What can you make out of old bookshelves

DIY Repurposed Bookcase Bar Table. … Easy Bookcase Headboard. … Upcycled Bookcase Coffee Table. … DIY Bookcase Container Garden. … Repurposed Bookcase Lockers. … Adorable Recycled Bookcase Dollhouse. … Upcycled Bookcase Double Work Station. … DIY Bookcase Dress Up Closet.

Can you upcycle a bookcase?

You don’t have to use your bookcase just for books. You can always repurpose it for other storage needs in your home. Crafty Nest’s Monica turned a plain pine bookshelf into a charming china hutch. She increased the height by building a custom base with legs.

How do I make the most of my bookshelves?

Go horizontal. …
Use your shelves for support. …
Use books usefully. …
Stack books in unused spaces—under beds, in empty drawers, under coffee tables.
Hang shelves from any space that’s not being used.

What can you use bookshelves for?

Bookshelves are incredibly useful, and for more than just as a home to all your favorite reads. They’re great for organizing, displaying and consolidating different items around the house. They can be put in corners, in hallways, in closets, turn on their side ….

How do you turn a bookshelf into a built in?

Step 1: Screw the bookcases together. Assemble bookcases if needed. …
Step 2: Cut trim for bookcases. …
Step 3: Attach the smaller trim. …
Step 4: Nail the larger trim. …
Step 5: Touch up and decorate built-ins.

How do you update an old bookcase?

Paint. A little paint can go a long way in terms of changing the look of a bookcase! …
Wallpaper. …
Grasscloth. …
Burlap. …
Beadboard. …
Fabric. …
Stencils. …
Chalkboard.

How do you update old built in bookshelves?

Paint or restain. …
Remove elaborate pilasters and molding that don’t fit the home’s style. …
Change hardware. …
Change or remove cabinet and drawer fronts. …
Install lighting.

How do you refurbish a bookcase?

Remove old paint. …
Sand the surface. …
Pay attention to details in the woodwork. …
Fill any dents, scratches or divots. …
Sand the entire bookcase a second time. …
Remove all traces of dust. …
Apply an oil-based stain. …
Seal the bookcase.

How do you fill bookshelves without books?

Show Off Your Photos. Less is more is a frequently-used adage for a reason, but it doesn’t always apply to interiors — as these eclectic built-in shelves prove. …
Vintage Touches. …
Splash of Color. …
Trendy Elements. …
Modern Accents. …
Curated Collection. …
Playful Sophistication.

How do you style a bookcase?

Start with larger items first. It’s easy to come undone when you begin styling your shelf with small decorative items. …
Bring in artwork. …
Mix up book placement. …
Introduce decorative objects. …
Put an item on your stack. …
Decorate in odd numbers. …
Add greenery. …
Consider adding a vase of things.

Article first time published on

How do you organize bookshelves?

The basic rule of thumb for decorating bookshelves: one-third books, one-third accessories, and one-third empty space per shelf. If you’re short on storage, fill the bottom shelf with identical boxes or baskets. Organize 60 percent of books vertically and 40 percent horizontally to create both balance and spontaneity.

Should I organize books by author or title?

Most public libraries organize their books alphabetically by author when shelving fiction, as do bookstores that don’t categorize by genre (and certainly, you can combine the methods—see below!). … You can organize books by the same author alphabetically by title or leave ’em any way that feels right.

What kind of paint do you use on bookshelves?

Acrylic is a great paint to use for a bookshelf. Latex paints, which are commonly used for walls, can sometimes remain tacky, which isn’t good for putting books on. Stir your paint to make sure it’s all a consistent color and test it on some scrap wood.

How do you decorate the back of a bookcase?

Paint and wallpaper offer ways to add some style to your plain bookshelf, but a fun way to add color, design and texture is to cover your bookshelf’s backing with some interesting fabric. A bold design will create visual interest, and shiny fabrics can add a sense of depth to the shelf and brighten up the items on it.

How do you make a bookshelf look nice?

