Here is a classic example that we are all familiar with. You’ve had that bookcase that no longer fits in your living area, or it may be damaged with perhaps some shelving that is in need of repair.
You may be thinking that its time to trash it by posting an ad on Kijiji, hauling it into the basement or maybe just placing it out on your curb in the hopes that it will disappear. Why not consider the option of repurposing it?
Repurposing is the process by which an object with one use value is transformed or redeployed as an object with an alternative use value.
E.g. Bedside storage is a necessity for books, electronic devices, boxes of tissues, and other essentials. Given such a long list of must-haves, the ample storage afforded by an old bookcase makes it ripe for repurposing into a nightstand.
Deck out an old bookcase (or a recent find) with a fresh coat of paint and some patterned contact paper, then attach a quartet of modern legs to add height and complete the transformation.
There’s countless ideas for repurposing your furniture pieces and other household good and bookcases are just the beginning! With hardly any effort and lot of imagination you can repurpose that unwanted bookcase and turn it into something beautiful!
Below is one of our own projects we completed by taking an older T.V. Entertainment Unit and repurposing the shelving that once upon a time, used to hold books, children’s dvd’s, vhs tapes and family photo albums now transformed into a new one of a kind storage space to now hold supplies for our new office coffee station with the addition of some personal touches. Hope this inspires you to try some of your own DIY Repurposing projects around your home or office. The possibilities are endless!
DIY Repurpose Bookcase Makeover
Step 1
We gave these 2 book cases a quick inspection, looking for any damaged areas that needed repair and disassembled the shelving. Both pieces got a thorough cleaning to remove any dirt and grime built up from over the years. This would help ensure that paint will adhere properly.
Step 2
We’re no strangers to Cottage Serenity Brand Paints. If you’ve read our previous blogs and viewed some of the other DIY projects we’ve completed in the past, you’ll see for yourself what a great product and premium paint this really is and here’s why:
When you’re not looking for that vintage look and simply want to paint your furniture to give it a fresh new appearance, Serenity is a mineral paint that goes on clean and evenly with no extra work. Simply prep your surface, then paint. No top coat is required.
Serenity is formulated with top quality acrylic and urethane resins that cure to become a very durable surface. Serenity is available in a soft silky-smooth finish or a velvety flat finish.
There is NO sanding and NO priming required if the surface is cleaned, sealed and sound. When painting with Serenity paint, the surface dries with a built-in sealer. There is no need to worry about any additional waxes or varnishes. It’s as easy as that.
We gave our shelving pieces 2 coats of Cottage Paint Serenity Brand in Charcoal Grey with dry time in between each coat and set them to the side.
Step 3
Painting both inside and outside of these bookcases was shall we say… “interesting.” These units needed 2 coats of paint to cover the existing colour with dry time in between coats however, we loved the way these pieces were coming together!
Before & After
Wow what a transformation already! Loving it!
We now have 2 brand new looking book shelves that were originally part of a 3 piece older TV Entertainment Unit from back in the day.
We gave these 2 older bookshelves a new purpose and meaning in our home office and decided to to put them to good use by incorporating both pieces as part of our office coffee station area. They both have a ton of useful storage space.
It’s really is a wonderful feeling to take something you already have in your home and transform that piece into something new and give a new purpose.
Step 4
This was the fun part! By taking these two older bookcases and re-purposing them, we now have created something completely new with a great story to tell and we’ve don it ourselves! We have now created a home for our items that has a unique look like no other.
Step 5
To finish this project off, we added some of our own personal touches by installing some curtain rods and sheers we already had around from a previous window treatment upgrade project. Silk orange sunflower heads with clips were added to each end of the curtain hold back hardware to help give these pieces just a little splash of colour and cheerfulness. Love the new look!
Finished Product
Good To Know Tips
Check Out More DIY Projects-Watch Our Videos Below!
Up Cycle Tired Furniture With Paint & Colour
DIY Weekend Projects-Turning An Old Dresser Into A Coffee Station
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