-Here is what I started with. A cheap, ugly, generic bookcase.
-We cut 2X4's and attached them to the bottom to raise it up some.
-Then we added base board molding to the bottom and left over chair railing to the top of the bookcase.
-Filled in the spaces with caulk so that I wouldn't have to use as much wood putty.
-Puttied the rest, sanded, primed and painted it black.
This has not been accessorized yet. I'm still not sure exactly what I want. I definitely need to get some lighter baskets and some white items, but I haven't decided what yet.
Overall I think it is much better than before, and I don't feel like I have to buy a bookcase right now. I could have added a lot more molding and really beefed it up, but I knew that this wasn't something that I would keep for years to come, so I just couldn't justify spending more money on this project.
Budget Breakdown
$5 - base molding
$3 - putty
Already Had
- chair molding for top
-caulk
-primer
-black paint
Now that looks awesome! Great job!
ReplyDeleteThat looks great! Love the molding that you added.
ReplyDeleteThat looks AMAZING!!!
ReplyDeleteFantastic, Nikki!! Thats just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteGreat job! I love the idea that you had with adding the molding. :)
ReplyDeleteThat looks great. I have some cheap bookcases that I picked up at a yard sale. We just painted them but I have always wondered "what if I added crown molding?". Now I will.
ReplyDeleteWOW, what an awesome transformation! I will use some of your tips as I am looking for an inexpensive bookshelf on craigslist to makeover for the new baby's room. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete-Desiree
Wow - that looks amazing!! What a great idea to add the molding :)
ReplyDeleteThe bookshelf look great!
ReplyDeleteInspiring! Thanks for showing us :)
ReplyDeleteOMG! It doesn't even look like the same piece--talk about a transformation!
ReplyDeleteI have definitely painted some bookcases, but I love how you added trim!
ReplyDeleteIt looks so good - really professional :)
ReplyDeleteoh! I have the same ugly bookcase in my shed!!! Walmart or Lowes back in my college days. I see a remodel in my future!!! Love it. Thanks for the tutorial!
ReplyDeleteThat is wonderful! Great job. . . and great inspiration. Thank you for sharing this with the world.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I found your blog!
That is fabulous!!! I have so been wanting a bookcase for my living room and now I know I can use these generic cheap-y ones that are languishing away in our basement!
ReplyDeleteWow that's great! It looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteIt looks amazing now! What a great idea to add the moulding on the bottom. Pure genius!
ReplyDeleteLooks great! Love the "C" monogram!
ReplyDeleteWow!!! You did an AMAZING job.
ReplyDeleteJust became a follower! ; )
Kimberly
I have that exact bookcase. (maybe an even ugliest faux wood colr...) And I was thinking of doing just that, but in white.
ReplyDeleteDid sand it?
I did for the 5 shelves bookcase for my daugther's room ( but I did not add molding)
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI see! Bookcases across my wall in the new sewing room. Thanks for the idea for th bottom. ElCheapo is on the search again!
ReplyDelete