Vary Horizontal and Vertical Stacking. I like to start by dividing up all my books by size. …
Add Color to The Back of Your Bookshelf. This is a great way to make your bookshelf look more harmonious. …
Display Books by Size and Use Bookends.

How do you paint a bookshelf without sanding?

USE A MINERAL PAINT. Mineral paint is very similar to chalk style paints in that no prep or prime is required. …
USE MILK PAINT + BONDING AGENT. As I already mentioned, the antique desk in this post was not prep-sanded. …
USE A BONDING PRIMER. …
USE A LIQUID SANDER/DEGLOSSER.

Are bookcases out of style?

Bookcases can be outdated, especially if not looked after, made of fast-furniture, and filled with other items rather than books. However, a stylish, modern bookcase made of solid wood and filled with volumes can still create an enjoyable atmosphere in your living room.

What should I put on top of my bookcase?

Look for greenery that not only extends upwards but that can drape over the sides. A combination of silk ivy, pothos or ferns and some potted silk grasses will add the touch of green reminiscent of living material while eliminating any work other than the occasional dusting.

What to do with extra shelves?

Above the Door. …
Above the Door (Reprise) …
Above the Couch. …
Above the Radiator. …
Along the Top of a Hallway. …
Above the Television. …
Above a Desk. …
Above the Bed.

How deep should bookshelves be?

Shelf depth is determined by the size of the items to be stored, generally within the range of 6 to 24 inches. Shelf depth for a general purpose bookshelf is usually 10 to 12 inches. Shelf spacing will generally range from 7 to 15 inches with 8 to 12 inches being common for bookshelves.

What kind of paint do you use on wood bookshelves?

Semi-gloss or high-gloss paint sheens are your best bets; their non-porous, smoother finish is easier to clean, and moisture beads on these surfaces rather than being absorbed, so the paint coat doesn’t weather or fade with time.

How do you paint old bookshelves?

Take the hardware and doors off the bookshelf. Take the hardware off the doors. …
Tape off where the screws will go. …
Prep the bookshelf. …
Prime the bookshelf. …
Paint! …
Distress (optional) …
Seal with wax. …
Put the doors and new hardware on the bookshelf.

How do you Restain oak bookshelves?

Prep the bookcase. Remove the shelves and shelf pins (if removable) and gather your supplies. …
Remove the old finish. …
Smooth the wood. …
Clean the bookcase. …
Paint the exterior. …
Reattach the back.

What do you put on modern shelves?

Plants, plants and more plants. Plants are super on trend at the moment. …
Texture. Look for fun woven baskets, wooden prayers beads and little boxes to add texture to your shelves.
Candle holders. …
Books. …
Vases. …
Pictures, art prints and photos.
Candles.
Risers.

How do you display old books?

Books were designed to be stored on a bookcase; therefore, your books should be stored vertically. Storing your book upright in a snug, but not tight, fit between two similar sized books or a display case will maintain the integrity of the cover or dust jacket by not leaving any imprints from other books.

Is it better to store books upright or flat?

Store them on a flat surface, but not on the floor. Ideally, stand the books upright in the storage box. Always pack stacks of books with fore edges facing the sides of the box so that if the load shifts, the “spines against spines” configuration guards against damage. Do not lay books flat on top of the upright ones.

What are Ikea bookcases called?

Billy (stylised as BILLY) is a bookcase sold by the Swedish furniture company IKEA. It was developed in 1979 by the Swedish designer Gillis Lundgren and IKEA have sold over 60 million units of the bookcases worldwide. Its popularity and global spread has led to its use as a barometer of relative worldwide price levels.

Why do decorators turn books backwards?

It’s a really simple answer: copyright! That’s right, this isn’t some breakthrough of a design trick. Although it’s actually kind of a hot button issue with book lovers who aren’t fans of hiding the titles. It’s because the network would have to get copyright clearance from every single title in order to display them.

How do you label library bookshelves?

Repurpose write-on metal, ceramic, or slate garden markers into shelf labels by adding removable adhesive backing. Cut up adhesive-backed cork sheets into the appropriate size, and stencil or stamp your tags directly onto the cork. It creates a rustic, wine-cellar-style look.