How to Add Pizzazz to Your Bookcases

Home Decorating

Feb 18

Bookcases and bookshelves. We all have them. It's a staple furniture piece in any home. In and of themselves, they're nothing to brag about. They're functional. They house books, knick knacks, pictures, souvenirs, and for some...layers of dust because it's too hard to remove all the junk that's been piled onto them over the years.With today's post, I'd like to inspire you to add some pizzazz to your bookcases... joog 'em up by adding some color and character to an otherwise boring space.I've had this project on my mind for months. I've had some leftover wallpaper from a project that we completed last February (see the video here) sitting in my garage and I've been contemplating about what to do with it. I wanted to use it across my TV wall but had a feeling I didn't have enough (and I was right) and to order more would mean I'd have to order enough for the entire project since the dye lots won't be the same and I didn't want to risk a color difference. The other thought was to wallpaper behind my bookcase area in my living room. So... this weekend I finally got off my duff and just did it.Here's what I started with... This is actually a recessed niche that is perfect for built-in shelving. It's wider than a store bought bookcase can fill which I always thought didn't look finished so when I moved in, I "built" and installed these shelves myself (fist bump on that one!) I just painted them the same color as the wall because I had the paint and it was easy.Now let the transformation begin!!First, I removed all the books and photos that were on there (sorry, I wasn't very good about documenting every little step...hey it was just me and I just wanted to get it done!)Tools needed:

step stool

scissors

box cutter (with a fresh, sharp blade)

painter's tape

wallpaper

I used Tempaper which is a self-adhesive, removable wallpaper. There's no gluing involved which means you can totally do the project yourself. They have a lot of great designs and colors to choose from. The best part about this product is that there's no commitment issues. If you get tired of it, just peel it off and install a new one or if you're renting and you want to add the personality that wallpaper gives you without the hassles that come with traditional wallpaper removal...this is it! It takes some effort to install it, but removing it is seriously easier than repainting!I started from the top left hand corner wall and worked my way down to the first shelf. These are fixed shelves so I went from shelf to shelf. If they were removable, I would just remove all the shelves and wallpaper straight down. For the first piece, I marked the length needed then cut it with a scissor. As I progressed through the project, I just started adhering the wallpaper to the wall and used the box cutter to cut directly on the wall/shelf. The trickiest part is matching up the pattern repeat. That's what I used the painter's tape for...to help me find the right alignment. Again, I only did that on the first shelf and then I just got bolder and just worked with it directly on the wall. Luckily with this product, you can unpeel and adjust it as needed and it won't lose the tackiness...it's pretty awesome!Once I was done installing the wallpaper, I decided to take it up a notch by painting the decorative trim on the front of the shelves with some metallic gold paint I had leftover from another project.I thought it turned out pretty nice...it's the little details you know...And there you have it...BEFORE wallpaper and AFTER wallpaper and styling with books and other accessories. The styling is a work in progress...this is just what I had handy. It was very obvious to me that I need to print some more recent photos...so sad now that we've gone digital. Pictures just sit in perpetuity in my computer.

This probably took about 3 hours total to complete. I was doing multiple things at the same time (can we say A-D-D?!) and I took a break because I had a headache. It's definitely not a difficult project and the results are so dramatic. It literally makes me smile when I walk into my living room now...it's so pretty! =)Here are more photos to inspire you to add pizazz to your bookcases.This is a shelving unit that was in the Dining Room of Episode 107 of HGTV's Power Broker. To add some visual interest, I wallpapered the back of the unit with wrapping paper. Yes, you heard me correctly...wrapping paper! The roll was about $3 and I didn't use very much. Just measured, cut and installed it with double stick tape. Instant Pizzazz!Here are a few more examples that I found on Pinterest...I invite you to follow me there for inspiration for every room in your house!Can I just say... I LOVE this zebra wallpaper!You can also use fabric you have or love as a backdrop as well...or just paint the backs for a fun pop of color!Easy peasy right?I hope this motivates you to take that old boring bookcase or shelving unit and give it some new life with color and pattern. Trust me, elevating your living space doesn't have to cost a lot, but it does take a little effort and the rewards are phenomenol. I dare you to try it!What have you done to make your bookcases or bookshelves more exciting? Leave me a comment below and share a photo or two with me...I'd love to see!