Rustic Built in Bookcase Makeover

Linda
by Linda
8 Materials
$50
2 Days
Easy

Do you know what make a great home design? It is the details. This bookcase makeover is easy and whenever you get tired of it you can remove it without any mess.

Let's get started transforming the back of this bookcase with something brighter. A lighter background will help all your accessories and books stand out more and give the unit more style.

The first step in this project is to remove everything from the shelves and remove the shelves if it is possible. Then measure the width and height for the wood that will fit behind the shelves and purchase wood (thick enough to go behind the shelves if there is space or thin if it is going between the shelves, petroleum jelly, stain, chalk paint, rubber gloves, sponge brush and medium grit sandpaper.

Now that you have all the supplies start with cutting the wood into strips if you have purchased one large piece of wood. And stain the wood in the color you prefer. We used red mahogany.

Next grab the petroleum jelly and rubber gloves.

Gently and sparingly apply some petroleum jelly to the wood here and there. Basically wherever you put the jelly is where the paint will not adhere.

Start painting the wood with chalk paint. Use a sponge brush to apply the chalk paint and you will need two coats. Let the paint dry overnight and then lightly sand it to remove any paint from the petroleum jelly to get the distressed look.

Now simply place the wood in the back of the bookcase and put the shelves back into place. To protect the back of the bookcase from the wood scratching it place some paper between the layers for protection.

And you are finished. See how easy this project is and it adds so much character. If you cannot remove your shelves you can cut the strips to go between the shelves. Use a double sided removable tape to keep them in place.

It's amazing what this bookcase makeover did for this plain built-in bookcase.

I hope this post has inspired you to jazz up your bookcase.

Resources for this project:
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Linda
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  • Mary Taylor Mary Taylor on Jun 14, 2019

    Can you republish the article on organization on organization using hanging shoe storage for sweaters and shower rings to store your scarfs?

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