Update a Bookcase With Wallpaper

5 Materials
$20
3 Hours
Medium
Have a boring bookcase? Why not add pattern and pizazz with leftover wallpaper? Recently I painted a bookcase and wanted to make it a bit more special, so that's just what I did.
I started with a normal bookcase. It was nice and solid, but a bit scratched up. Clean it well, then lightly sand the tops and shelves.
It received a few coats of chalk paint, topped with a few coats of polycrylic in satin.
Then I applied wallpaper to the back of the bookcase, being careful to line up the pattern. Measure it out and cut it to size for best results. Smooth is with a wallpaper tool.
Don't you love this wallpaper? I had leftovers from my hallway, but something with less of a pattern would have been easier to work with. I've also used beadboard wallpaper with great results.


For more details, check out my blog. There are lots more furniture makeovers!
Suggested materials:
  • Bookcase   (thrift store)
  • Wallpaper   (wallpaper store)
  • Wallpaper paste   (hardware store)
See all materials
Emy Flint | Semigloss Design
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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  2 questions
  • Cry13569905 Cry13569905 on Mar 01, 2022

    Did you put the wallpaper on the side wall of the cabinet?

  • Cry13569905 Cry13569905 on Mar 01, 2022

    Did you put the wallpaper on the side walls of the cabinet?

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  • Joanie Joanie on Apr 12, 2018

    I love the picture of the bare trees......it brings back memories and I would hang it on my wall in a heartbeat!! It is beautiful!

  • Em Em on Feb 20, 2021

    Love the paper. Just added it to my shopping list on Amazon. I have redo my shelves in the laundry room that is all black and white. Thanks for the tip.

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