Easy bookcase update with decorative fabric
February 16, 2009
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I did a quick project in our den over the weekend, in between breaking my neck painting the ceiling and destroying my back painting the room.
I recently moved most of my son's toys to another room in the house, and I'm thrilled with the change. (I'll show you that soon too!)
Since I am enjoying having our office back so much, I've been trying to think of easy ways to update what we already have in there, and my first project was these shelves:
I bought foam core board at the dollar store and measured the backs of each shelf.
I marked them off and then cut them out using my level as a straight edge and my exacto knife:
Then cut my fabric and wrapped them like a present, using hot glue to secure the fabric:
Just popped them into the back of the shelves and voila!:
Ack! That fabric! I. love. it. I have gone back to Joann's twice and it's GONE! :(
The foam board was three bucks for three boards, the fabric was about $5 for a yard of the fabric. Try it on your shelves or built ins! I love to make the back of built ins pop by painting them, but I think I may like this fabric idea even more!
The cabinet looks fab!!! What a great idea!!! Your cat cracks me up - mine loves to rub on my flowers - not eat them, just sniff and rub against them! Your little man is soooo adorable! I spent my V-day with my little man too since hubby was working.
ReplyDeleteWow...Great Post! I love the flowers they are beautiful...I swear your cat is my cats twin, she shoud have been a bunny too. I LOVE the shelving. That is a great idea, and it looks fantastic.
ReplyDeleteWowza - that's a lot of wonderful in one post. I gave up on buying paint tonight after an hour had gone by and they still hadn't mixed my paint! Long story - but I was going to start throwing paint sticks so I decided it was better to just get out of there.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful flowers, adorbale Bub (look at those curls!), and I love your fabric idea. I never would have thought of that!
I love your valentine's day date! What a hunk! I would keep him too!
ReplyDeleteFabulous shelves! I love them.
ReplyDeleteYour son is adorable! I really love the shelves. What a great idea.
ReplyDeleteTwo comments in one day? What a loser. I so need to stop checking google reader everytime I check email. LOVE the fabric! (also love that it's commitment free)
ReplyDeleteI'd been toying with the idea of painting the back of my built-ins, but I couldn't decide on a color....AAGH!!! The colors that I love also happen to be the colors that are in alot of the crap-er accessories- that I have on the shelves already (duh). So as of last night I had decided that I should just leave it alone...because REALLY, it's perfectly fine the way it is.
And then this post.
THANKS. ALOT.
My cats eat my flowers and ribbon too. I have to take my flowers to work. I made the XO's for Valentines. Thank you for the idea. If you visit my blog you can see my girls holding them (I did smaller ones). I then made Valentine cards. Then I used them has a decoration.
ReplyDeleteI love your shelf idea! It looks wonderful.
I'm loving your bookcase update! That's what I want to do to some bookcases in my bedroom, but I hadn't thought of the foam core. So perfect! I'm bookmarking this post for future use. ;)
ReplyDelete10 minutes and 10 bucks would have sounded even better! But I never would have believed that you did that in 10 minutes! ;-) Even though I am a big believer in what can be accomplished in 10 minutes! Looks great! Makes me want to go to JoAnnes and see if that fabric is there! Can you tell that I seem to like exclamation points? Laughing at myself!
ReplyDeleteThose shelves look great!
ReplyDeleteMy hubs was out of town till late on Valentine's too. I have decided that the state of texas likes to plan UIL/TMEA/TBMA/etc on important weekends like Valentine's, birthdays, anniversarys.... GRRRR!
Your roses sure look pretty though!
Yes, he is just so cute!! love the dimples.We went to IHop for dinner with the kids on Valentine's Day! :)
ReplyDeleteAND since my computer is messing up and not showing like half of the pictures in this post, I'll go read it again on my PC in a little bit. I'm sure it's great!
I'm watching The Bachelor for my Bachelor Review. :)
I absolutely love the shelf redo, isn't it great what a little fabric can do!
ReplyDeleteBut I have to say your big date for Valentine's day is cuter!
Looks beautiful! I am going to do this to my hutch in my dining room. I would love to paint it, but hubby would die! So I'll try this instead.
ReplyDeleteThanks for having an amazing blog. I faithfully visit, but rarely comment...must fix that. Thanks for sharing your talent.
So funny-one of my cats does the exact same thing...all of my flowers get chewed up and we find string hanging out you know-where(when she poops it out). Lovely.
ReplyDeleteYou seriously crack me up! I do love the fabric in the back of the bookcase!
ReplyDeleteI love your x's and o's...I did some in black and white...well I did 2 x's and 2 O...they turned out pretty cute but not as cute as your's...:O)
ReplyDeletexox, bj
Very pretty fabric and shelf makeover.
