See. Plain, old, white Billy bookcases from IKEA. I had thought about painting the inside some type of gray, or possibly even a light blue. But I really couldn't decide what to do. I wasn't super inspired by anything, so I just let it be for awhile.Then, a few months back Megan @ Honey We're Home posted a fantastic DIY of how she covered the backs of her white bookshelves with fabric. I loved it!
Here is what her finished shelves look like:
I'm literally green with envy. What a fantastic idea! And how great do they look?!I decided that THIS is what I wanted to do. Megan inspired me. And I started looking at fabric on fabric.com. Have you ever been to that site? It's freakishly overwhelming. And I thought it was tough to pick out something at Joann's. Ha!
I really LOVE paisley. But, it's busy. I'm not sure how it would look in my living room. Here are some shots of what it looks like right now.
I have nothing on the walls yet. Still figuring out what to do there... But, I think these paisley patterns would match nicely with the room. What do you think?
I think I like the first one the best. I just need to actually commit to something and get the job done! Is paisley too busy? Is something less bold a better idea? Should I just paint them? Do you have any other thoughts?
Also, our bookshelves currently hold an extremely large collection of DVDs, various books, pictures and a few knick knacks. I'd like that to change. We've had to clear off the bottom two shelves because Aidan's little hands can now get into whatever it is that's on them. I'd like to put some baskets on those bottom shelves with his toys in them. That way they're out of site but easily accessible to him. I'd also like to hide the DVDs and put some pretty stuff on our shelve instead.
So, now it's all out there. What to do with those bookshelves? Is paisley the answer to my question?
Are your bookshelves actual wood, or are they the particle board? I'd like to paint mine, but they aren't the best quality, so I don't know how well it would work!
ReplyDeleteHa Emily! Thanks for the mention:) I've admired that first fabric too- it's not too busy- especially once you get your "stuff" in the bookcases- it will look great. (I thought the hardest part about lining the bookcases is cutting the fabric to fit). I need to post some pics of what mine look like now that one side has books, etc. in it. And is that a new pic of Aidan in your header?? Too cute!
ReplyDeleteNow that I look at your fabric again, I'm also really loving the third choice too. I like the mix of colors. I'm going to add your blog to my Featured page when I update it:)
ReplyDeleteYes, paisley is the answer and I like the boldness of the middle swatch. We also have a Billy bookshelf from IKEA and we purchased two bins from Babies R' Us to put on the bottom shelf to put N's toys in. :)
ReplyDeleteI like it a lot, especially the first fabric. Let me warn you, though, that once you do it, your bookcases will never be the same! My mom did it to an old bookcase that was in my old bedroom (it was handed down to me when I get married), and after 5 years, the pattern has become tiring!!! I tried removing the fabric, and it took the paint right off. I guess my only option now is to recover it with a NEW fabric!
ReplyDelete~Elizabeth