Design Ideas for Bookcases and Shelf Units

Bookcases and built-in shelving units are a common feature in homes and offices. Whether your shelving unit or bookcase is a custom built-in unit or an adjustable "build-it-yourself" unit, you can update the look of your room by covering the back panel of the bookcase with a trendy decorative wallpaper or fabric.

If your shelves are a dark wood or painted a dark color, add a solid or pattern that brightens your space. If the shelves are a light wood or painted a light color, choose a solid or pattern that adds warmth to your space.



This project is a quick and easy update idea.

Complete this project by following these easy steps.

Step 1

Remove all items from the bookcase or shelf unit.

Step 2

Dust the unit and shelves.

Step 3

Choose a covering for the back panel of the unit that is stylish and easy to handle. There are many covering materials to choose from, including wallpaper, shelf paper and fabric. This article will focus on using wall covering to paper the back panel of the shelf unit.

Step 4

Assemble project materials:

Covering of your choice (wallpaper/fabric/other material)

Scissors

Pencil

Measuring tape

Yardstick or ruler

Adhesive - permanent (such as wallpaper paste) or removable (two-sided tape, adhesive dots or adhesive putty)
Foam (if you prefer, you may cover foam rectangles/blocks that will fit snugly into each compartment, They can be removed and recovered at a later time)

Step 5

If the backboard or shelves can be easily removed, remove them.

It is easier to cover the entire unit backboard with one large piece of wallpaper or fabric.

Papering the backboard of alternate shelves adds style and visual appeal.


You may prefer to paper foam blocks that will slide into the bookcase compartments.

Step 6

Lay out the wall covering on a clean flat surface. Measure and mark the cuts you will make to assure an exact fit. If you are covering a styrofoam block/rectangle, measure enough material to extend around the rectangle plus two inches.

Handle the paper or material carefully, so it doesn't crease, stretch or become damaged. Ask someone to hold the material as you cut it, if necessary.

Step 7

If you are covering a foam rectangle, secure the paper or fabric with tacky adhesive or two sided tape.

If the covering will be applied directly to the panel, and you wish for the covering to be removable, add two-sided adhesive tape/sticky dots/velcro to the back panel of the bookcase,

Note: If you use a permanent adhesive, such as wallpaper paste, or other liquid adhesive, it is unlikely that you will be able to remove the wallpaper or fabric in the future, without damaging the back panel, particularly if the bookcase backboard is lightweight or cardboard.

Step 8

When applying wall covering directly, carefully apply and smooth from the center to the edges. If the material is difficult to handle by yourself, ask someone to help you hold it as you apply it and smooth it out. Note: Using a thicker wall paper or fabric like burlap, is easier to handle and less likely to wrinkle or crease.

Step 9

If you applied the paper or fabric with wallpaper adhesive or another liquid adhesive, allow it to dry completely before replacing the back panel and shelves, if you removed them in Step 5. If you used liquid adhesive to cover foam rectangles, allow each to dry before sliding each into the back of a bookcase compartment.

Step 10

Now for the fun -- arrange decorative accessories on each shelf. De-clutter. Choose items that accent the new look of the bookshelves - - choose items that pop with the colors, material and design you've chosen.

Step 11  -- Enjoy your rooms trendy new look!


Rusted Chandelier Kirkwood Missouri offers a variety of ready to buy rolls of decorative paper, special order wallpapers and fabrics. Perfect choices for this and many other projects.

It's the perfect time to update your bookcases and shelves with a few new trendy items or a complete makeover. 

Stop by the Rusted Chandelier to introduce yourself, talk with our designers and browse our newest accessories.

www.rustedchandelier.com