Erin Spain

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Bookshelf Makeover: Before & After

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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:

Bookshelf Makeover: Before

Just kidding, let’s be honest. This is the real “before”.

Bookshelf Makeover: Before

And here it is now:

Bookshelf Makeover: Before & After

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:

Bookshelf Makeover: Before & After

Bookshelf Makeover: Before & After

Bookshelf Makeover: Before & After

Bookshelf Makeover: Before & After

Bookshelf Makeover: Before & After

And here’s a little side by side “before & after” comparison for you.

Bookshelf Makeover with Wallternatives Wall Appeal removable wallpaper

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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-Erin

Comments

  7. Myrna says

    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!

    Reply

    • Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says

      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! 🙂

      Reply

  11. Ashley says

    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

    Reply

  13. Sue says

    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!!

    Reply

  17. Kay says

    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 🙁

    Reply

    • Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says

      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.

      Reply

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