How to Jazz Up Bookcases

Spruce up an old bookcase with a number of decorative touches.

Bookcases are functional pieces of furniture that typically don't call attention to themselves. But they don't have to be dull. If you jazz up a bookcase, it can help define the overall style and appeal of a home or office space. Add a coat of paint or some decorations, or arrange your keepsakes on the shelves to make a bookcase more interesting. Making a bookcase look fresh and contemporary is a creative process, so think of it as a blank canvas and apply your imagination.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Paint brush
• Stencils
• Stencil brush
• Mod Podge
• Photos
• Artwork
• Decals

Instructions

1. 

   Choose fun paint colors when seeking to infuse bookcases with new appeal.

   Paint your bookcase to add a splash of color to a room. Paint can make a powerful impact, so experiment with fun, eye-catching shades.One way to make your bookcase stand out is to use two colors. Pick a light or neutral color, such as white, for the bookcase and shelves, but paint the back of each shelf a vivid color. The richly hued interior will draw the eye in.

2. 

   Collectibles can add to the quirkiness of your bookcases. Group objects together for impact.

   Show off your stuff. Display your keepsakes, collectibles or photographs on a bookcase to infuse a room with your personality. The bookcase provides a palette for your imagination, so renew its appeal by incorporating attention-getting collections. You can arrange items beside, in front of and even on top of books. The simplest way to jazz up your bookcase may be to artfully arrange your books: Organize them by color, stack some on their sides or place a few books with attractive covers facing forward at the front of the shelves.

3. 

   Allow your child to choose favorite stickers and decals when jazzing up his bookcases.

   Decorate your bookcase using stencils or decals. Apply decals of popular cartoon characters or other age-appropriate images to a bookcase for a child's room. Stencil literary phrases onto a bookcase in a library or office. Visit a local arts and crafts store for design options, or seek them out online.

4. 

   Affix any image you want to a bookcase with decoupage.

   Beautify your bookcase with copies of your favorite artwork or photos. Using decoupage -- the process of gluing pictures to an object, then sealing them with a protective coating -- you can decorate a bookcase with any image you want. Try lining the back of each shelf with wallpaper, maps or other colorful prints.

Tips & Warnings

• Stencils require a steady hand. If you haven't used them before, practice on paper or a piece of plywood before tackling a major project.

• Mod Podge, a commercial crafting product, simplifies decoupage. You brush Mod Podge on the back of a piece of art, attach it to an object, then brush Mod Podge over the front.

• If you use decoupage, make sure you're happy with your choice of artwork because removing it could be difficult.

References

• Painting Ideas & Projects
• Stencils Online, LLC: Decorative Lettering
• Plaid: About Mod Podge
• Austin Woods
• Styled On; Three Quick Tips to Beautify Your Bookshelves; Emily Kropp; June 2010

Resources

• Mod Podge