How to partially update room with dark books shelf and mouldings

Shirley black
by Shirley black

Would also appreciate advice on how to declutter books and style them nicely?


  7 answers
  • Sharon Sharon on Aug 24, 2017

    I would start by weeding out the books I am never going to read again, and recycle to a thrift store. Then I would paint the backs of those book cases a bright color to lighten up the room. And consider painting the rest of the bookcases white for a fresh look. Then artfully arrange the remaining books and some collectibles for a fresh look. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/78813062209350755/

    If the mouldings seem oppressive, I would paint them a nice crisp white including doorways, windows, baseboards and crown moulding.

  • Judy Judy on Aug 24, 2017

    Shirley, if your room is DARK, then select a lighter color, your choice, and then paint one shelf a LITE color, and maybe a diff. shelf, another LITE color. This is a small fact, or idea, but this will really help you alot. Have a lovely day. J.

  • Judy Judy on Aug 24, 2017

    Shirley, in the second note above, from Sharon, consider the homes for older folks too. For they would love to look at the books, even if they don't read the articles, they can look at the pics, ok? Blessings, J.

  • Janet Panos Janet Panos on Aug 24, 2017

    Hi Shirley! The dark bookcase could be brightened by lining the back of each shelf with light colored contact paper or mirrored tiles. After removing some of the books you no longer want, highlight a section or two with a vase, photo, or other treasure you may have. At that point, the dark moulding will complement the dark portions of the bookcase.

  • If you decide to get rid of any books, there are lots of places they can go: local library, retirement homes, nursing homes, churches.


    If you decide to keep the bookshelves and moldings as is, lighten up the rest of the room. Paint, furniture, window treatment, etc.

  • FL FL on Aug 24, 2017

    Paint walls a rosy beige and keep the dark book shelves and molding. Nice, updated look and "new" color trend. Good luck!

  • Barb Barb on Aug 25, 2017

    The best way to brighten a room is by painting the walls and white trim works best with dark woods such as Bombay furniture. Here's two photo's of the wall paint and trim that will charge your cave to amazing brighter room. Yellow undone or beige undertones.