With old bookshelves, you can create a variety of unique, interesting, and useful pieces. You could turn them into custom shelving for your house, adding a unique and customized look to any space. With some imagination and a few tools, you could also give them a makeover and turn them into pieces of furniture or home décor, such as a bathroom vanity, a side table, or a wooden shadow box.
You could also use them to make a beadboard design by using planks of wood to fill the inside. Cushions can be added to give them a seating area, too. Alternatively, you can keep the bookshelves intact and create a makeshift storage area or a room divider between two spaces.
As an added bonus, you could paint the pieces in various shades of your favorite color to add a creative flair. The possibilities are virtually endless when it comes to repurposing old bookshelves.
What else can a bookshelf be used for?
A bookshelf can be used for much more than just books! It can be used as a storage area for a variety of items like blankets, toys, gaming consoles, board games, and crafts. It can also be used as a display shelf with knick-knacks, art, and photographs.
Additionally, a bookshelf can be used as a functional divider for an open living space like a studio apartment, or to create separation in a shared bedroom or office. You can also use a bookshelf as a makeshift bar or liquor cart when entertaining or to store wines or other liquor bottles.
Lastly, if a bookshelf is big enough, you can even use it as a desk or craft table.
How do you make a bookshelf into a TV stand?
Making a bookshelf into a TV stand is a great way to use the space of a book shelf to also display a television. To do this, first make sure that the size of the shelf is compatible with the size and type of your television.
Some shelves have adjustable shelves, so make sure to adjust them for full compatibility with your television size. Then, secure the television to the shelf. Most televisions will have some sort of mounting bracket or screws that can easily be attached to the shelves.
Then, use cable ties or cords to route the cables from the TV to the screen or the other components of your entertainment system. Make sure to secure any exposed cable wires and organize them in a neat and tidy way so they don’t become unruly.
Finally, if you have space on the shelf, you can use it as storage for DVD players, game consoles, remote controls, and any other entertainment-related items.
How do you convert bookshelves?
Converting a bookshelf is a great way to customize and add character to your home. The first option is to repaint the bookshelf. This is an easy and inexpensive way to give the bookshelf a whole new look and feel.
If you’d like to add a bit more character, you can use paint to add lettering, designs or other creative elements to the shelf. Another option is to sand down the wood or wood veneer, then deck it out with wallpaper or contact paper.
This can add a unique pattern or texture to the shelf. Next, you can line the shelves with fabric to provide added depth and texture. Finally, use accessories such as plants, books, photo frames, and more to add to the aesthetic of the shelf.
Converting bookshelves is a great way to express your personality and make a dull shelf come alive.
How do you refurbish an old bookcase?
When refurbishing an old bookcase, it is important to make sure that the bookcase is still structurally sound as you work. Here are some steps you can take to get your bookcase looking new again:
1. Thoroughly clean the bookcase with a damp cloth. Make sure there is no dust or debris to provide a clean surface to work with.
2. Fill any holes or dents with wood filler. If there is any serious damage like splits or major scratches, it may be necessary to sand the affected areas down and apply more filler.
3. When the filler is set, sand the bookcase entirely with a medium grit sandpaper, then switch to a finer grit paper to smooth out the surface.
4. Once you have a smooth surface, you can then paint the bookcase using a brush, roller or spray paint. You can also choose to lightly sand the surface again with a fine grit paper to prepare the surface for staining.
5. If you’re staining the wood, use a clean cloth to apply a thin coat, moving with the grain of the wood. Allow the first layer to dry, then sand lightly with a very fine grit paper.
6. Apply a second coat. Once the stain has dried, you can finish the wood with a glossy or matte sealant to protect the wood and bring out the beauty of the grain.
7. Replace hardware, if necessary. New drawer pulls, door handles and other hardware can help give the bookcase a brand new look.
Refurbishing an old bookcase can be a great way to spruce up your home decor and add a unique, vintage touch. Be sure to take the necessary steps to ensure the bookcase is safe and secure before proceeding with any of your refurbishment plans.
How do you upcycle a wooden shelf?
Upcycling a wooden shelf is a great way to give an old shelf a new life and a makeover. Here is a step by step guide to upcycle a wooden shelf:
1. Prep the shelf – Start by cleaning the shelf thoroughly with a damp cloth and sanding off any existing paint or varnish.
