Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Wallternatives. All opinions are my own.
I’ve been scurrying around like a crazy person this week trying to get some projects done so I can (finally) start on the nursery. Today I’m excited to share this bookshelf makeover with you, mainly because the product I used for this project happens to be one of the coolest things I’ve used in a long time.
You may remember that I recently appeared in a segment on HLN talking about ideas for decorating a dorm room. One of the items I showed during that segment was Wall Appeal removable wallpaper from Wallternatives. I opted to use some of it to line the back of the bookshelf in the playroom, and I love it!
Here is the bookshelf before:
Just kidding, let’s be honest. This is the real “before”.
And here it is now:
The bookcase was given to us by my in-laws since they no longer had a need for it, and it has definitely come in handy for our playroom. First, we used it to store art supplies and games, but I decided to stick those in the nearby dresser drawers and actually use the shelf for books since the small cube bookshelf in the boys’ bedroom happens to be overflowing at the moment.
Some of their books stayed in their room, but we were able to clear out several and store them on this bookshelf instead.
First, I patched over the knots with wood filler and primed the whole thing (I used Kilz Premium) to prevent bleed-through, and then I painted it with an ultra white semi-gloss paint. It took one coat of primer and 3 coats of paint to get really good coverage.
Then, I used the Wallternatives Wall Appeal removable wallpaper for the back. I simply measured, cut it to size, and stuck it on, smoothing out wrinkles as I went along. The amazing thing about this wallpaper is that it peels off easily and you can reuse it, move it, reposition it, etc., and it’s extremely easy to install.
I’ve always loved the look of patterned paper or wallpaper as a bookcase background, but I’ve been hesitant to use actual wallpaper because I change my mind so often. This solves that problem! I love it. I used the elegant floral damask pattern in “cream on orange.”
Here are some more photos:
And here’s a little side by side “before & after” comparison for you.
If you’re wondering how long the shelves stayed organized, the answer is “until the boys came home from school.” 🙂 Be sure to connect with Wallternatives on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest for lots of inspiration!
What would you use this Wall Appeal removable wallpaper for? There are so many fun possibilities!
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- DIY Kid’s Art Table
- DIY Lego Table IKEA Hack
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They look amazing!! Great job! I love it! XOXOX
Thank you! 🙂
Super cute! 🙂
Thanks Cindy!
WOW!! What an incredible difference! Looks amazing!
Thank you Kristi!
Oh I love it, that wallpaper is gorgeous and painted white it looks so fresh.
Thanks Marty! 🙂
love love love it! The white and color on the back really looks amazing. Such a fun pop of color!
Thanks so much Emily!
Looks great!!! I love the color 🙂
Thank you Stacy!
Beautiful update! But I worry about safety since kids might want what’s too high up. Is the bookcase well secured? The mother in me is still there even though I’ve got grandkids!
Thanks Myrna! I do plan on anchoring it to the wall before the baby is born. My boys are old enough that I was able to sit them down and have a major talk about not climbing and if they need something up high ask mommy and daddy — they’ve never been climbers really anyway, but I do have the same concerns as you and so yes I do plan on anchoring it! 🙂
LOVE your shelf makeover – and their site is so cute. They have Halloween goodies which are my favorite!
Thanks Amy! I love their Halloween stuff too!
The wallpaper looks great, but it’s also nice that it can be removed in the future!
Thanks Anna! I love the fact that it can be temporary — I am a fickle decorator!
Wow! What a drastic change!
Thanks Taylor!
This is so cute, thank you for sharing! It is great inspiration to a boring bookshelf. Glad I found you over on the Serenity Now Link Up!
xoxo
Ashley
Thanks so much Ashley!
You did a marvelous job with this! I have a sad little bookshelf that needs a new life!
Thanks so much for the info!! Love your shelf makeover. I was just telling my daughter earlier today that I plan to add some sort of paper to the back of a bookcase in our family room. I will check out the removable wallpaper right now!!
Thanks Sue! They have several cute patterns of the wallpaper. It’s really easy to use!
Love your wallpaper choice!
Thank you, Hani!
WOW, what a transformation! looks great
Thank you, Virginia!
It turned out beautiful!! Love that wallpaper and the fact that it is removable…
Thank you, Lynn!
That looks great! I am doing the same thing with the removable wall paper on a bookshlef. However, I am having a really hard time getting each piece on there without it wrinkling or sticking in the wrong spot. Do you have an tips that would make this easier? It took me almost 45 min, just to get one shelf done! And it still has wrinkles 🙁
Hi Kay! I’m sorry you are having problems. I’ve heard some negative things about some other brands, but Wallternatives is the only one I’ve ever used and I had no problem with wrinkling. It was easy to peel up and reposition too. I used a plastic spreading tool to smooth it out, but any straight edge (even a credit card) would work fine. I would maybe try a heavier duty wallpaper or a different brand if it is that labor intensive! It shouldn’t be. For the time being maybe try smoothing it with a straight edge. Sorry I can’t be more helpful! I know that is frustrating.
This is brilliant! we have in wall storage in our new house in the office and I think im gonna do that to the shelves!
XO Ellen from Ask Away
http://www.askawayblog.com