Asked on Aug 09, 2018

How can I update the back of my cupboards that show in my dining room?

Fran Bland
by Fran Bland

Thank you for any ideas.

  18 answers
  • William William on Aug 09, 2018

    Frames as panels, molding, and paint.

  • Jcraw Jcraw on Aug 09, 2018

    Mind you, it depends on the color of your furniture and your decor. And the size of your room.

    I would tend to stain it a bit darker, so the grain was not quite as strong. And hang a couple of prints that made me smile and brightened the room, and me.


    Of course, you could just primer/paint it to match your wall color. This would be my preference. It would visually integrate your kitchen

    But I still love art on the walls. The lighter surface will likely make the room look larger.

  • Frances Arlene Frances Arlene on Aug 09, 2018

    PUT CROWN MOLDING AROUND THE TOP AND THEN SAND THE BOTTOM TILL IT'S SMOOTH REMOVE DUST,PUT TWO COATS OF VARNISH SAND BETWEEN THE COATS STAIN DARKER IF YOU LIKE.

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Aug 10, 2018

    Pretty contact paper

  • 4002639 4002639 on Sep 19, 2018

    I was thinking paint it a color to match the wall and then hang a shelf at the bottom.


    Or...paint and then add the decorative frames inside. You can buy frames at Dollar Store if you want and hang them first and then paint all at the same time.


    Once you paint it the area above becomes usable too, oohhh! The possibilities are endless.


  • Debi53 Debi53 on Sep 19, 2018

    Since it faces your dining room, treat it like it's part of the dining room. Paint it like the rest of the room and then decorate the surface to tie in with your room's decor. Maybe hang a collection of mismatched pretty plates. If the wood is solid, you could hang a shelf near the top to display pretty bowls, pottery, or glassware with a collection of plates below the shelf. Use this area as a feature for your room. Best of luck.

  • Patti Nicholas Patti Nicholas on Sep 19, 2018

    I would paint it to match the walls then hang pretty china and paintings to compliment my decor style. I do like the idea of adding crown molding and framing the whole thing to give it a finished look.

  • LOUIE LOUIE on Sep 19, 2018

    I have found some cool stick on wall paper at Walmart for my area above my cabinets, and also used it beneath my countertop in the 'bar' area.. Looks great and was easy to apply. This really dressed up the room.

  • Mbusowabalondo Mbusowabalondo on Aug 29, 2019

    Paint it and put some stylish shelving to match your dining room area and put some decorative pieces on then it will look wow.

  • Edith Reardon Edith Reardon on Oct 30, 2019

    Design - contact paper or wallpaper. Plain melamine paint for a shinier surface, or you can go for a solid stain or acrylic paint to match the walls. Moulding design, crown moulding or they have some wonderful decorative moulding. Hanging plates sounds great and even decorative knobs to hang cups. Wood cutout what you would like ie chandelier, 3 birds flying etc.. Treat it as an empty canvas.

  • Michele Pappagallo Michele Pappagallo on Oct 10, 2020

    Depending on the style of your home, I would put shiplap on it. Paint it white and use it as a place to hang artwork, decor, etc.

  • Edith Reardon Edith Reardon on Nov 05, 2020

    Take the back off and put on doors. This way the cabinet can be used by both sides. Will really update the look of it.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Mar 07, 2021

    Hello there,

    Wallpaper them to match into the room or Paint them with chalk pAINT TO MATCH IN, OR Stain and Wax and even add a few shelves or a Picture.....Enjoy!

  • MomMom MomMom on Nov 14, 2021

    You could put beadboard on the back and run a quarter round trim on the edges.


  • Libbie B Libbie B on Jan 07, 2022

    Have you thought of adding a bit of texture and paint? OR even a pop of color with wallpaper?

  • Deb K Deb K on Mar 04, 2022

    Hi Fran, you can paint it a nice color in chalk paint!, the chalk paint has character and will look great!

  • Mogie Mogie on Mar 05, 2022

    You could always paint them or if you know someone who draws have them make a mural for you.