Free Bookshelf Makeover for Girls Room

It was community yard sale day when my husband arrived home with sweet and exciting words to fill my ears.  "There's a bookshelf down the street by the side of the road with a free sign on it," he said.

My eyes lit up like wildfire. I grabbed my keys and hopped in the car as quick as I could to acquire this new-to-me shelf that I had no idea of the condition of. 

Much to my pleasure when I evaluated the piece it was clear: it would do!

I wasn't even sure what I would use this bookshelf for at first. I thought it would be great for throwing in the basement as extra storage for craft supplies or toys so the kids could have easy access. After a few days I had an ah-ha! moment though. My daughter's room needed a more narrow sized bookshelf for her room and I'd been eyeing this one at Target for awhile. I was just having trouble bringing myself to spend the money on it. With this free shelf I had manifested her bookshelf, and I hadn't even realized it. It just needed a little makeover.  

Before

As you can see, this is one of those cheap, composite wood bookshelves. I really hate the way these look, but I knew I could come up with something to give it an elevated feel that would look nice in my daughter's room. 

​All in all, it was really sturdy and in good shape besides a few minor flaws that could easily be covered up. 

I knew I was going to paint this piece white so these paint splatters did not bother me. 

This bit of laminate peeling on the corner could easily be glued back down. 

These screw holes were definitely tacky, but could be filled with a drywall hole filler. I used enough to cover around the screws and sanded it down as some of them protruded past the flat shelf side.

I did this furniture makeover with spray paint and acrylic craft paint. All in all it was so inexpensive around $30. chose to spray paint this entire bookshelf with White Flat Protective Enamel and then hand paint a gingham pattern on the two sides and the top of this bookshelf. Yes, I could have used a contact paper or stick on wallpaper, however, I usually end up with bubbles that drive me crazy. There were some other factors that would have required precision measurements so I opted to hand paint the pattern. I knew that I could paint a straight enough line, but still leave some room for imperfection. I knew this imperfection would give this pattern an almost watercolor effect with a slight waviness. I took some quick measurements and chose the width and spacing of the gingham checks. I drew them on quickly and recommend a light pencil line so you have less to cover up. I didn't get into a step by step tutorial for painting gingham as there are a lot of videos out there on how to do one. It is very easy though and I only used two colors to achieve this look.  

Styling this bookshelf was so fun. I must add that the Nutcracker remains out all year long in my daughter's swan lake themed room. Also, while many of these treasures have remained, this bookshelf no longer has such a perfectly poised appearance. We have since filled this bookshelf with my daughter's total collection of books. 

On the Bookshelf

The Runaway Bunny
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Wise Man Wood Nutcracker​

Anne of Green Gables
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Porcelain Tea Set from My Childhood (Here is a Similar One)
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Narwhal Bank
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The Secret Garden

The Complete Book of the Flower Fairies
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Li'l Woodzeez Bunk Bed Playset in Suitcase
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Children's Tea & Etiquette
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​Teddy Bears' Picnic Cookbook
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​The Tea Party Book
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Lola Dutch
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Lola Dutch When I Grow Up
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Lola Dutch I Love You So Much


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