A brighter bookcase

I love having books in my living room. I love decorating with them and I enjoy the practicality of having my favorite novels and reference material on hand.  One of my bookcases on the other hand, is sort of dreary and boring – not something I love having on hand. But, it’s a hand-me-down so I’m not complaining.

Here’s how I brightened it up.

{before}

First, I got a rough measurement of the bookcase so I’d know how much fabric to buy. Then I went to Joann Fabric and found a fabric I liked that was on sale and at the end of its bolt (double discount). Then, I proceeded to collect the necessary supplies.

{foam core board, X-acto knife, measuring tape, glue gun, extra glue sticks, + ruler}

Then, I emptied the bookcase and took more precise measurements.

Next, I cut the foam core board and made sure the first piece fit.

Then, I cut a piece of fabric a few inches larger than the board and ironed it before hot gluing it on. Then, I put the board back in the bookcase to make sure it still fit.

{it still fits!}

I repeated the process two more times for the middle and upper shelf. The only difference on the upper shelf is that I cut a small hole in the corner of the board so the cord for the speaker would still fit through the bookshelf backing.

{itty bitty wire hole}

All three bright backers are in place.

Now, to reload the books.

{after}

This project took around two hours and cost me about $15. Using this bold patterned fabric was a simple way to breathe new life into a hand-me-down bookcase.