Decorating
Decorating: Turn Your Bookcase into a Colourful Focal Point
Just a lick of paint can transform your bookshelves into a stylish feature that will revitalise any room
Because of their sheer size, bookcases make a natural focal point in a room. Why not take advantage of that fact and treat your bookshelves to a colourful makeover? A fresh lick of paint, whether bold or subtle, all over or as an accent, can completely change the look of your shelving – and your entire room. Check out these ways to transform your shelves with paint, plus styling tips to make the most of their new look.
STYLING TIP Take painting your bookcases as an opportunity to pare down your collection of books and objects – aim to keep at least one-third of each shelf empty. It’s especially important to leave some free space when you’ve painted the back of the shelves, so you can see the colour behind the objects. Mix things up by alternating stacks of books with objects, or try leaning a few taller items behind the books to add depth.
Splash a hot shade
For an even bolder choice, try hot pink, persimmon orange or bright red – these juicy hues would work well in a dining room, playroom or small study. Crisp white in the rest of the room keeps things simple, so the bold colour doesn’t overwhelm the space.
For an even bolder choice, try hot pink, persimmon orange or bright red – these juicy hues would work well in a dining room, playroom or small study. Crisp white in the rest of the room keeps things simple, so the bold colour doesn’t overwhelm the space.
Go for subtle highlights
Bold hues not for you? Colour doesn’t always need to hit you in the face to be effective – why not try a soft but rich café au lait colour on the backs of your shelves instead? Surround the bookcase with a range of warm neutrals for a cozy and sophisticated look.
Bold hues not for you? Colour doesn’t always need to hit you in the face to be effective – why not try a soft but rich café au lait colour on the backs of your shelves instead? Surround the bookcase with a range of warm neutrals for a cozy and sophisticated look.
Pick up the tone of the room
In this living room, freestanding bookcases are painted just a shade darker than the walls. This helps the bookcases feel like an intentional part of the room’s design – more bespoke.
See 10 creative ways to display your books
In this living room, freestanding bookcases are painted just a shade darker than the walls. This helps the bookcases feel like an intentional part of the room’s design – more bespoke.
See 10 creative ways to display your books
Embrace a seamless look
Paint bookcases to match the walls, skirting boards and woodwork for a polished, decorated look. Paint that’s a deep colour (like the one shown here) tends to work best in smaller rooms. In a bigger space, try the same seamless look in a soft, neutral hue such as taupe or buttermilk.
STYLING TIP Fully painted bookcases bring to mind a gorgeous old library – play it up by filling shelves to the brim with books rather than fussing with styling objects and stacks. Sconces mounted on the edges of shelves would make a nice finishing touch.
Paint bookcases to match the walls, skirting boards and woodwork for a polished, decorated look. Paint that’s a deep colour (like the one shown here) tends to work best in smaller rooms. In a bigger space, try the same seamless look in a soft, neutral hue such as taupe or buttermilk.
STYLING TIP Fully painted bookcases bring to mind a gorgeous old library – play it up by filling shelves to the brim with books rather than fussing with styling objects and stacks. Sconces mounted on the edges of shelves would make a nice finishing touch.
Add depth with two tones
Incorporating the punch of a painted back and the richness of a bespoke look, two-tone bookcases offer a little something for everyone. The key is to choose two hues with the same lightness, so they are easy on the eyes. Or, for a different take, choose one hue and pick a lighter and deeper shade of it for the back and sides of your bookcase.
Incorporating the punch of a painted back and the richness of a bespoke look, two-tone bookcases offer a little something for everyone. The key is to choose two hues with the same lightness, so they are easy on the eyes. Or, for a different take, choose one hue and pick a lighter and deeper shade of it for the back and sides of your bookcase.
Channel your furniture
Take the two-tone look a step further and repeat a colour used in your furniture. Notice how the blue of this ottoman is repeated in the shelf backing.
Take the two-tone look a step further and repeat a colour used in your furniture. Notice how the blue of this ottoman is repeated in the shelf backing.
Plumb the depths
Whether you choose to paint just the backs or the whole thing, using a dark colour is one of the strongest statements you can make with your bookcase. Black is classic, but black-blue, green and grey are chic choices, as well. High-gloss paint creates a glamorous look, but be aware that it will also make every flaw show up, so use high gloss only if your shelves are in great shape.
Whether you choose to paint just the backs or the whole thing, using a dark colour is one of the strongest statements you can make with your bookcase. Black is classic, but black-blue, green and grey are chic choices, as well. High-gloss paint creates a glamorous look, but be aware that it will also make every flaw show up, so use high gloss only if your shelves are in great shape.
STYLING TIP On dark shelves, contrast is important. Hunt down some bright white objects that will stand out against the deep colour. To help dark shelves settle into the room, choose artwork with the same dark hue and hang it on a nearby wall.
Have you painted a bookcase? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
Have you painted a bookcase? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
Painting just the back of a bookcase creates a fresh, current look that will instantly wake up a room. Either watery aqua or sunshine yellow with crisp white trim would be ideal for a summery living room.
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