Are you one to have a hard time passing up a deal? tsk. I honestly have moments and I believe this is one of them. A local ministry thrift shop often has pieces like this (enter in previous bookcase makeover HERE). While I have stopped shipping furniture all over the continental USA, I am sticking to my guns to sell only local. On top of that, I’m trying to take it easy on my body for the time. However, ten bucks for this vintage bookcase made of solid wood is too good to pass up. Do you blame me?
It’s originally part of a set that locked together, most likely other sections for TV, etc. As a stand-alone bookcase with secretary desk, all I need to do is bring it up to date.
As an aside, I apologize I didn’t show the inside as much as it has a piece of laminate on the back side of the desk door. Honestly, I have been on the run daily with two kids in sports (that don’t drive yet) and warm weather demands outdoor work. However, you can see it’s dark and dated, the pulls don’t match, and it has holes on the sides where it used to be connected to other units.
DIY PARTY
With that, let’s get this DIY party started. Normally, I dig into my stash of pulls and knobs and have something, but the original holes were so far apart. In order to add modern pulls, I first fill the holes with dowel and wood filler.
Then, I sand the entire thing down to give it tooth for this Zinsser BIN primer I’m using to block stains and odors. Also, notice I remove the backing so I can easily paint the shelves and will get to tackling that in a bit.
Thankfully, the primer cures within minutes and I can move onto the next step – paint. I want to make this a fresh piece, so I choose this creamy white and roll in on in similar fashion. It’s a mis-tint in a Benjamin Moore paint in eggshell finish.
Once I apply two coats, letting cure for 2-3 hours between, it’s time to redo that awful backing. I head to my local dollar store and nab a few of this beautiful removeable wallpaper panels.
I simply peel n’ stick the panels making sure to line everything up as I go.
Last, I drill new holes for hardware and assemble it all back together. eep!
In case you’re interested in more bookcase makeovers, take a peek at these past projects of mine:
- a Mid-Century Modern bookcase makeover
- a gun cabinet turned bookcase
- a bookcase headboard turned hutch
- an upcycled bookcase into farmer’s market
- an updated bookcase makeover
- repurposed bookcase headboard bench
FINISHING TOUCHES
Finally, here is my vintage bookcase makeover complete with a fresh, new look, and plenty of life left for many more years to come.
The white really refreshes it and I’m totally adoring that paper backing.
The secretary desk makes this even more functional and I’m so glad there are drawers for hidden storage too.
Don’t you think this version is better? I’d love to hear what you would have done with this vintage bookcase with desk.
Likewise, if you’d like to make this a part of your home story, you can find it and more in my online store.
SHARE
As always, my goal is to inspire you. Maybe you have a dark and dated piece you can update to refresh your own decor. Leave some comment love below telling your own makeover story. In addition, pin and share to inspire others too!
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While you’re at it, check out these other furniture makeovers like this vintage bookcase:
Super cute! Love the peel and stick wallpaper!
It sure is a lifesaver! 😀 Thank you, Audra.
Larissa girl, you have outdone yourself! I love this. Wish I lived near you, I would steal this in a heartbeat!
Have a blessed day, Sharon
And you are so fun bringing me all those smiles. Thank you!
Beautiful ! well done, Larissa !!!
Thank you so much for saying so, Helene. I’m glad it came out as I’d hoped.
When you feel like life has you in a vice grip you do the thing that comes most natural. First pray and then find a way to make something beautiful from all the ugly! This turned out great. I too enjoy the wall paper on the backing, it gives it some personality! Bookshelves are versatile and a necessity.
Yes! God has a way of leading even when we don’t see it. Thanks for the love, Niki. 😀
I love it! The paint color makes it look brand new. Keep up the good work.
Well done! That will fit in just about anywhere now!
whew! I’m so glad you think so. That was the goal! 😉
Gorgeous upcycle! Perfect choice of paint color and that blue backing gives it the Wow! factor. Definitely worth the $10 price tag for a solid project piece…nice job 🙂
The desk feature is what got me hook line and sinker. 😉 Thanks for affirming my choices, Carroll. Yay!
Now it looks fresh and clean. Great job Larissa!
Thanks so much. It had an odor to it as well that is no more. Happy me!