Sprucing up an old bookshelf
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June @ Coffee Under the Umbrella on Feb 06, 2013Painting is the path of least resistance; you can paint it the same color as your desk, add cute feet to the bottom, paint the back a contrasting color, put wallpaper/pretty contact paper/stenciling back there. Tons of possibilities that don't require building doors or installing lights. Just a thought... it sounds like your bookshelf is tall and skinny. I've seen people take plain bookshelves like that, rest it on its side, then make a cushion for it and turn it into a window seat or bench. I bet other people will have lots more ideas here.Helpful Reply
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Designs by BSB on Feb 06, 2013Please share a photo of the shelf and the room you plan to keep it in... will help with the recommendations!Helpful Reply
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Neatsmart on Feb 06, 2013I agree with June above that painting is certainly the easiest thing you can do to spruce it up. If you can take the shelves off that will make it much easier. I also recommend getting some baskets that are the same depth as the shelves if you have office supplies to store. Wrapping the shelves in fabric is another cool option but you have to have a lot of fabric! If you could post some pictures, that would be great. I've heard that milk paint is really cool if you want that antique look. Good luck!Helpful Reply
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Erin H on Feb 06, 2013June, It's tall and pretty wide. About the normal width of a bookshelf I suppose. I have only ever had this on and one other to compare it to. I was thinking about trying the wallpaper, but don't know how to go about putting it on there because the back is a thin piece of wood. Like 1/8" of an inch. Feet seem like a really great idea too. BeckySue, it's going to be in my great room actually right where it is in the picture (sans the Christmas tree!).Helpful Reply
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Virtually Staging Properties, Inc on Feb 08, 2013What a fun DIY project you can do with this bookshelf. The bookshelf is definately screaming out "makeover". If you are trying to match it to your desk then go with the cream look. For some contrast keep it the same color and paint the inside back section of the bookshelf a cream color or find a pretty vinyl or wallpaper print with a cream background and apply. Some books that have colorful sleeves would add some pop of color as well after painting. Here is a link to get started with ideas http://bit.ly/Ygfb45 and to keep your shelving unit arranged neatly here is a link to some tips http://bit.ly/uPRJeH. Can't wait to see what you come up with and send us pics!Helpful Reply
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Culpepper Carpets and Interiors, Inc. on Feb 09, 2013Here is a simple, but elegant idea; remove the shelves & paint the inside & outside of the cabinet the same beige as the desk, then put the brown shelves back in the cabinet & attach 2 of these Ikea lights to the thttp://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10143485/op of the bookcase.Helpful Reply
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