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Mid Century Modern Bookcase

Who doesn’t love stylish storage? However, in most homes (even mine) it can be easy to just stick stuff in places without thought as much to style. That’s perfectly fine! In this case, though, I want to show you how easy it can be to update your home with a bit of DIY elbow grease using this Mid Century Modern bookcase as my example. Let’s have some makeover fun!

Mid Century Modern Bookcase Before Makeover | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

At first glance, you can see that this is a pretty standard bookcase. You may be wondering what makes it Mid Century? Well, the feet are tell-tale, and the age of the wood used. This is not your manufactured wood hot mess that most stores offer today (which is sad, unfortunately). Thankfully, my friend, Mandy, saw this and thought of me. Don’t you just love friends in junky places? {{Garth Brooks sings – I got friends in junky places, where the rust is my fix, and the broken pieces that call my name, ’cause #trashure is my game.” YEEHAW!}}

MAKEOVER TIME

First, as you can see, there is oodles of wear this this bookcase. While I could take it all apart and refinish it, I’m wanting to go a different route since some of the wood has deep gouges.

Mid Century Modern Bookcase Door Grooves | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

My first step is to tighten up all the joints. In order to do that, I need to take off the backing and then glue and nail the joints back into a tight state. See the bottom corner in the picture above? Those gaps are no more. Yay!

Then, as soon as things are tightened up, I use my wood filler to tackle all the wear on top, sides, and shelves. Doesn’t it look like a paint horse with all those spots?

Using Wood Filler to Repair Mid Century Modern Bookcase | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Next, as soon as I can, I begin to use this seconds paint in a muted tone. Notice I’m using a micro-foam roller to quickly and easily apply a smooth base coat. Not only did I paint the case, but also the backing as well. Though, I left the feet in the original stain for a contrast.

Painting Bookcase Beige | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

TIME FOR TEXTURE

Finally, after two coats of paint cure, I want to do something fun with the backing to set it off subtly. Since I’m wanting to stay true to the MCM style, I want to add a texture to the back. While I debate on using paper, fabric, etc., I settle on creating a fabric linen-look using paint. I’ve done this technique before and it always works well when done right.

Since I’ve already painted the backing in the same color as the case, I’m going to use a mix of the beige color I have left in my pan and blend in a creamy white.

Mixing Faux Linen Paint Treatment for Mid Century Modern Bookcase | prodigalpieces.com

Then, once I have the color I desire, I roll it on quickly so I can do the next steps. Technically, you can use a product to lengthen the dry-time when doing larger surfaces, but I’m only doing one panel so I just use the paint as-is. Please pardon the darker photos as it is cloudy/rainy outside and I’m in my workshop.

Painting White Layer of Faux Linen Paint Technique on Mid Century Modern Bookcase | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

After that, I quickly use my bristle broom to brush across the backing first one direction, followed by going in the opposite direction.

DIY Faux Linen Paint Texture Step 1 | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

DIY Faux Linen Paint Texture Step 2 | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Do you see how it’s creating that linen fiber appeal? I love it.

Last, when all the painting is complete, I apply a matte polycrylic to protect and seal my work and assemble the shelves.

REFRESHED

Here’s my vintage Mid Century Modern bookcase all dressed up and ready to go with a brand new look.

Vintage Mid Century Modern Bookcase with Fresh New Look by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #vintage #midcentury #boho

Mid Century Modern Bookcase with Faux Linen Paint Technique by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #furniture #boho #vintage

The soft color is just what I was after and I’ve become hooked to it for many projects including this medicine cabinet makeover.

DIY Faux Linen Texture with Paint by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #faux #paint #furniture

DIY Faux Linen Texture with Paint for Mid Century Modern Bookcase Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #linen #paint #furniture

Additionally, my love for linen in real both in the fabric world and also in texture. I wish you could see it in person, but these pics will have to do. Can you see it?

Closeup of DIY Faux Linen Paint Texture on Mid Century Modern Bookcase by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Not only is there no reason not to update your own furniture to suit you, but it’s FUN!! You can create your own home story by just being willing to try. No one ever regrets the trying…it’s the not trying that stays with you.

Vintage Mid Century Modern Bookcase Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #vintage #furniture #homedecor

If you would like to add this piece to your own home story, you can find it and more in my online shop. The selection is always changing, so take a peek.

  • Magic Linen Beige Waffle Blanket available at Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #bedding
    Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130

SHARE

Okay, so now it’s your turn. Won’t you pin and share to inspire others to tackle their own DIY project?

A dated and ho-hum Mid Century Modern Bookcase gets a up-to-date makeover with Faux Linen Paint Technique | Details at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #midcentury #modern #boho #diy

Last, but not least, be sure to sign up for my newsletter to see the fun Imma gonna have with this country blue gem YEEHAW!! Come see HERE. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!
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Vintage Country Shelf in Blue with Heart Cut-Outs | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Also, more makeovers like this Mid Century modern bookcase:

What a beautiful transformation of a vintage French provincial kidney desk in Hollywood regency style by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #furniture #diy #vintage #shabbychic #frenchprovincialHow fun! A dilapidated antique empire chest of drawers is repurposed into an upholstered bench by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | See the DIY at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #furniture #homedecor #handmade #upholstery

Comments

  1. Jan says

    ♥️ It Larissa! So sorry to read what you’ve been thru…

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Jan. God’s got a plan, I just need to trust.

  2. Niki says

    What a nice little book shelf, and wonderful that it is real wood! I have a mdf one I need to redo (I dislike mdf so much). You did well in keeping the mcm vibe- the beige is a nice and subdued color scheme that should work in any room. I’m happy you have found and are in the works of utilizing another forum for your blog. I’m really starting to abhor social media in almost all its forms. Interested to hear more. Blessings!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you. Yes, I don’t touch MDF with a ten foot pole. haha. Scourge to the furniture world. I’m a bit under the weather, but plan to hit it hard when back to normal. I’m excited to dump the hot mess SM. 😉

  3. Mary says

    I love the color Larissa! And that beautiful linen texturing in the back adds a very classy MCM look. Unbelievable it could look sooo good. Thank you for saving another piece of “real” furniture! And I, too, am sorry to hear all that you have been thru with these SM giants 🙁 🙁 …I am excited for your new adventure and look forward to its reveal! Take care and hope you feel better soon! (We also had a family wedding last weekend…I’m still trying to “catch up” on my energy 🙂

    • Larissa says

      Thank you for the sweet affirmation, Mary. I feel blessed to be able to share. Had a rough day, but feel better after babying myself. Hang in there too!

  4. Joanne H says

    Great save! Love the linen texture technique.
    Rest up and take care of yourself. I look forward to your posts and your creativity.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Joanne. These are always fun. I’m having to take a couple days off to rest and self care. I’ll be back soon!

  5. Sherry says

    Larissa, do you still have your pretty bust/statue you used to pose in pictures? It used to sit on dining room table. Did you sell it? I loved and admired it.

    • Larissa says

      Hi Sherry. Yes, I still have it as it’s always resided on top of my piano.

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~ Laurel

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2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

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I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

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2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

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I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

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2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

~ Mikki

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

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2020-03-21T21:45:37-04:00

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Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

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2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

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Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!
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