I’ve been mulling over my living room bookshelves recently… and am suddenly inspired to add a modern Jonathan Adler-esq wallpaper print to cover the back of the shelves. Here is some inspiration that might inspire you to take on a weekend project as well!
Canadian House & Home stripped kitchen cabinets to reveal neatly stacked dishes and a vintage print (via Centsational Girl).
These white bookshelves with Orla Kiley wallpaper from design*sponge is one of my favorite examples a bookshelf backdrop (above).
Whole Latta Lovely and All About You features various color combinations in the same or similar floral prints for a fun variation (below).
What about fabric? There are so many options to choose from… cutting templates (out of foam core, balsa wood or mdf) to fit the back of your shelf and ‘upholstering’ the board is a great option that can be replaced as often as you’d like. For a more direct application, fold fabric edges in (for a makeshift hem) and use colorful pushpins to pin fabric to each corner. I love this Taxi Leaf Stripe in Yellow print from Timeless Treasures
For a smaller commitment (isn’t this perfect for the office or guest room?) Apartment Therapy shares a tutorial for lining a bookshelf in this black and white paisley print.
Four more ideas plus a quick How-To after the jump!
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{DIY Bookshelf Wallpapering}
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Materials: Bookcase, wallpaper (fabric, drawer lining paper, photos, magazine clippings, etc), wallpaper primer & paste, scissors, popsicle stick or wallpaper smoother, damp rag
{1.} Measure the back of each shelf (if you can remove individual shelves, pull all out and take one large measurement). Carefully cut wallpaper to match.
{2.} Install wallpaper using wallpaper primer & paste (a decoupage material would work well, too). Smooth all bubbles & wrinkles as you work (you can use a popsicle stick or wallpaper smoother) and wipe excess glue with a damp rag.
{3.} Let dry overnight!
Images: Jonathan Adler ‘Ropes’ Wallpaper, Elinor Duck Egg Floral Wallpaper, Centsational Girl (shares ideas from BHG, Country Living, Canadian House & Home, Wallpaper Home Decorating, Little Rascal and Belle Maison), orange painted bookshelf from Design Corner
This is a great idea to add life to an old piece of furniture.
Love those! I bought really nice sheets of wrapping paper from Papyrus and used them to line the back of a built in cabinet that we have in our dining room. The cabinet and our dishes were all white, so it really helped to show off the dishes!
I was about to suggest using contact paper. I am thinking of us it to makeover my Ikea dressers.
I love this idea. I did this in my bookshelf with fabric that I stapled to it and it made such a difference!
Cute idea! I don’t think I’d be good with wallpaper though. That sticky paper stuff that you use in cabinets is beyond my ability…and I can’t even think of its name. lol. Hopeless I am.
-FringeGirl
Now that ‘sticky stuff’ has been mentioned, what about contact paper? That would make a great backdrop as well. Love all the ideas!
~Morgan
Love this idea! I’m just getting ready to paint the back of my bookshelves but I may have to re-think that. I really like the idea of using fabric.
Wow! total wallpaper fanatic here…love this idea so much, very inspirational! Thanks.