Should I paint my pine bookcases?

8 years ago

I have two pine bookcases that I think look a bit dull. I’ve recently painted the walls, with advice from Houzzers, and it’s made the bookcases look a bit heavy. Would they look better painted? If so, what colour? The sitting room is painted in F&B Cromarty with white woodwork. Sofas are a biscuit colour and the floor is a rustic oak with a red Persian rug. Here’s a couple of pics. I found Houzzers such a help when choosing my wall colour so I hope you will help me again. By the way I don’t like Annie Sloan paints after painting a wardrobe with it - never again. Thank you.

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honeypoppet

8 years ago

I think I'd paint them dark grey/blackish

Or sand down and stain to a much darker wood colour - mahogany (not the reddish tinge kind) or walnut?

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Comments (24)

E D
8 years ago
Forza, your walls look lovely!

Tricky one, painting the bookcases. I would probably be in favour, but on the other hand, the pine is quite nice and 'warm'. Don't think they're particularly 'dull', but I think I know what you mean.

Maybe a couple of plants trailing/hanging from a shelf would soften their look.
E D
8 years ago
Actually, paint them!

But also try the plants :)
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Sonia
Original Author
8 years ago
Both haha! E D you were one of the Houzzers who helped me choose Cromarty and I can’t stop gazing at my walls. Such a saddo aren’t I? Plants is a good idea too.
Fergus Justice-Mills
8 years ago
If I were you I’d pain them the same colour as the walls then group things on the shelves which are the same colour /hue so all red books together , blue together etc leaving space for prized items to be shown off. Again in groups of similar colour.This will make them blend in and you’ll notice the items on the shelves rather than the bookcases... just a thought but worked for me !
Danielle H
8 years ago
Could you perhaps paint everything but the top and the plinth?

Or just paint the backs?
somervell
8 years ago
Another vote for painting it.
How about Silt?
Ribena Drinker
8 years ago
I'd try F&B Lamp Room Grey on it
Pat Auld
8 years ago
I think once you start thinking about painting something you will do it, otherwise you’ll always be thinking about it. I know you won’t be disappointed. It will give your room that finishing touch. As for colour I’m not sure I think it’s a very personal thing, but maybe just a slightly darker or lighter version of your walls so they don’t completely disappear or even cream might look tasteful and bright. Show us your pics when you do it....I’m sure you will
Alice Sermanni
8 years ago
I would paint the same colour as the walls
A B
8 years ago
Wow what a beautiful colour! Is it blue or green or grey? I would paint the book case to the left of the fireplace the same colour. The one that is only slightly higher than the picture rail makes my eye twitch and I would move it somewhere else!
rachelmidlands
8 years ago
I do love that wall colour:) I’d paint them same colour as the picture frame behind sofa. Looks like a soft off white/cream/ivory? should complement nicely with your ornaments on the mantelpiece. Although I do quite like the look of natural wood. Maybe stripping the varnish off and giving them a lime wax might look nice. Arghh! You’ve got me undecided now as well! :-)
Catherine HW
8 years ago
I would go for something closely matching the colour of your mirror frame above the fireplace. Or as RachelM above suggested, stripping back with a wax could look lovely too. Wall colour is fab, love the contrast above the picture rail :-)
Dundrum 16
8 years ago
Just waiting for someone to suggest painting the dog or children a nice shade of grey in one of these posts. Perhaps it's already been done and I've missed it.
PRO
OnePlan
8 years ago
Tee hee only go in wearing certain colour clothes too !

( my two penny’s worth - paint it same shade as sofa fabric )
Sonia
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you all for your suggestions. Has given me food for thought. I think I prefer paler shades (I’m scared of the dark side!) to lighten and freshen it up, although honeypot I love your mock up! I saw this pic below on Pinterest and wondered would it be a good combo? Outside is F&B Lime White and inside is Pigeon. Or is it a bit fussy?
User
8 years ago
How about mizzle ;)
Sonia
Original Author
8 years ago
Forgot about mizzle! Great idea shjuly71.
minnie101
8 years ago
The walls ( and room) look lovely.

It's hard to say without seeing the rest of the room and whether you need lighter or darker tones but I might try pigeon. I also love setting plaster with Cromarty but not sure if it would work against the sofa or anything else you have. Excuse the crude photoshop btw, just giving an idea of colour!
Sonia thanked minnie101
Sonia
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you minnie101. They both look lovely and pigeon really seems to blend nicely. I’m also looking at Little Green paints as their eggshell paints have got rave reviews so I’ve sent for a colour chart. Thank you again for your input. :-)
minnie101
8 years ago
Their paint is beautiful. It might be worth looking at livid which is a smoky blue/green/grey
User
8 years ago
I would say that the size of the bookcase near to the sofa is more of a problem than the colour. It seems too tall and overbearing for its position,whereas the one in the alcove looks at home. Maybe a smaller sideboard/bookcase ,painted in a deep coral to pick out the colour in the footstool would lighten the area and look lovely against the Cromarty wall. A table lamp on top with maybe a mirror on the wall would make it look cosy in the evening.
cavgirl
8 years ago
What a gorgeous room! Cromarty is so lovely- in my last house I was planning to use it, but here it’s just a touch too green for me, sadly. I envy you your lovely picture rail; mine has been developed out but at least they left the Edwardian coving!

For the bookcases I love both Minnie’s suggestions above. The plaster is soft and playful and evokes rose gold. The pigeon is so effortlessly sophisticated and would really showcase books, treasures etc.
Dee Cee
8 years ago
Definitely paint them (but you’ve probably decided to do that by now!) as they are too orange at present which dates them. All the suggestions made are great. Good luck and don’t forget to post ‘after’ pics!

Should I paint my pine bookcases?

honeypoppet

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