DIY Bookshelf Makeover That’s Not Just For Bookworms

A DIY bookshelf makeover might just seem like something that would grab the interest of a bookworm, but we think you'll adore the bookshelves we've gathered to inspire you today. You don't have to have a library that Belle would dance and sing about in order to have a great looking bookshelf. However, we think she would love the chic one's we want to show off!

You don't have to always run out and buy a new piece of furniture when the one you have is looking a little tired. Or maybe you found something at the flea market that has great bones but needs some help. Sometimes a good facelift with some paint and a new backsplash is just what you need.

These bookcases will give you every bit of inspiration you need to do your own DIY bookshelf makeover. You're on your way to your own trendy farmhouse and adding a bookcase will bring you one step closer.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase using the links below. All opinions are all my own.

How Do you Make a Bookcase Look Interesting?

If your old bookcase needs a new look consider add different textures and decor with your books. For example tuck in a plant, art and use decorative bookends. Also, consider using baskets you can see thorugh to store some of your books. Remember to be creative and look for items that will make your bookcase look interesting. Read on for some easy ways to make your bookcase look interesting.

How to Do you Make a Plain Bookcase Look Fancy?

Bookcases get overlooked many times when it come to makeovers. But you can take your standard bookcase up a notch. A few simple ways to make a bookcase look fancy is with paint and decor. Give your bookcase a fresh coat of paint or even a beautiful color of paint. And don't forget adding accessories in with your books. Simple decorations are a great way to make a plain bookcase look fancy.

DIY Bookshelf Makeover

In this post I am sharing bookcase makeover to decorating bookcases. There is a little of everything from thrift store finds, DIY projects and unique ways to decorate with books. I'm sure you'll find the best way to display your favorite books and items. Let's get started with a thrift store bookcase makeover.

Thrift Store Bookcase Makeover

We just finished writing the post Popular Fusion Mineral Paint Colors and were ecstatic to share with you Lauren at Blesser House bookshelf makeover where she used Fusion Mineral Paint.

The pop of dark color on the back of the shelves is stunning! A little paint and this bookshelf has a new lease on life.

Decorating Gray Painted Bookcase

Since it's spring and you might be in the spring cleaning mode, Colleen at Life on Kaydeross Creek‘s post on decorating your bookshelf is just in time. Her book case in grey paint and can be decorated seasonally with many beautiful bookshelf ideas. I love that the lower cabinets have doors so you can store whatever you need to in there.

She begins with cleaning off your shelves and walks you through how to decorate and make the flow on each shelf ease into the next.

Office Bookcase Decorating Idea

Suzy at Worthing Court‘s bookcase makeover on her tired bookcase came out breathtaking!

If you have an average bookcase in your home office or even your work office, you have got to check out this transformation. It's almost impossible to believe what this piece looked like before the makeover.

Her sliding farm door is the cherry on top of this amazing restoration. It completes the rustic look.

Cheap Bookcase Makeover

I love built-in bookshelves but you'll want to keep the look fresh. This built-in bookshelf starts off as a white clean piece of furniture.

If you're looking for a cheap bookcase makeover, you can simply clear off your shelves and gather pieces together from all over your home. It's the perfect way to change things up without a lot of extra cost.

Arin at Arin Solange at Home walks you through from greenery, different metals, textures and sizes on how to style your bookcase. She makes it easy and totally functional!

Upcycled Bookcase with Wallpaper

Did you know you can stick wallpaper or fabric on your bookshelves? Laura at Heart Filled Spaces did something that is super original to her bookshelves. She used fabric to dress up their backing! Isn't that an out of the box fun idea for a diy bookshelf makeover?

Click on over to her blog and check out how she pulled off this look by changing up the back of the bookcase.

Living Room Bookcase Decor

As you scroll through this post, you'll notice the majority of bookshelves are not cluttered full of books. Not only that, most of the books do not have the spine of the book facing out. This keeps the color scheme neutral and easy on the eyes.

April at House of Hoff teaches the concept of groupings and it will help you in every area you decorate. This simple bookcase is beautiful in organization and color scheme.

