Paint Ideas
for Built-in Bookcases
Built-in bookcases can exude the feeling of an old library or study when left with the original wood grain that has been stained dark. But painted bookcases can erase that dusty study feel and can allow you to create all sorts of different looks in your home, from modern and sleek, to fun looks appropriate in a playroom. Don't feel that you must fill bookshelves just with books. Vases, busts and collectors' items can work great in bookshelves and can break up the library look of an unbroken wall of books.
Wall Matching Paint
For a modern, clean look, paint your built-in bookcases in the same shade as the wall surrounding them. For example, if your walls are painted in ecru, paint your bookshelves in the same ecru color. This look works especially well if you want to showcase various colored items on your bookshelf.
Painting the Back
For a look that makes the built-in bookcase a focal point in the room, paint either just the back or just the insides and back of the bookcase with a saturated tone richer than the wall color. Leave the outside face of the bookshelf unpainted so it doesn't seem separated from the rest of the wall.
The shelves don't all need to match. Consider painting the inside of each shelf in a separate primary color for a young child's room. Alternate the shades of two different colors that are repeated in the decor of the room to create an interesting focal point.
Painting the Outside Frame
Paint the inside and back of the built-in bookshelf in the same shade as the wall color. Then paint the outside frames of the bookshelves in an accent color that is used in the room's decor.
If you are having a hard time understanding where the outside frame is on the shelves, imagine placing two hands out in front of yourself palms out, as if you were going to play patty-cake. Your palms will be parallel to the outside frame of the built-in bookshelves. Painting this part of the shelves will draw attention to them, making them stand out from the rest of the wall.
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