Before we moved into our house, the previous owner asked us if he could keep all of the shelves in the basement for us. Uh…..yeah!!! There are a lot of shelves, they are sturdy, and we have lots of bins full of stuff miscellaneous items. Of course we would keep them. Who doesn’t love instant storage?????
There was one shelf that was a little bit nicer, a little bit sturdier than the others, and so we brought it upstairs. It is no longer a storage shelf. It is living its second life as furniture in the form of a bookshelf in our study.
We have been using it unpainted and loaded with books and other stuff. Our study is a mixture of his space and my space. Mr. Spring has a desk and area, and I have my desk and area.
There is nothing special about this bookshelf, but it was free and works for now. I decided our study needed at least one painted piece of furniture. My desk is a beautiful antique roll top desk that I got from my parents. Mr. Spring would be shocked to know that there are some things I wouldn’t paint, and the paint will not come close to the roll top desk.
However, I had no sentimental attachment to the shelf. Its wood was not a very good quality nor was it in very good condition. So, I attacked it with a paint brush. Here it is all painted white, and it adds a freshness to the room. The room is painted a very light green with white trim, and the shelf now POPS!!! The green isn’t showing up too well in these photos.
I liked the white but thought it needed a little something more. I almost added fabric to the back of our dining room hutch when I did its transformation last fall but decided not to. (You can read all about the before and after of the hutch here and here). Well, the hutch escaped the fabric enhancement, but this bookshelf didn’t.
This fabric was on sale at Hobby Lobby, and I thought it had a little something but not too much. Also, the green is perfect with the soft green walls.
I used these tools to measure and cut the fabric. Once I cut the fabric to size for each shelf, I used Mod Podge as a glue to attach the fabric and tried my best to smooth it out. Once it was on, I then covered the fabric with a layer of Mod Podge. Sorry there are no pictures of that step. It was a fast process, and this girl only has one pair of hands.
The fabric looks really great as a backdrop for our books and do-dads.
I didn’t try to follow any decorating rules when I put things on the shelves. I did what looked right to me.
I am happy with the quick and easy change. It is now a fresh looking shelf. Considering the shelf was free, I had the paint on hand, and I had a coupon for the fabric, this little before and after cost less than $10 to go…….
……….from that to this.
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Kim says
I love the fabric added to the back. They look so nice and free is good!
Lavender Dreams says
They really do POP in that clean bright white! And I love the background you chose. The little bicycle sure is cute! I desperately NEED some bookcases! ♥
Mary Alice Patterson says
Your bookcase looks fabulous painted white with the green fabric. What a difference it is in your room. So fresh and springy. Love it!
Mary Alice
Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says
Love it! Never would’ve thought to use fabric but now you’ve got me thinking. Don’t you just love Mod Podge? Who created it, anyway? Your bookcase is beautiful. What a bargain!
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Looks fantastic and I really love the fabric…it made all the difference!
Becca says
What a transformation! You’ve given your bookshelf new life! I love the fabric you chose, and you’ve styled it wonderfully! *Becca*
Pam @ diy Design Fanatic says
Very nice! I love the fabric backing against the white. Stopping by from Met Monday
Black Eyed Susans Kitchen says
What an amazing transformation. The bookshelves look so up to date and fresh! This is a really pretty addition to the room.
shelia says
Oh, lucky you with the left over shelves! They look wonderful after your transformation! Love the fabric on the backs too. You did good.
Be a sweetie,
shelia 😉
Debbie@refreshrestyle says
I just love free and pretty! It looks great, I think I bought a yard of that fabric. I love the pattern!
Debbie
Angie says
It loves lovely! What an amazing transformation! The green fabric is perfect! Angie xo
Judy says
I love the fabric on the back of the bookcases. Great finishing touch. What a difference a coat of paint and a little fabric can make. Awesome job.
thistlewoodfarm says
What a transformation! I love the size of those bookshelves and the pop of color on the back!
blessings,
karianne
Kelly says
What a great idea to cover the back of those bookcases with fabric. That shade of green is very pretty. It really makes the accessories pop now.
Joyce @ Quilted Nestj says
look at all that lovely color! Free is always good.