When you get that one text message saying…I need this gone asap, do you want any or all? Well, let’s take a look-see. I have limited space, so I have to be picky as well. I spy some good potential there and head over to inspect a little closer. Obviously, there’s some furniture opportunities and a few small items as well. Today, I’m going to focus on that tall gal tucked in the corner for a farmhouse bookcase makeover.

It’s a bookcase that’s missing a back, a few other parts, but is still functional and prime for some Prodigal Pieces lovin’.

In case you’re wondering, I also took the clock (repurposed HERE), the shelf, and the broken picnic basket for Trash to Treasure Tuesday. However, I left behind that repurposed sink where someone used a graniteware roaster pan as a sink, the caned chair, and a tippy table.

DIY TIME

To get this DIY party started, I need to get myself some bead-board. I normally skip the box stores because I believe in supporting local. I haven’t been to this particular box store in nearly two years because the local shop is so much better. However, I didn’t have time to make the half-hour trip one way, so I opt for this choice. MISTAKE.

When I go to the local supply store, they have me checked out in five minutes, then I head to a warehouse where they load me up with a smile and absolute care for my needs. In this store (with an orange square logo), it’s hard to find an associate and when I do, they’re usually rude because I’m interrupting their work. This time, the associate was smiling and quick to meet me. However, when I ask him to cut the 4′ x 8′ panel, he doesn’t cut it right…as in 7″ too short not right. AAAGGGHH!! I took it home, not checking quick because I thought the remnant was the good piece. I unload at home and get sick. I’m stuck with a damaged piece that is mostly likely going to just barely fit my needs if I can trim it exactly perfect.

Thankfully, my woodworking skills pay off and I’m able to trim it as I need. As soon as I have it sized right, I stain the bead-board with a color I’ve used often called Early American.

FIXIN’

Then, it’s time to make a few repairs to the farmhouse bookcase. If you look close at the bottom, you can see the drawer sits too far back and there’s a gap.

In order to fix that, I cut a piece of scrap wood to length and use my pocket hole jig to make holes to attach. This causes the drawer to rest at the correct spot.

[board]

Also, before I can say that it’s fixed, I need to pull the drawer out as the bottom is sagging. Next, I cut another length of scrap wood to attach to the bottom of the drawer as support. Easy-peasy.

One last thing, I need to remove the bin pulls so I can paint the bookcase, but also because they are a hot mess. I sand down the mottled faux finish and paint them new.

Finally, I can put the finishing touches on this remake and makeover. I decide to use a Kensington Gray milk paint to cover the bookcase sides and shelves. My picture makes it look blue, but I’m working in my workshop where it’s kinda dark.

As a final finish, I apply a matte poly topcoat to seal it all in and protect it.

COMPLETE

Here is my farmhouse bookcase makeover complete and ready for many more years of showcasing your goods.

The color has a blue/gray tint while the dark backing sets the stage for decorating to your heart’s content. Not only is it more stable (totally wiggly before backing was added), but it also has more function too.

Oh, and did you notice the drawer rests nice and opens easily now too? And how about those bin pulls ready to go with an aged copper appeal. Here’s to storage!

Okay, now it’s your turn…how would you have finished it off? I debated on a green with natural backing, but I did something similar on this bookcase recently. Also, I repurposed a gun cabinet with a blue color and aged wood back too. Likewise, a curio cabinet transformed with blue as well. In addition to leaving some comment love below, be sure to check this out and more available in my online shop.

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Finally, let’s inspire others to change up their own home story. You can create a unique space that is outside of box store decor and totally creates a welcoming atmosphere for those you love.

Up next is Trash to Treasure Tuesday with oodles of new inspiration for you, including this damaged vintage picnic basket. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!

Also, more thrifty makeovers like this farmhouse bookcase: