How did you do that?
Over the past month or so I have received quite a few emails asking about the bookshelves in my studio. Most people think the treatment in the back of the shelves is a wallpaper, but it’s actually a fabric. When I started the design process for my office, bringing in touches of pink was on the top of my list.
When I painted the room, I decided to paint the entire bookshelf the same color. After bringing in the furniture and changing out the lighting I needed to focus on accessories and bringing in the pink accent color. I headed over to one of my favorite fabric shops in Dallas to find inspiration. City Craft Dallas is full of modern and chic fabrics and the prices are extremely affordable. The moment I spotted this fabric, I knew I had to bring it into the space.
This was one of the easiest projects to do and very affordable. The total project cost was under $30 with fabric! I have seen beautiful bookshelves with accent paint and wallpaper in the back and knew this was the direction I wanted to take.
First, I stopped by one of my local craft stores to pick up foam core, but ended up snagging the tri-fold project boards on sale for $1.99 each. The width was almost the exact measurement I needed so I grabbed a bottle of fabric glue and headed back to the office. The boards are not as ridged as foam core but the price and size sealed the deal. I think the shelves look like a million bucks and when I am ready to change them out, it will be easy to do.
After cutting the boards 1/8″ smaller than the back of each shelf (to allow for the fabric), I began to line up the pattern and cut the pieces out. I cut the fabric 1-1/2″ wider that the board to allow for a good wrap.
I applied the fabric glue and secured the corners and edges with blue painters tape. After letting the glue dry, I placed the pieces in the back of each shelves. The fit is snug so I didn’t need attach them to the back wall.
And from simple to stunning in less than an hour, here is an image of what the shelves looked like before…and after.
Now that the back panels were in, I gathered all of my accessories and started to fill the shelfs. I have a ginormous pile of magazines that I can’t let go of so I stacked them on one of the lower shelves for easy grabbing. I added books with pink text as well as personal photographs with pink in them. I love the way everything came together.
I was feeling very motivated that afternoon and decided to take my first shot at recovering a lamp shade. This one was square so all I had to do was wrap one piece of fabric around it. Cutting the fabric the right size to fold over and glue was the tough part of this project. I applied a spray adhesive to the back of the fabric and applied the piece to the shade. Wrapping the edges was a challenge but with a little patience I managed to get everything glued down.
The finished look! I hope I have answered all of you questions and inspired you to update your bookshelves! Thank you for all of your comments!
Christine says
Ohmy, what a genius idea! I am in love with that fabric, it’s just so pretty!
{brittany jones} says
Where did you get that chandelier? I must have one!!
Parents of a Dozen says
I am a new follower. I really like the book shelves.
studioten25 says
Oh my goodness! I’m absolutely amazed at everything you have going on! Your family is beautiful and congratulations on the new baby! Thank you for stopping by and I’m so glad you found the blog!
Cindy says
Very pretty!
studioten25 says
Thank you Cindy!
Rebecca says
This is so awesome! I’ve been thinking to paint the back of my shelves, but unsure if I’d really like it. THIS I love and will definitely be copying!! Glad I found you at How To’s Day! Rebecca
studioten25 says
Thank you Rebecca,
Glad you found us too, I say go for it! Paint, fabric or wallcovering is always an easy way to dress up bland bookshelves.
Look for remnants too.
Abbe
Allison says
Love the fabric you selected. I did this on the back of a china cabinet (had mirrors) and used poster board with double stick tape. Great job on the lamp shade too! Will have to check out the website you linked.
Dropping by from How To’s Day. Hope you’ll come see DD2’s picture wall we did for her.
Allison
Atticmag
studioten25 says
Hi Allision,
Wow, I would love to see that! The lamp shade was tricky but I do love how it turned out. I think the square shade was the trick to the easy application :).
Thank you for the kind comment and so glad you found the blog. Love the picture wall too, thank you for sharing.
Abbe
Dianne says
it turned out just beautiful! I am now walking around my house trying to decide which bookcase to do this to..thanks
studioten25 says
Dianne,
Thank you so much! It’s a fun project and makes such a great impact in any room!
Abbe
Paige says
I backed my very beautiful bookshelves with fabric too, but I used spray adhesive to apply the fabric directly to the back of the shelves. Less cutting and measuring and easy to remove, should I like a change. The fabric will remove with a firm tug, and the spray adhesive washes away.
Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating says
This office is seriously one of my favorite rooms of all time. In fact, I think this was the first room I ever saw of yours! It makes me want to skip past finishing my kitchen and bedroom, and go right to work on the office. I dream of having such an organized and beautiful space to work in!!
studioten25 says
Hi Kristi,
Thank you for the wonderful comments and for hosting the party! I have loved checking back and seeing all of the other projects!!
Abbe