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Start with an old bookshelf, maybe something you already have or something you can pick up cheaply, and try out one of these DIY bookcase makeovers. They'll change your bookcase into something new and breath fresh life into them.
These bookcase makeover ideas range in difficulty. Some are simple changes that only take a few minutes, while others are weekend projects that have you really making some big changes. They're all perfect for the beginner. Revamping a bookshelf is a great place to try out new skills with paint, fabric, and even paper.
Transform a Boring Bookcase with Just Two Items
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Chalk Paint Refresh
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Here's a simple bookcase makeover that only involves a fresh coat of paint. White chalk paint is used here on an old bookshelf. There's also a tutorial here that shows you how to use fabric to update old photo albums which would look great on your new bookshelf!
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Update a Cheap Bookcase
![A brown bookshelf decorated with knick knacks]()
This bookcase makeover starts with a cheap finished bookcase and turns into something really special. Plywood is added to the back of the bookcase and hairpin legs to the bottom. It looks like a brand new bookcase now.
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Wallpaper Surprise
![A blue tropical themed bookcase]()
Go bold and make a statement with this DIY bookshelf makeover. You start with just an ordinary bookshelf and then with the magic of temporary wallpaper, you get something that looks like these. Designs for the wallpaper are endless, so it should be easy to find a design that you like.
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Perfectly Pink
![An office with pink built-in bookshelves]()
These bookshelves start out with a plywood base that needs some primer and paint to start. A beautiful pink shade is added to the back of the bookcase, and it really makes them pop. This is a great way to spruce up some built-in bookshelves.
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Bookcase Turned Bar Cart
![A woman pouring liquid into a pitcher that's on a white bookshelf]()
How about transforming that bookcase into something completely different? Here's a tutorial on how you can turn an IKEA Kallax bookshelf unit into this flashy bar cart. Brass hardware is added to up the glam and it's all put on wheels so you can take the party with you.
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Farmhouse Fabulous
![A bookshelf with a barn door]()
Talk about a transformation! This bookcase starts out as a beat-up piece of furniture covered with an ugly stain. Primer and a gray stain are added to start, then a barn door is installed over half of the bookshelf.
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Yardstick Accent
![A green bookcase with yard sticks on the back]()
You'll want to check out the before and after pictures for this project. It's painted this beautiful green color and then the back of the bookshelf is replaced with yardsticks which will make your bookshelf one-of-a-kind.
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Wall Bookshelf Makeover
![A playroom with orange bookshelves]()
Don't feel like getting out the paintbrush for this makeover? No problem. Here's a way to upgrade some bookshelves without using paint at all. It adds a nice pop of color and blends seamlessly with the rest of the playroom.
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Painted and Decorated
![A white bookshelf with fabric backing]()
A paint sprayer is used to make quick work of giving the bookshelf a new coat of paint. Then the backing is taken off the shelf and fabric is added. The backing is replaced and you have a transformation you have to see to believe.
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Whitewashed Wood Planks
![A gray bookcase with vintage items decorating it]()
This bookcase hasn't just gotten a fresh coat of paint, a new back is added as well. This back is made from white-washed planks which the tutorial takes you through how to do. It's a great look that shows what's behind your books.
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Bead Board Backing
![A bookshelf in a nursery]()
Here's an interesting tutorial that replaces the bookcase baking with beadboard. Boards are added to the top to create a custom look. This project is a great excuse to get some of your power tools out.
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Regal Bookcase Makeover
![A white bookshelf in the corner of a room]()
Here's another bookcase project that involves chalk paint. Because it's such an easy to work with paint, it's easy to find success when using it. This is a 3-part tutorial that shows you how to do it all.
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Trash to Treasure
![A gray and brown bookcase filled with books and decor items]()
It's tough to believe that someone would have trashed a bookcase with such lovely bones. The Navage Patch saw the beauty in it and decided to give it a makeover. Some chalk paint and fabric are used to breathe new life into something that was bound for the dumpster.
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Pine Bookcase Makeover
![A painted china cabinet]()
If you're simply looking for a refresh to an existing bookcase that's already in great shape, this is the project for you. Paint is added and distressed to give the bookshelf a whole vintage look.
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Wrapping Paper Bookshelf
![A white bookshelf with fall home decor items placed on it]()
This budget-friendly bookshelf makeover shows you how to use wrapping paper to accent the back of the bookcase. You can use the same directions for peel-and-stick wallpaper if you'd rather go that route.
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Vibrant Wallpaper
![A white and orange bookshelf]()
This tutorial will show you how to add removable wallpaper to the back of your bookcase. Such a stunning and unexpected color and pattern was chosen, really taking it to the next level.
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Wood Shim Bookcase
![A wooden white bookcase]()
Inexpensive wood shims are used to give this bookcase a whole new look. Grab your wood glue and get ready for this fun project that although it requires some patience, is going to give you a great looking bookshelf.
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Ikea Bookcase Makeover
![A white bookcase against a rock fireplace]()
This list wouldn't be complete without at least one IKEA bookcase makeover. With a little paint and wallpaper, you can transform the inexpensive bookcase into something special.
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Metallic Gold Makeover
![A white and gold bookshelf]()
If you have an interesting built-in bookshelf that you're not quite sure what to do with, this tutorial may help you decide. Instead of trying to make it blend in, make it stand out with some fun wallpaper and gold metallic paint.
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Small Mid-Century Modern Bookcase Makeover
![A blue and white bookshelf in a nursery]()
You won't believe what this bookcase looked like before its very fabulous makeover. Some paint, new backing, and modern legs are added to give this bookshelf the update it deserves.
Small Mid-Century Modern Bookcase Makeover from Interior Frugalista
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Office Cabinet and Bookcase Makeover
![A white cabinet and bookshelf in a living room]()
You could transform your bookshelf by adding another component to it, like how an office cabinet was added here. They both were redone and received a fresh coat of paint before their debut.
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High End Bookcases
![A darkly stained wooden cabinet in a dining room]()
These cheap bookcases have been turned into ones that look like they come from a high-end furniture store. There's a whole Instagram reel that takes you through the entire process.
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Rainbow Bookshelves
![Books arranged by color on a giant wall bookshelf]()
This bookcase makeover is all about the contents of the bookshelf. Books are bought based on the color of their covers and then arranged by the rainbow. What a great way to add some fun to your bookshelf!
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Vinyl Upgrade
![A black bookshelf with white vinyl circles]()
Here's an easy way to upgrade an existing bookshelf. Create a shape and cut it out from vinyl. Then simply attach it to the bookcase. It's as easy as that! This project shows you exactly how to do it.
Vinyl Upgrade from Blue iStyle
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