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Upcycle a Bookshelf using Peel and Stick Wallpaper. This is a great and easy way to refresh any piece of furniture and is super budget friendly as well.

Updated Bookshelf with Peel and Stick Wallpaper and Copper Hairpin Legs

Have you tried experimenting with Peel And Stick Wallpaper?

I think it is such a great invention especially for people who love to change their decor (like me) and for people living in rentals as you can easily take off the wallpaper without damaging anything.

I personally love it and have used Peel and Stick Wallpaper multiple times.

You can check out my Dining Room Makeover and DIY Headboard with Wallpaper post for more inspiration.

Now on to today’s project where I used the gorgeous Peel and Stick Wallpaper to transform a Bookshelf which was almost in shambles.

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Literally the backside of the bookshelf had come off and I was debating if I should keep this bookshelf or just throw it away.

This is how it looked Before

A before picture of thrifted bookshelf with the backside detached and scratches.

MATERIALS NEEDED

Removable Wallpaper

DecoArt Blue Paint Color

DecoArt Turquoise Paint Color

X-Acto Knife

Cordless Drill Machine

Copper Hairpin Legs

Paintbrushes

I basically used this bookshelf to store all my crafty supplies so it ended up getting a lot of paint stains.

I honestly never had any intention of keeping this bookshelf permanently hence I never cleaning up the stains.

I mean just look at it, it’s literally about to fall apart any minute.

A close up picture of a wooden bookshelf shelves with stains and scratches

And this is how it looked from Behind.

As I mentioned the back of the bookshelf had come off and it needed to be reattached which could easily have been done with some nails and a hammer.

But I just never fixed it until I decided to give it a transformation.

Side picture of a broken wooden bookshelf before its transformation

Tutorial for Updating Bookshelf with Peel and Stick Wallpaper

I stumbled upon Timothy Sue’s website which is where I found these absolutely amazing Removable Wallpaper.

I ordered two colors of the same print which you can see down below.

Since I had this plan in mind that I wanted to use the same pattern but in a contrasting color, I chose the same design but in a purple version.

How stunning are these Peel and Stick Wallpapers!

Upcycling a bookshelf using wallpaper is a creative and sustainable way to breathe new life into an old piece of furniture. This process not only allows you to express your unique style but also contributes to reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Additionally, upcycling a bookshelf with wallpaper can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new furniture. Wallpaper is often more affordable than buying a brand-new bookshelf, and it offers the flexibility to change the look of the piece whenever you desire.

This budget-friendly option is particularly appealing to those who want to update their living space without breaking the bank. It allows you to allocate resources to other aspects of home improvement while still achieving a stylish and personalized result.

In terms of practicality, wallpaper adds an extra layer of protection to the bookshelf’s surface. It acts as a barrier against scratches, scuffs, and other forms of wear and tear.

This protective layer not only enhances the durability of the bookshelf but also makes it easier to clean and maintain. The wallpaper’s smooth surface can be wiped down with a damp cloth, ensuring that your upcycled bookshelf remains in pristine condition for years to come.

They literally are speaking my colorful and bright language that I love to incorporate in all my furniture pieces.

Step 1

Moving on to the makeover process.

I decided to paint some areas of the Bookshelf more specifically the outer edges/rim in a Turquoise color which complimented the two Wallpaper prints.

Turquoise Paint being used to paint a bookshelf

The outside part of the Bookshelf I painted a Dark Navy Blue which you can see down below how much of a deep blue color I chose.

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I removed the shelvings so that I could paint those as well.

I had to apply two coats of paint for both colors and let it dry before I moved on.

Bookshelf with shelves removed and being painted with Turquoise paint color.

Step 2

Placing the wallpaper was a really simple process since the surface area to be covered was relatively small, unlike a wall that needs much more work and accuracy put into it.

I did measure the length so I could cut the exact size from the Wallpaper.

Purple floral Peel and Stick Wallpaper being applied to the top part of the shelf.

To apply the Wallpaper just peel the backing slightly and press down the wallpaper, keep doing it until the whole area is completely covered.

I applied the Wallpaper on the shelves as well as the outside of the bookshelf.

You might have noticed that in the final picture the placement of the Wallpaper is very different and that is because I LOVED to change things around and since I knew I could just peel and stick the wallpaper again, it wouldn’t be such a problem.

Blue floral Peel and Stick Wallpaper being applied to the outside of the bookshelf

Step 3

So for the backside of the actual bookshelf which was literally detached.

I used a couple of nails and a hammer and went all around and just so I knew this would stay in place I applied a layer of Gorilla Glue before I hammered in the nails.

Super easy process.

Step 4

Honestly, I could have left it at that but I really wanted to add a modern flair to this piece.

This is why I decided to use these stunning Copper-colored Hairpin Legs.

I’ve been wanting to use this certain style of legs on one of my DIY projects for quite some time now and this bookshelf was just the perfect piece for it.

Copper hairpin legs being attached to the underside of the bookshelf

I flipped the bookshelf and placed the legs roughly to make marks with a pen of where I was going to drill the holes.

You could just directly screw it down but I prefer this method to drill some holes before and then to place the screws into it.

Screws being drilled into the hairpin legs to attach it to the bookshelf

The whole process was really simple but made such a huge impact to the entire look.

Wallpaper comes in a myriad of colors, patterns, and textures, providing you with endless possibilities to customize your bookshelf. Whether you prefer a vintage, rustic look or a modern, sleek design, wallpaper allows you to transform the appearance of the bookshelf to suit your taste and complement your existing decor.

This hands-on approach to home decor fosters a sense of accomplishment and individuality.

After using these legs on this bookshelf since then I have used Hairpin Legs on my Coffee Table as well as Nightstands.

In conclusion, upcycling a bookshelf with wallpaper is a sustainable, creative, and cost-effective way to revitalize old furniture. It allows you to contribute to environmental conservation by reducing waste, express your personal style through customization, and engaging in a fulfilling DIY project.

The benefits extend beyond aesthetics, providing practical advantages such as added durability and ease of maintenance. So, the next time you consider discarding an old bookshelf, think about the exciting possibilities that come with upcycling it using wallpaper.

And there you have it.

All Done.