DIY Bookshelf Makeover: A Cozy Aesthetic Upgrade

[jossdeboss]

I love the color you used but it does make the shelf feel more intense compared to the lavender walls, maybe painting it all the same color of the walls and adding darker accents?

Or if you’re really set on the color, adding lights in each cubby/section to make it cozier, and def hide the chords or opt for cordless lights/lamp? The floating shelves also look great on the side and heading the books horizontal will be a nice contrast to the books in the cubbies 😊

[nancyb]

I'd leave back of shelves dark. Sides and fronts the color of walls. The dark back would give them depth and make books pop. Good job! Love the rails.

[CourtWheel]

I think the same color as walls, hiding cords are totally worth it and the little touch of metal is perfect!

[natalievegas]

Always hide your cords the best you can. It makes a huge difference in finished look.

[rebeccaramos]

I really like the dark wood but i can totally understand if it clashes with the vibe you were going for. Yes, to the gaurd rails and it's ALWAYS worth hiding cords

[kimeverhart]

Great job!! I wish I had your skills (and equipment!)!
Yes on the electrical outlet placement in the shelves and I think I would leave them stained for a while. Painting them would look really nice, however; once you paint them, if they are used frequently they will chip and need to be repainted/refreshed quite often…😩. That little bitty backing will be difficult to paint…

[loveshine]

I would say consider painting the front facing edges of the shelves lavender, but keep the dark interior as it adds nice dimension… You could do some combo with the bottom drawer unit either painting, the drawer faces lavender or the back behind the drawers lavender and leaving the drawer faces is dark… just some ideas thrown at ya. Also, probably no railings. I feel like it’s causing it to feel too busy, taking away from the more sleek aesthetic 🙌🏽

[tale]

I agree re painting it the colour of the walls / lighter. no to the guard rails - its such a stylish clean look guard rails kind of spoils the chicness / minimalist calm. love the floating shelves - where to place it is the kind of maddening decision that would send me insane!! I agree about electrical cables - also makes me so annoyed but what do you do to hide them? your skills are baddass so im guessing this would be easy for you? I am SO impressed!

[amylewis]

Paint it and hide the cords. Cool design!!❤

[violetatapia]

Great colour; no guardrails, and yes to floating shelves. Great job! ❤

[valeriehandmadewithheart]

Ok something like this would make a good area as a dollhouse, or for holiday decorations. I love books. I literally own easily more than a thousand books and yes, I have read everyone. I would also add something like dollar store tap tap lights with easily removable tape as recessed lighting in the cubby shelves. These are just ideas. You did a beautiful job. Before you paint it, you could get cardstock/walpaper and try out colors with temporary adhesive and your chosen paper or even fabric. In old houses they would take lightweight cotton fabric and use plain old starch as glue. It's fancy wallpaper. As long as the fabric doesn't get wet it stays. If you want to remove it, just spray the fabric with water. You did a great job.❤

[lenapoolaw]

I think id leave the drawers part the dark walnut color, but paint the shelves as white or matching the walls. That should provide some contrast, but not be as stark of a difference with the whole thing being dark walnut.

[robinsmith]

I love the color. Its a focal point. The color from the book spines will be the "pop". Also a small plant or knick knack will be minimal decoration. Great job.

[TheDutchDutchess]

Very Nice!..I would do the same wood colour as the floor.

[helenromanelli]

Yes to guardrails, I would prefer a lighter color stahin but it still looks very nice. Yes to gliating shelves. Try positioning light colored decorative elements on the shelves. That would look striking

[cyanidejack]

Paint it the same color as the walls. No guard rail. Hide the cord. Love the floating shelves. 😂❤

[AuntiBiBi_MiMi]

I like the painted version better. It looks less busy, more custom and so pretty.

[cimbei]

If you keep it dark, go with guardrails! If you color drench it, no rails. Yes, put electric in it. Love it. ❤️

[annaflores]

I also love the color that you stained it looks good with the color of the walls and yes hide the cords

[melissapalmer]

Keep the walnut color so it stands out a feature piece. What you did with the design is very clever and creative!