by Rachael from This Is Our Bliss used to be a plain IKEA bookcase.

With its bright blue paint and bold wallpaper pattern, it’s not plain any more!

Get all the details for this project HERE.

9 | Put Up Wrapping Paper

by Mary from theboondocksblog.com

Mary from The Boondocks Blog did something similar except she covered the back of her bookcase with wrapping paper instead of wallpaper.

I think this is brilliant! Wrapping paper comes in so many colors and patterns. And it’s so inexpensive! You could put a new one up for every season if you wanted to.

Get the details of her project HERE.

Replace The Back of the Bookshelf

10 | Put Up Beadboard

via anurbancottage.blogspot.com

To add some texture to your shelves, install beadboard behind them.

Painting it before you nail (or glue it) up there will make the installation job much easier.

11 | Add Reclaimed Wood

by Christy from confessionsofaserialdiyer.com

If you like a more rustic look and happen to have some reclaimed wood hanging around, you can use it as the back of your bookshelf, like Christy from Confessions of a Serial DIYer did with this one.

White-washing the wood gives it a beachy, summery look.

Find out more HERE.

12 | Attach Yardsticks

by Jen from girlinthegarage.net

For a totally unique way of replacing the back of a bookcase, repurpose some old yardsticks, like Jen did from Girl In The Garage.

Talk about an inexpensive and creative way to add some interest to your room!

Get all the details HERE.

Glam It Up

13 | Cover The Back In Mirrors

If you want to add some sparkle and reflection to your bookshelf, try lining the back with mirror.

You can get it cut to size at a local glass and mirror company.

Then glue it up with mirror adhesive.

In this wall unit, my mother also covered the shelves with aluminum flashing which gives them a shiny finish and adds some more glamour. 

14 | Add Mirror Strips to the Front

If you want a more subtle effect that still adds some interest to your shelves, glue strips of mirror to the front supports.

Unlike mirror backs, you can still see them if your shelves are full of books!

Again, a local glass and mirror company should be able to cut them to size for you.

Or order these acrylic mirror strips*

.

They look like real mirror but you can cut them with tin snips and they don’t break.

15 | Use Glass Shelves

Bookcase with glass shelves, photo by Fredman Design Group

If you want to showcase some of your collectibles, replace the shelves with glass.

Then add some lights under the top shelf that highlight your collection.

With all of these really easy options, you can stop looking at your boring bookshelves once and for all!

Add Custom Details

Another option for a bookshelf makeover is to add some custom details to it.

This can make it look like a completely different piece of furniture!

16 | Install Moldings

To make a shelving unit look more expensive than it really is, add some custom details like crown molding across the top.

Installing wider pieces of wood on the front of the side boards will make them look thicker. Which makes the whole bookcase look more substantial.

17 | Add A Custom Design

by Angela from blueistyleblog.com

Angela from Blue I Style updated her shelves by using her Cricut to create a custom design.

The white circular pattern turns the side of her bookcase from an empty black space to a graphic piece of art.

Find out more HERE.

Enclose The Space

Enclosing part of your bookcase is a great way to get more out-of-sight storage…and less clutter!

18 | Add Doors

by Lisa from shineyourlightblog.com

If you’re looking to add more enclosed storage to your room, try adding some doors to your bookcase like Lisa from Shine Your Light did.

Installing pretty knobs gives you a chance to give extra personality to the space.

Read her tutorial HERE.

19 | Install A Sliding Door

by Suzy from worthingcourtblog.com

For even more enclosed space, Suzy from Worthing Court installed a barn door that covers one half of her bookcase.

What a great way to have easy access to lots of storage and always have it looking neat!

See how she did it HERE.

20 | Create Built-ins From Kitchen Cabinets

by Nancy from artsychicksrule.com

Finally, if you’re willing to put in a little more work, you can build your own shelves on top of big box store kitchen cabinets.

This bookshelf by Nancy from Artsy Chicks Rule looks like an expensive custom built-in but they did it all themselves.

Click HERE to get the step-by-step tutorial.

Well, that’s it for my list of DIY bookshelf makeovers. Hopefully, you’ve found some inspiration for upgrading your own bookcases.

Other DIY Projects You Might Like

Have comments or questions on these DIY bookshelf makeovers? Tell us in the section below.


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This post was originally published on May 21, 2020 but was updated with new content on April 22, 2022.


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HOW TO COLOR A WALL BOOKSHELF | INSTRUCTIONS | DIY

DIY artist Shannon Kay transforms a boring living room into an art showcase.

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    How is it? Here's more:

    Painting Furniture Bookshelves Furniture Shelves Wall painting Walls

    Step 1

    Tape off the trim

    Before priming the wood, the finishing work is dusted and sealed.

    Step 2

    Prime trim and paint

    Prime surface with primer and allow to dry.

    Paint the trim with Dove White.

    Step 3

    Tape the bookshelves and paint

    Paint the back of the bookshelves with alternating shades of Stillwater and Polaris Blue.

    First cut through the paint with a brush, then with a roller.

