There is something so special about a bookcase. It is a single place to hold the pages that can take you anywhere in the world, all in a tidy, compact spot. Put a comfy chair next to a bookcase and you can pass hours on end.
I have a lot of fun refinishing bookcases. They usually come to me in decent shape, but plain and unadorned. This bookcase was in good shape and was certainly well built, as evidenced by the 300 nails and screws holding it together! It was just begging for some character and personality, and that was what I was determined to give it.
I started by prying off the back. This was no easy task (reference note of 300 nails). Once I had it removed, I painted the rest of the bookcase matte black. Now the back was where the character was about to happen. Each opening in the bookcase naturally lends itself to sorting or organizing. So why not color block each section? I selected a variety of neutral tones of gray, mocha and creamy white, and painted the sections of the back in alternating colors. This was a super easy makeover, but I think the finished result is classy and interesting. Now when filling this bookcase, care can be given in selecting which background would best highlight the contents. Which color looks best in the glow of a flameless candle? Which color highlights that antique glass bowl? And of course, which books belong in which section?
Painting the back wall of bookcases is also an amazing way to utilize bold colors that many people might otherwise shy away from. Imagine this same bookcase painted creamy ivory with a bold pop of orange in the back. The eye gets visual relief from the bold color with the objects and books placed in front of it, but the energy of the color is still evident. In my own home, we created a built-in bookcase in one of the bedrooms. The case is framed out in bright gloss white, and the back wall is a deep sultry flat charcoal. The contrasting color and finish add tons of dimension and interest.
Do you have a bookcase that could use some visual interest? Play around with ideas of color for the background. After all, if your books can take you anywhere, don’t they deserve to have an interesting place to rest?
Hold my wine, I’ve got this…
Amy
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