Laminate Bookshelf Makeover

Deena Harding
by Deena Harding
4 Materials
$5
3 Hours
Easy
This cheap laminate bookshelf was ready for the trash, but with some chalk paint and leftover wainscoting it took on a whole new "old" life as a rustic farmhouse bookshelf in the entryway!
Before: Broken Trim and bubbled laminate.
I sanded the laminate finish a little all over and a lot in the spots where there was water damage from cups of water and wiped off the dust with a damp cloth.
Extra wainscoting glued to existing backing.
I cut some leftover wainscoting I had hanging around in my garage and glued it in place with wood glue. It wasn't quite tall enough to not have gaps so I added a few 1/2"x3/4" wood trim pieces I had and glued then nailed those into place on the sides of the bookshelf. Also the front left trim piece was busted and I nailed all the trim pieces into place with a nail gun, and left the holes unfilled to add to the "rustic charm" of the piece.
chalk paint: Gray, white, then antique wax.
I applied one coat of elephant gray chalk paint by Waverly. Then I went over that coat with some white chalk paint by Waverly. I sanded to add to the aged look and smooth out brush strokes. Then I wiped the bookcase down and applied antique wax with a damp rag.
Finished: Styled with a buffalo check runner
I moved it back inside and styled my new farmhouse chic entryway! I had all of the supplies already on hand, so this was a low-cost makeover for me. Based on the amount of chalk paint I used, it was less than $5. This is the little bookshelf that could!
Suggested materials:
  • Sand Paper 80 grit
  • Wainscoting   (Home Depot)
  • Waverly chalk paint in white and elephant gray   (Wal-mart)
See all materials
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