ReplyDeleteWhat a darling date you had. Lucky you! ;)
Oh, what a cute date you had!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of using fabric on the backs of the shelves. Nope, I wasn't the one to buy the rest of the fabric. I saw the line at the cutting table at Joann's today and said forget it! Hope you find more.
Sheryl
what a great idea! i have opened backed bookshelves and haven't quite figured out how to tackle them.
ReplyDeleteI love what you did with that shelf! It is amazing! This seems way easier than trying to get it the right size or gluing it to the shelf...thanks for the tip!
ReplyDeleteI too love the look of the back of shelves painted, but I really like the pattern of fabric or wallpaper best. It just adds such character. Your fabric is just lovely that you picked out. Too bad you don't have more to do other projects with. I think your valentine's date was perfect. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteLove the bookcase. Both my cats eat our flowers too-my daughter got flowers for a play she was in on Friday night and we have to lock them in the half bath each night to keep the cats away.
ReplyDeleteGreat fabric! Have you thought about painting the rest of the bookcase?
ReplyDeleteDi
The Blue Ridge Gal
Love the bookcase. Isn't fabric just the greatest for big change with low cost? Almost up there with spray paint, almost.
ReplyDeleteLove the bookcase. Isn't fabric just the greatest for big change with low cost? Almost up there with spray paint, almost.
ReplyDeleteLove the fabric behind the bookcase. I have got to try that trick because it looks amazing! Thanks...Linda
ReplyDeleteMy cat is the same way. He is a mess, but I love him more everyday. Why do they like hair ties and ribbon? Weird? What kind of breed is your cat? looks like a manncoon?
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! And I've seen that fabric before at our local Jo's, but not recently. So basically, I'm absolutely NO HELP to you. Sorry!!!
ReplyDeleteI have been dying to do the shelves in my husband's office, but couldn't figure out a "temporary" way to do it. LOVE this idea. And I cut a sample of this same fabric for my dining room curtains. Won't work in my dining room, but I love it AND it's 40% off at Hancock Fabrics!
ReplyDeleteI have done this before too. I use the canned spray adhesive instead of the hot glue gun. Tres chic!
ReplyDeleteI love the bookcase....great idea!
ReplyDeleteI feel your ceiling painting pain sistah! I painted ours this weekend, and man I love how fresh and bright it makes the room look. But ohhhh my neck and shoulders. No one ever said having a puuurdy house was easy or pain free, huh?!?!
Your little guys is such a doll...and your cat is such a cutie!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea with the bookshelf. I would never have thought to try that.
love your blog. just found it thru SITS. love your shelving idea--love that fabric. and what a sweet v-day date. now off to read more of your wonderful blog.
ReplyDeleteYour Valentine's date was very cute! :)
ReplyDeleteLove what you've done with the cabinet and I agree that fabric is just gorgeous!! I'm going to borrow that idea to make my bookcases look more interesting. Thanks for the inspiration :)
The cabinet looks great! JoAnn's will order you more fabric at the regular price.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet Valentines Day!
ReplyDeleteAnd the cabinet is gorgeous!
Your cat looks just like our cat we had, Vern.
ReplyDeleteI love how the shelves turned out, what a wonderful idea.
that's called a power packed post! thanks for all the ideas and inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThe shelf redo is such a great idea. I am going to have to try that. So easy to change when I get sick of it. I would love to hear your take on flat paint. Before kids I painted most of my house with flat paint. Hate it. Not the easiest to clean. So frustrating.
ReplyDeleteLove the shelf re-do! Very cute, and you can change it out so easily!
ReplyDeleteThe bookcase looks great! I love the foam board idea better than just taping it in there or hot glue!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!!! I know what you mean about obsession with a fabric, I found one I love that I used to make a heart wreath and now I want to find a use for it all over the house...problem? I have no pink in my house! Oh boy, this will be interesting! :)
Thanks for sharing!!!
You had a very cute Valentine's date! :)
In the past I thought of trying what you have done for my large dark 3 section bookcases and after seeing yours I may just do it. It surely makes a huge change, so pretty. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi, Sarah, I'm up to my eyeballs with my diningroom project & mentioned your prowess with moldings today, so stop by & take a look if you missed it. I'm SO going to do more around here after this one!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVE that book case. GREAT JOB!
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I saw the board I knew what you were going to do with it but I would have never thought of doing it! It looks awesome and if you find more of that fabric seriously snag like 5 yards for me! OR tell me the product # and I will check my JoAnn's for US!!!
ReplyDeleteLove that cabinet with the pretty fabric! I have fabric on the backs of my entertainment center and it is time to change it. I am going to try the foam board idea instead of taking off the backs. Your son is adorable! I know you enjoy him so much like I do mine!
