How to Adding Designs and Details a Bookshelf

How to Adding Designs and Details a Bookshelf.

Bookshelves are not just a place to store books; they can also be used to display artwork and trinkets. They also have endless possibilities for customization. This article will not only give you some tips on how to arrange items on your bookshelf to make it visually interesting, but also how to customize it.





Add some decorative panels to the back of your bookshelf.[12] Measure the spaces between the shelves of your bookcase, and cut pieces of cardboard or foamboard to fit using a craft knife. Spray the cardboard with some spray-on adhesive and cover it with a piece of colorful fabric. Trim off the excess fabric and turn the panel over so that the back/undecorated side is facing you. Place a square of double-sided foam tape on each corner.[13] Pop each panel into the spaces between the shelves. Press down on the corners to make the tape stick.

You can also use drawer liner, wallpaper, or even wrapping paper. The drawer liner does not need to be glued onto the cardboard, as it already is sticky on the back.



Use ribbon to trim the edges of your bookshelf. Choose a ribbon that is the same width as the edges of your shelves. Cut the ribbon so that it is the same length as the shelf. Apply some double-sided tape along the edges of your bookshelf where you want the ribbon to be. Press the ribbon down onto the tape.

You can also use scrapbooking tape. It comes in many different colors and patterns. Stick the end of the tape onto one of the ends of the shelf, and roll it across the edge. When you get to the other end of the shelf, snip the tape off.



Drape a flower garland or battery-operated string lights over the top of the bookshelf. You can secure them by taping the rope part to the top corners of the bookshelf. You can also drill a tiny hole into each top corner of the bookshelf and twist in a small cup-hook; the garland or lights can drape over this.

You can purchase flower garlands and battery-operated string lights at an arts and crafts store.

Most flower garlands are between six and eight feet long. You can trim them down to the width of your bookshelf using a pair of wire cutters, or you can leave the garland as it is; the ends will drape against the sides of your bookshelf.



Add some lights to the inside of the bookshelf. Purchase a set of battery-operated shelving or cabinet lights and some double-sided foam mounting tape. Peel the tape off the card and stick it to the back of the light; try to get it as centered as possible. Peel the backing off, and then press the light to the underside of the shelf.







Painting a Bookshelf.



Consider painting your shelf. You can paint it a single, solid color, or you can paint the inside a different color from the outside. Here are some ideas:

Liven up a plain, wood bookshelf by painting it a bright white.

Add some contrast to a white bookshelf by painting the inside a bright color, such as cyan or pink.



Take out the shelves, if possible, and sand everything using 150 grit sandpaper. If you are able to remove the shelves, take them out; if you are unable to, then don't worry about it. Sand the entire bookcase, including the shelves, using small, circular motions. You do not need to sand away the previous finish; you are simply creating a surface for the paint and primer to grip on to.



Wipe the bookcase and shelves down using a dust cloth. Be sure to vacuum the floor of your work space to get rid of any dust caused by the sanding. Any dust left in your work space may get onto the finished piece and mar the surface.



Wipe the bookcase and shelves down using a magic eraser sponge. You can purchase magic erasers in the cleaning department of a grocery store. Be sure to get a plain magic eraser, without any special additives, such as bleach.



Paint the inside corners of the shelf using acrylic paint and an angled brush. Use a light stroke; you can always apply a second or third coat once the paint is dry. Avoid applying too much paint all at once; this will help prevent any visible brush strokes.

Spray paint is not recommended for large projects such as this. It is more likely to cause drips and streaks than the paint that comes in a can.



Paint the rest of the shelve using a foam roller. Apply the paint using light, even strokes. This will help prevent any drips, bubbles, and streaks. If you are planning on painting the shelf two different colors, paint the inside first and wait for the paint to dry before painting the outside.



Wait for the paint to dry before applying a second and third coat. Refer to the instructions on the paint can for specific drying times. Some paints dry in as little as 15 minutes in between coats while others need 2 hours or more.



Allow the paint to completely dry before putting the shelves back into place. Again, refer to the instructions on the can. Most paints will require 24 hours drying time. If you try to put your shelf together and use it too soon, you will risk denting the paint or causing it to go sticky.



Consider using adding designs to your bookshelf with stencils. Choose a stencil that you like and press it against the side of your bookshelf. If the stencil is not already sticky on the back, then tape it to the shelf using painters tape. Paint over the stencil using acrylic paint in a contrasting color and a foam roller. Remove the stencil and move it to the next spot you want to have the design.



Tips.

Consider displaying items on the shelf that match the theme and color scheme of your room. For example, if your room has an old, country feel to it, add a few rustic items made from burlap and galvanized steel.

If something looks off, step away from your shelf and come back after a few hours. Try rearranging your shelf when you get back. You can also come back to your shelf after a few days; this will give your mind and eyes to get used to the change.

If you don't know where to start, consider starting from the bottom of the shelf and building your way up.

Try to stack your less read books, especially if you are going to be placing something on top of that stack. This will prevent you from shifting too many things around too often.