Now that I'm making my office much brighter and neutral, the dark background of the bookcases weren't working.
You can read the original post here where I painted the backs of my IKEA Billy bookcases.
BEFORE:
I really wanted to line my bookcases with grasscloth, but I didn't have enough left over from my powder room. I wanted to keep costs down, so I ordered this oyster burlap fabric from Hobby Lobby instead. 5 yards were less than $20!
I took the back of the bookcases off and used spray adhesive to adhere the burlap straight onto the backs that were already painted dark gray. Then I nailed the backs back onto the Billy bookshelves, and I was done! It took less than 30 minutes in all.
And here is the AFTER!
Note - normally the backs of Billy bookcases slide into those grooves, but with the burlap on them it's too thick. But that's not a problem - I just nailed them on with no problem and when there are items on the shelves you can't tell.
Filled with my things:
I love the subtle texture!
12 hours ago
Love the texture, too! You did a great job styling them as well!
ReplyDeleteWhat a difference! Looks fantastic and makes the bookshelf look much more expensive. This makes me want to buy a Billy to organize my craft room. Love it! Can you come style my house? :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. We really like the warmth and texture from the material.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful idea. I always want to use the Hobby Lobby burlap to upholster walls, but I don't know if I could handle the burlapy smell in an entire room.
ReplyDeleteThe texture really adds interest to standard bookshelves. Nice work!
ReplyDeleteThe burlap looks great - makes even Billy look high end! I love a good ikea hack!
ReplyDeleteI love how they turned out! So great!
ReplyDeleteThat looks really awesome! What a fabulous idea.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great and inexpensive alternative! Thanks for sharing, Bryn.
ReplyDeleteThose look wonderful, what a great idea! You did a beautiful job styling the shelves, too.
ReplyDeleteThat looks really great! Thanks for sharing a very doable DIY.
ReplyDeleteIt looks great! I love how the fabric made them feel much more expensive. Great Job!
ReplyDeleteHi Bryn, This is perfect because I've been posting about my new Billy bookcases too. I painted the backs blue and am putting them in my living room. I haven't quite finished (due to measurement issues - oops), but I'm almost done. If I ever tire of the blue, it's good to know about this fabric as it is beautiful. I love the way you styled yours. I'm going to have to take tips from you as I don't know that I'll style them as well. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! Such huge impact for a low cost (and effort!). Now that's my kind of DIY!
ReplyDeleteLooks fantastic! Love the burlap and bonus that it was such an easy DIY.
ReplyDeleteIt looks awesome! I'm going to order some of that fabric. Lots of things I can do with it!
ReplyDeleteThey look fantastic!! I love the texture the burlap adds.
ReplyDeleteThey look amazing! I love the way you styled them too. What pretty art. I love how your office is coming together.
ReplyDeleteLookin good!
ReplyDeleteBethanywww.PowellBrowerHome.com
Looks great! Much softer and the texture is interesting. Can't wait to see the rest of the office come together!
ReplyDeleteLOVE! And must do this to my Billys pronto.
ReplyDeleteGreat job styling your bookcases...they look great! I tagged you today in a "get to know you" blogger series. Hope you'll join in! All the best, Lauren
ReplyDeleteThis turned out so great! I backed a bookcase with some striped yellow/white fabric and it turned out good except I didn't use spray adhesive...I probably should have!! I love the look of yours!
ReplyDeleteGenius! And you did a great job styling them as well!
ReplyDeletethese look awesome! i'd love to see the back of the book self to see how you made sure everything came out smooth and tight...
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrific idea! I have just the spot for this!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I love the way this looks and the texture it adds to the shelves. The styling and organization looks so pretty! This is the motivation I need to get my office in order. :)
ReplyDeleteI loooove it! Usually I think things get too busy when people put fabric on the back of bookcases. but this is perfect.
ReplyDeletei LOVE it! thanks for all the helpful tips and details!
ReplyDeleteI like the fabric better than the paint, although both are great!
ReplyDeleteI love this project! The fabric is perfect!
ReplyDeleteabsolutely love this!
ReplyDeleteTotally fabulous! I love how such a simple change has a huge impact. LOVE it. M.
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful job to update a bookcase. I really inspired and loved this idea.
ReplyDeleteYes the bookshelves look great.....but more important is how dang neat they are. I get a little sick thinking about how messy my office is.....
ReplyDeletevery cleaver. It looks great
ReplyDeletethis looks fabulous! great idea! where did you find all those white storage boxes? I really like the clean look of the white containers.
ReplyDeleteI love the way the bookcases came out. I love burlap, as do many people, and didn't realize you could order fabric from Hobby Lobby online. Cool to know!
ReplyDeleteIt makes the bookcase so warm! Great project!
ReplyDeleteI love it when you can find things for for a low cost and the end result looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteIt really does add warmth, I might try this on one of my bookcases
-Jordan
Love how these turned out Bryn!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great fix! I LOVE the texture!
ReplyDeleteYour bookcase looks beautiful! I like the grasscloth, it's perfect. I have this linked to my grasscloth post as well today, for inspiration!
ReplyDelete