Decorating Bookcases with Books

Bookcases are made for books but using books as decorations can make an ordinary bookcase look extra-ordinary. And the easiest way to make your bookcase both function and decorative. Liz at Love Grows Wild has so many wonderful ideas.

A farmhouse looks fresh and clean with white furniture pieces. They can be chalkpainted or Fusion mineral painted or painted with latex paint.

Vintage items look great with books. Pages that have aged, still hold tails that we cherish, so why not add other items that bring cherished memories.

The lace, ribbon, and string in jars make you wonder the story behind each spool.

White Bookcase Seasonal Decorating

At our house we have two white bookcases in our living room/dining room area. These bookcases act more for decorations than they do for storing books. So each season or holiday I like to give it a fresh new look by changing out the decor. Here is an idea for the fall that I share in my decorating with fall colors post.

But on the everyday it looks like the photo below. I love decorating our bookcases with in a vintage cottage style. However, for seasons and holiday I simply change out the plants to seasonal and add things to bowls and such that fit the season as I did with the bowl full of sweater pumpkins above.

Maximalist Bookcase Ideas

Samantha at Samantha McGlothin has a great collection of books of different sizes. She has styled her shelves with vintage pieces to tie together her farmhouse look.

A collection of clocks, a vintage fan, and antique bottles look perfect in groups and scattered throughout the bookshelf.

Vintage Bookcase Makeover

Katie at Little House of Four took a vintage barrister style bookcase and gave it a fresh coat of satin paint and it immediately had a new life.

She walks you through the steps and lists out what you need to take on a renovation like this in her blog post. The work she put into this piece makes a bookcase makeover a dream come true. I love the glass cabinet doors that help keep your shelves dust-free.

Decorating a White Bookcase

Cori at Dress Cori Lynn bookshelf style ideas start with how she styles her books. From laying some flat, stacking her books to even talking through what type of genre is on each shelf.

When you think about a bookshelf, you can relate it to the perfect dress.

First, you put the books on the bookshelf, just like you put on your dress. But it is important to add accessories to your bookshelf, just like it's important to add jewelry and accessories to your dress.

Stand Alone Bookcase Makeover

We featured Amanda at Farmhouse 165 at Christmas time. Her home is simply beautiful!

This bookcase will give you some inspiration for a bookcase makeover on a stand-alone bookshelf.

The pops of colors she adds while putting together her shelves draw your attention to this piece.

DIY Pallet Bookcase Makeover

Looking for a fun diy bookcase makeover? Jen walks you through how to put a pallet backing on a bookcase in order to give a rustic makeover to an ordinary bookcase. What a great idea!

If you have a collection of pallets and aren't sure what to do with them, hop over and let Jen inspire you! Give your old bookshelf a new look with this fun DIY.

Nursery Bookcase Ideas

A child's room is always a great place for more books. If you don't have a bookshelf to do a makeover on and you have a little one that has a book collection, Lindi and Russell show how to make your own house bookshelf like this one.

If it's a small space or you're concerned about storage space, never fear. It's a bookcase that can be hung on a wall and keep floor space free, which can be a make it or break it if you should add another piece of furniture in your home or not. And you now how extra storage on the bookcase and under it.

Isn't this dollhouse bookcase adorable! It will look so sweet in your kid's room. For more details go check it out on their blog.

Shop Adorable Nursery Bookcases:

Conclusion

Do you know what is great about all these bookcase makeovers?  They use everyday items around your house that you can use to decorate your shelves. It's an easy way to give your bookshelves a whole new look.

You will find all these bookshelf makeover ideas to be easy and refreshing so hop on over and check out their posts for more details.

Back at Christmas, we showed you how to use your favorite Christmas books to decorate your home.  See how easy it is to decorate your bookcase with books and here are some ideas on perfectly styled shelves.

And don't forget last week's post on how to cheap bookcase makeover. We show how to add character to a built-in bookshelf.

You have some great options to give new life to your tired furniture. We would love to see your before and after.

Happy Decorating!

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