I was on a mission to get my husband’s and daughter’s school books off of my dining room table.
The bookcases would have to be narrow…no more than 12 inches deep. And I wanted a built-in look without the built-in price.
I set my budget for $60 and then searched the online classifieds. It took a few months before I finally found what I was looking for.
We brought home two Ikea Billy Bookcases in a brown black finish. Black is the new black except when it’s not.
I didn’t want black bookcases in the dining room. Instead I wanted an aged creamy color. So, I sanded, primed and painted until I got the look I wanted.
I’d tell you what color I used, but I mixed and played with colors I had in the garage.
I put a piece of trim over the gap where the two bookcases butted up next to each other to create the look of one piece. I also filled in the holes for the shelves with spackle.
Then came the fun part; styling! I filled the bookcases with photographs,
collections of books,
sentimental pieces,
and text books.
I am so, so pleased with my DIY built-in bookcases.
Before
After
P.S. This makeover was featured in a segment on the show Deals on the Live Well Network along with the dresser makeover
and the coffee table turned ottoman.
Click here to watch the segment and to get a complete list of project materials and directions.
See you in class,
Karen @ Dogs Don't Eat Pizza says
Awesome! They look beautiful!
Cynthia says
Sharon, this came out really good and the displays you showed look great!!
Cynthia
Donnamae says
Impressive! Love the styling too! 😉
Denyse @ Glitter, Glue & Paint says
They came out great, Sharon! And, I love all your decor.
xoxo
Denyse
Get Organized Already says
Just stop it! This diy streak is putting you into Martha territory!
These are gorgeous.
-Nonnahs
Mrs. Hines says
Wow, that’s quite a compliment. Thank you, Nonnahs. I’m so glad you like the bookcase.
Mrs. Hines says
Thank you, Donnamae. The styling is ever-changing, but I think I need to leave well enough alone at this point. 🙂
Mrs. Hines says
Aw, thank you Denyse. Your kind words make me feel like a rock star. It doesn’t get better than that!
kristin says
The shelves are stunning, love how you styled them.
XO
Kristin
Inspire Me Heather says
They look great Sharon and so much better with the holes filled in (I need to do that too, thanks for the reminder!) – have a great week!
Mary Beth|Cupcakes and Crinoline says
So lovely, Sharon. You combined function and beauty in such a wonderful way.