2. Choose a new coat of paint or stain – If you want to go with a fresh coat of paint, choose the color and type of paint. If you want to keep the natural look of the wood, consider a clear coat or stained finish.
3. Apply the paint or stain – After you have chosen the color and finish, apply it evenly to the shelf. Make sure to let each coat dry properly before adding the next coat.
4. Add decorative elements – Now is the time to get creative and add some decorative elements to the shelf. You can add fabric, fabric decals, wallpaper, lace, stencils and more to give the shelf a unique look.
5. Add extra functionality – Add some extra functionality to the shelf to make it even more useful. You can add painted baskets or decorative storage containers and dividers on the shelf to make it easy to keep items tidy and organized.
6. Hang the shelf – Last but not least, hang the shelf on the wall or set it on a nightstand or shelf to enjoy your upcycled masterpiece.
What kind of paint do you use on wood bookshelves?
When it comes to painting wood bookshelves, it’s important to choose the right paint for your project. Latex-based paints are a great choice for wood bookshelves, as they go on smoothly and provide great coverage.
For a durable finish, look for interior latex paints that are specifically labeled for use on wood and furniture. These paints are specially formulated to adhere to wood surfaces and provide a stronger layer of protection.
When picking out a color, bear in mind that semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes tend to highlight imperfections and create a slightly bumpy look on shelves, so it’s best to opt for a flat or eggshell finish instead.
Additionally, you likely don’t need to prime the shelves before painting – just clean them with a vigorous scrub or sand them to create a smooth surface. To get the most out of your paint job and ensure that it lasts, always apply at least two coats of paint and wait for each to dry before applying the next.
Are bookcases outdated?
No, bookcases are not outdated. In fact, bookcases provide a timeless and stylish way to organize and display books, photos, frames, and other decorative items in your home. In addition, they can also be used to divide up spaces in your home, creating cozy little nooks and corners that instantly make your space feel inviting and welcoming.
Lastly, bookcases can even be integrated into modern designs to give your home a classic touch that certainly won’t ever go out of style.
What do I put in a wall unit?
A wall unit is a great way to store and organize items in any home. Depending on the size of the wall unit and the type of items you want to store, the contents can vary greatly. In general, items such as books, DVD’s, CD’s, magazines, vases, pictures or other decorative items, and baskets of miscellaneous items like mittens, hats, and gloves might all be appropriate.
Kitchen wall units can additionally hold condiments, canned goods, spices, and utensils. Wall units can also be used in other areas of the house, like the bedroom, bathroom, or entryway. In these rooms items like keys, jewelry, toiletries, and other smaller items can be stored in an organized way.
What do you put under a TV on the wall?
When installing a TV on the wall, several things should be considered in order to keep the TV secure and ensure optimal viewing. It is important to ensure the wall is structurally stable and is able to support the weight of the TV before beginning installation.
Once the wall is deemed secure and suitable for the job, items such as TV mounts, TV wall brackets, and TV anchors must be utilized. These items help keep the TV secure and prevent it from being moved or tiled when touched.
Furthermore, additional items that can be used beneath the TV include a media console, wall shelves, mounting kits, and even furniture pieces such as coffee tables, TV stands, and sideboards. All of these items help make sure the TV is mounted securely and provide an optimal viewing position.
They also provide an area to place TV related accessories such as remotes and various electronic devices.
What can I turn my bookshelf into?
Turning your bookshelf into something more functional can be a great way to make use of this space. Depending on the size of the bookshelf and your needs, some options to consider include:
– Creating a bar area. If you have a large bookshelf, this is a great way to store alcohol, drink accessories, and other items you may need to entertain guests.
– Adding decorative baskets and boxes. This is an ideal way to turn your bookshelf into an organized storage or display space. Use attractive baskets and boxes to store items in each shelf and make your bookshelf look more attractive.
– Repurposing the shelves for a home office. By organizing each shelf you can create an efficient workstation for your laptop and/or desktop computer. This can free up much needed space for all of your work-related items.
– Turning it into a wardrobe. For those with limited closet space, a bookshelf can be an ideal way to store your clothing and accessories. Depending on the size, you can opt for hanging pieces on coat hangers, stacking folded garments, and even adding baskets to store items like hats, scarfs and gloves.
These are just a few ideas of how you can transform your bookshelf into something more useful. With some creativity, you can find a way to make the most of this space.