    Next

    How to paint a fabric chair

    Breathing new life into worn and stained fabric chairs doesn't always require an upholsterer. A little paint, some fabric, and a graphic stencil can transform a dull and outdated chair into something sleek and modern at noon. nine0003

    How to install a built-in bookshelf

    Bookshelves can take up valuable space, but by building them in, you get storage without any downsides. Learn how to add a recessed bookshelf to any room in your home with these easy, step-by-step instructions.

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    Painting stripes is one of the easiest ways to add space to any room without using wallpaper.

    How to Repaint Wood Furniture

    Learn how to sand, sand and paint wood furniture.

    How to draw a geometric pattern on a chest of drawers

    Learn how to decorate an old chest of drawers with your favorite colors and unique designs.

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    We used paint and ice cream sticks to transform an old chest of drawers into a fashionable piece of new furniture. nine0003

    10 COOL BOOK STORAGE IDEAS - HOW TO STORE BOOKS IN BEDROOM AND SMALL ROOM

    Finding a place for all your things is not an easy task, especially for bookworms. If you're into reading, you probably have a pretty impressive collection of books that you don't want to give up. But with the perfect book storage idea, you can continue to expand your mini library with no problem.

    While you may approach book storage and organization in terms of style, you may be overlooking the best way to store and take care of your collection. Small details, such as the temperature and climate of your room, and things you may not consider, such as pests, can cause books to deteriorate more quickly. Keep in mind that books are best stored at room temperature (70 F) with low humidity and not in direct sunlight. Dust them occasionally and wipe with a cloth to prevent dust from accumulating and the chance that insects will feed on them. Once you've completed the maintenance portion of your personal library, you can start organizing your heart. nine0003

    The variety of ways to store books is endless. Classic wall-mounted bookshelves can provide space for other accents and decorative items, while super trendy floating shelves save floor space and create a fun effect on your walls. You can also get creative with the design of your books; try turning the spikes inward by stacking them horizontally or grouping them by color.


    For the least stress and clutter, everything from books to board games needs a dedicated space in your home. Ahead, you'll find inspiration from renters and homeowners who have found unique ways to store, whether it's DIY shelving or repurposing unused spaces and decorative accents to keep their collection in top-notch shape. nine0003

    1. Combine book storage with decor

    Bookshelves are no longer just for your favorite books. Pair decor and art with books, as shown in this cozy Indianapolis apartment rental above, and you'll create a stylish mix that will uniquely showcase your taste in accessories and literature.



    Save Pin It View More Images of

    Credit: Liz Kalka.

    2. Color coded wall

    Put down the brush - no need to paint the accent wall. The owners of this colorful Washington, D.C. apartment used a nook in their wall to arrange their books in rainbow order. The result is a bold, colorful accent wall that feels more like art than a pantry. nine0003 Save Pin It View More Images

    Credit: Kim Lucien.



    3. Stacking books without shelves

    No shelf? No problem. Arrange the books by size and fold them horizontally from scratch, as shown here in this San Francisco home. Neatly stacked, this arrangement looks like a deliberate art collection of books rather than a temporary stack of bookshelves that I haven't ordered yet.

    Save Pin it View more images

    Credit: LULA POGGI

    4. Book storage under stairs

    Odd corners and odd corners are often the best places to store books. A space like the stair closet in this chic Spanish apartment makes use of an unused room and is a great way to share your novel collection.

    seeing the number 1111
    Save Pin It View More Images of

    Credit: Anik Polo.

    5. Floor to ceiling bookshelves

    For extensive book collections, the floor-to-ceiling configuration resembles a library and allows you to store everything you read under your roof without feeling cluttered. Pay attention to this century-old house in Switzerland and raise the walls vertically to organize the volumes.

    Save Pin It View More Images of

    Credit: Natalie Jeffcott.

    6. Glass Book Display Case

    There is something so sophisticated about displaying books like this stylish Australian home. The bookcase blends in seamlessly with the rest of the room, giving the impression that it is an integral part of the space rather than an afterthought. Not to mention, the glass helps protect books from dust and dirt. Consider repurposing an IKEA wardrobe for books - it's an easy way to crack that display idea. nine0003 Save Pin It View More Images

    Credit: Natalie Jeffcott.

    7. Ladder book storage

    Leaning a ladder against a wall and stacking books on the rungs is a creative way to reuse an antique find that serves more of a decorative purpose than a utility. It's because the stairs draw the eye upward, as in this rustic Scandinavian-style Australian studio. , this storage solution actually gives the illusion of extra space. nine0003 Save Pin It View More Images

    Credit: Brittany Purley.

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    8. Floating Cube Bookshelf

    Gallery walls should not be limited to framed prints and paintings. This fun Chicago rental is a perfect example of how to use floating shelves and a gallery wall image to create a cute and quirky book storage method.

    Save Pin it View more images

    Contributed by: Contributed by Jessica and Milo.

    9. Storage of books in an artificial fireplace.

    While faux and non-functional fireplaces are still good architectural features, it can be difficult to know what to actually do with them.

    Learn more