Hello! Here is the DIY I promised from my bookcase makeover.   Adding a pretty paper to the back of a bookcase is an easy, inexpensive way to change the appearance  without paint.

My Bookcase MakeoverSupplies to buy

Paper: I used the same wrapping paper from my dresser makeover (you can read about that here). It’s from hallmark and has an 1 inch grid on the back for easy measuring and cutting.

Foam board: Dollar Tree friends!! This will be a backer to the paper so you can just slide it into the back of the bookcase without any adhesive.

Double Sided Tape:  Dollar Tree again and I can personally say it works great.

Tools you probably have

Measuring tape or ruler (I used my seamstress measuring tape)

Scissors

Box cutter (razor blade for the foam board)

How to put it together

Step one: Measure the height and width between the first shelf and the second.  Mark the measurements on your foam board.  I used a second foam board to mark my lines with a pencil but a yard stick would work.

Step two:  Make your cuts.  Again, you can use a second piece of foam board or yard stick to guide your box cutter.  My bookshelf is wider than the foam board so I had to cut off an additional piece for each shelf.  I taped them together with packaging tape.

Step 3:  Mark the same measurements on your paper, then cut out.

Step 4:  Attach the paper to the foam board with double-sided sticky tape.  I placed three pieces vertically, one on the left, the center, and the right. Start with one side of the paper and smooth out and center as you place it on the foam board to prevent bubbles or wrinkles.

Side note:  On a couple of my bookcase shelves, I had to cut the pieces to fit around the upper corners of my two permanent shelves.  Just make any extra cut outs to make sure your piece fits snugly. Also, I had to make a couple of adjustments after I placed my board in the bookcase to make sure it fit perfectly.  Just keep at it! (see above picture)

So, here is what I started with….

(sorry, this pic was taken late at night)

And this is how it turned out!

Have you tried covering furniture with paper yet? I would love to hear your stories.

Come back tomorrow for Christmas homemade decor!