How to decorate/embellish white wooden built-in shelves
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1950s cottage with solid NICE wood (painted white) shelving (bookcase style at least 8'x 8'); the room is taupe with a gold ceiling and white trim. The accent wall opposite white shelving wall is same painted breadboard oars as ceiling! I LOVE this color combo. What to do about white wall behind shelves, shelving color? Shelving is not removable unless we rip it all out. Want to make cabinets less "catch all" and books and more display. Would also love advice on how to declutter books and style them properly?
8 answers
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I would start out by stripping the paint off, Once you see the bare wood it might be time to decide to stain or put a wash on it. An option I have seen that I really think can be stunning is covering the wall with wallpaper.. It is a great way to add color. Good luck!
JoAnn
on Oct 11, 2015
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A good way to remove the "catch all" feel to declutter. Seriously consider if you need everything on shelves or if they might be better served donated or gifted to others. You and others can't enjoy the many pictures and memorable items on the shelves because there is too much to look at. I think white space behind and between your items would really help give the impression of more room and emphasis the memories that are really important. After you have purged, group similar things together and organize books by size or color. Organize shelves with "heavy" or bulky items are the bottom and lighter, taller items at the top. After most of the items are removed or organized, I think you'll have a better idea of the next step to remove the boring, white feelings. I'm thinking a bold pattern, but light color paper added to the back wall behind the shelves.
Amelia Hanson
on Oct 11, 2015
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Personally since you already have color in the room I would leave the color of the book case alone.Next I would consider what really the case is purposed for and remove your excess items. Once that is completed try sorted you books based on size for symetry.
Janet Pizaro
on Oct 11, 2015
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I thought bookshelves came with "clutter directions"...LOL! No matter what I do, they NEVER look like those in the "staged" photos. I would just paint them the same color of the wall to make them disappear. then I would use a couple of the higher shelves for "pretty things", allocated a couple of the lower shelves for baskets for concealing things and the rest for books.
Jeanette S
on Oct 11, 2015
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I would leave it the color it is so it blends into the wall. The thing is to declutter the shelves. Take everything out and start again. Don't put too much on each shelf. Put some books in but use an item to hold it in place. If you have a Home Goods in your area go there and get some inexpensive items to put on the shelves. They have a nice selection. Remember less is best.
Marsha Heitner
on Oct 11, 2015
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First you need to declutter the shelves and only put back those items that you cherish, and place them artistically, such as placing those books you are keeping on their side. The interior color should be a very light taupe, so those items on the shelves can be seen, and paint the front edges the color of the ceiling, which will pull this wall together with the rest of the room.
LD
on Oct 11, 2015
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Moulding, and corbels. The moulding on the shelves, and small filigree corbels in the top corners of each shelf. It will add interest to the piece. Make it stand out, while blending with everything.
Jonnie Hammon
on Oct 12, 2015
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Get rid of all the clutter. Keep a picture on the shelf, with maybe a clock and a few books sitting horizontally. On another shelf maybe just some books stacked vertically or a knicknack, etc. I would also leave the shelves white.
Kathy
on Oct 12, 2015
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