Weekend Project: DIY Wallpapered Bookshelf

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