ReplyDeleteMy cat does the same things! Too funny!
ReplyDeleteI love what you did with the shelves. They look awesome! We don't have a Joann's around here anymore. I could just cry.
LOVE your blog by the way!
-Dawn
www.lifeateventuallycottage.blogspot.com
Great idea for the bookcase! That fabric is fab! Wonder if my JoAnn's has any?!?!
ReplyDeleteI did kinda the same thing (albeit a cheap-O version) with the bookcase in my daughter's nursery. I bought a bookcase at a garage sale for $5. Pulled out the shelves. Cut a piece of wrapping paper (funky pink w/ white polka dot) to fit and adherred with double-side stick tape. All in all, it cost me about $8 and looks perfectly awesome in my daughter's room!
Thanks for the great inspiration! I've become a regular over here & appreciate your posts and great ideas!
oh.my.lord.. the fabric made the cabinet POP! loves it! And your son.. i could eat him up! i have a daughter.. maybe we could have an arranged marriage?! They would be PERFECT together !!! ;) Keep your ideas coming so i can keep Stealing.. er i mean.. borrowing them.
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog today and wish I could kidnap you and bring you home!! You are an extremely talented woman!
ReplyDeleteI'm off to look around, get jealous of your talents, get inspired and add to my "to do" list!
Your roses are gorgeous and your "date" is adorable! Love what you did to the cabinet!
ReplyDeleteNicole
I love your site! And the back of those shelves... brilliant!
ReplyDeleteLove it! I love that fabric!
ReplyDeletehee, hee! I'm totally cracking up at your comment on my blog!
ReplyDeleteYou guessed right. I'm officially a Y and R freak too.
By the way - what do you think of Eden? ugh. She makes me a little nuts.
I'm loving the Chloe/Billy/Lily and Cane storyline - FABULOUS!
Lovin' all your great ideas. I'm a crafty chick too, but I don't think up nearly as many wonderful ideas as you do. Thanks for sharing them. I'm anxious to see how the painting (especially of the ceiling) looks.
ReplyDeleteOoo I love that you used foam board for the back of the bookcase. I have been thinking about covering foam board for the back of my hutch but haven't found THE fabric yet. You know, you've got to have a fabric speak to you... in my case, it has to scream at you and then I'm smitten and MUST have it. Still on the search.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog girl. I enjoy it.
Great makeover! Love it.
ReplyDeleteIt's not the same, but this fabric is similar:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250375149335&ssPageName=ADME:B:WNARL:US:1123
Gorgeous, gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a fun weekend. Your date is so cute! I love the book case. That fabric is to die for!
ReplyDeleteThat cabinet is fabulous. I have a piece so similar and now its screaming for this update. I'm running to Joann's today!
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU
Hey Sarah! I just wanted to drop by and thank you soooo much for visiting my blog! I hope you visit again soon!
ReplyDelete-Dawn
www.lifeateventuallycottage.blogspot.com
How are you so, so clever? Your cleverness and kindness has earned you an award from me!
ReplyDeleteI was completely cracking up at the little poop. Awe-ing over your little man. And now I am officially drooling over your bookshelf. I just came back from IKEA yesterday with a cubbie system for our playroom and I may just have to try this! Thanks for the idea and the laughs!
ReplyDeleteOOOH! I love this, gotta find a place to try it out. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHey my friend, AnNichole tagged me so Im tagging you for a post on where you blog. Go to my blog for details :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a great time to show me your awesome organized desk since you've been organizing lately :)
Oh my gosh, I had to laugh when I saw how your kitty was eye balling up those roses!!! too funny!!
ReplyDeleteOh, I LOVE the double XOXO. I'm definitely bookmarking that one for next year's project! And the fabric backing on that shelf made such a difference. I never would have thought of it, now I can't wait to try it!
ReplyDeleteWhat an adorable cutie!
ReplyDeleteLove the change to the bookshelves! Have you tried calling other Jo-Ann's in the area? They usually have similar fabric in stock. Just a thought!
I absolutely L-O-V-E the idea of the fabric on the back of the desk to hide the cables! I'm so going to do that! TONIGHT!!! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteGood job with the shelves! I think I am about to start some painting projects. I just need to get motivated.
ReplyDeleteI love the "dimple" picture! And your cat is so much like mine. Our last cat loved to eat flowers and leaves and but I could put them in places where she wouldn't get to them. Now we have a more athletic cat and I can't find one place to put live plants/flowers. :(
ReplyDeleteI buy Joanne Fabrics online at their website. Maybe you will find your fabric there! I hope you do. I really enjoy your blog and all the great pictures and ideas.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful flowers and is your cat a Maine Coon? He looks just like our Maine Coon. Such a cutie.
ReplyDeleteThat's genius!
ReplyDelete