Updating a Book Shelf
I wonder, do you have one of these book cases? or one very like it? Wanna give it a face lift? For $20.00 to $60.00? It’s easy…. come check out updating a book shelf.
I had two of these babies. These cheap bookcases, are like the stepping stones to furnishing your house, it is almost a requirement that you own one at some point in your lifetime. I guarantee that most of you have one, more than one or have had one in the past… Am I right? …well, maybe you are just cooler than me.
Moving on, for those of you that do have one, I have an idea for you. Actually, I have been working on this one off and on for about a month as part of my craft room makeover. Technically they weren’t in the original plans. But, when I banished the exercise equipment from my craft room (see now I don’t feel guilt about sitting on my rump crafting all day!!) I had all this extra room.
I decided to find all craft like objects and corral them into one room. … is it okay to admit I am a bit of a “stuff to craft with” hoarder? And I had these thing in every spare closet… NO more!
Anyway, I had two of these book cases from my last house. Since moving here they had taken up residence in two closets. The other day (Christmas Eve to be exact) I thought it would be fun to have my sewing desk flanked by two book cases, but I am sorry to say, they looked ugly. That and showed too much of my junk.
Hence my makeover, so for your DIY pleasure. Now you too can make that 25.00 bookcase into a thing of beauty! I am not fully done, but when I reveal the full craft room, you’ll see it all decked out.
What you need
Hand saw and miter box, or miter saw
4 pieces 6′ foot long 1″ x 2″ mdf or pine plain square boards
wood glue
finishing nails and a hammer
paint
L bracket (to secure bookcase to wall)
(optional stuff)
4 wooden legs and screw plates
Piece of mdf same size as whole base of bottom of shelf unit
Doors-
A piece of 1/2″ 4′ x 8′ mdf board, cut to width and length at the lumber store (I know H.Depot does this)
Small, most inexpensive baseboard approx 10′ linear feet per door, 20′ total!!
4 hinges
Top- (either)
Crown molding enough to wrap front and sides (optional)
or a piece of the 1/2″ MDF (from doors) in the dimensions of the shelving unit plus 2 inches in length and 1 in width
Decorative paper for back
You could go more expensive on the wood, but it really wouldn’t prove anything. The book case was only 25.00 after all, and you might as well save the money for something funner! (cause that’s a word!)
This sounds a little complicated to begin with, but I promise it is not. I will show you our little scrap book of creating it, then I will show you the breakdown.
The bookshelves and all their junky glory- (there is a blanket in there that I have been crocheting for about 3 years…)
Cut the face frame pieces to their proper length according to you bookshelf dimensions. Begin to glue the pieces together at the corners. We clamped our because we own the large clamps, you can just hold them together for a few minutes and then let the wood glue dry for at least 30 minutes minimum. I added the arrows to show you what seams you glue, at each rail.
Feel free to save the instruction for your own personal projects, but you may not reproduce them without my permission. If you would like to link to this project, please contact me! Thanks… We worked hard on this!
My book shelf is 5′ tall x 3′ wide x 1′ deep. Just to give you an idea.
According to your shelf’s dimensions!!
Cassity Kmetzsch started Remodelaholic after graduating from Utah State University with a degree in Interior Design. Remodelaholic is the place to share her love for knocking out walls, and building everything back up again to not only add function but beauty to her home. Together with her husband Justin, they have remodeled 6 homes and are working on a seventh. She is a mother of four amazing girls. Making a house a home is her favorite hobby.
>Wow – genius! I love the doors and the legs – You did a fantastic job! Thanks for sharing! and yes I have a couple of these babies =)
>Amazing makeover! Wonderful tutorial! Job well done!
Cheers!
Tina
>I need all those tools! My husband has zero tools, so I am slowly building my collection! Those shelves look great!
>Wow!!! This is amazing! I love how it turned out! The step by step tutorial is AWESOME too! Thanks so much!
>Love it! What a beauty. Definitely Ikeahacker worthy.
>Wow! That remake is gorgeous! Great job!
>I think this book case is awesome!! I'd love to do this with mine. (Yes, you were right, I have one, too).
>It looks so custom now! I'm going to have to give this a try.
>great job! a piece of burlap or linen, or even a raised filigree like wallpaper would look pretty in place of the paper.
>Wow! What a difference that makes!!!!
>I never would have thought to put legs on the bookcases. They look great!
>Awesome work! It looks amazing.
>WOW Great Job! The legs were a great idea.
>Oh my goodness, love it. You guys are amazing I will be showing this to my hd….it may be out next project.
Thank so much for sharing.!
>I confess I have two of these puppies. You are so inspiring!
Thanks for linking up to Finished for Friday!
>I had to do a serious doubletake to see how you could have possibly come up with that new look. It looks amazing!
>Fabulous. Takes me back to when Christopher Lowell had his show. He was forever adding molding to bookcases and turning them into great pieces. Love your tutorial.
And the video? Amazing. If you don't mind, I'd love to know how you did that – only for my flower painting kits. Thanks!
>Wonderful idea and great tutorial! Thanks for sharing.
>Love, love, love how this project turned out! I have a few bookcases of my own just begging for a transformation like this. Thanks for sharing such a great tutorial!
>That is so very cool!
Thanks for joining my party.