Since wallpaper is such a hot trend right now, I have been trying to find ways to incorporate it into our house. I started with removable wallpaper for our stair risers, and loved how they turned out. So next, I thought our shiplap built in bookcase would be a perfect candidate (especially for fall). But adhesive wallpaper can get a little expensive. And then I remembered the black and white check/plaid wrapping paper I bought in the dollar section at Target last year! Win-win! Easy + cheap = great decorating idea! Here is DIY Bookshelf Makeover: $2 Wrapping Paper.
Too much work?
- Here’s the bookshelf’s “lazier” cousin (LOL): DIY Wrapping Paper Wall Decor: Frame Ideas
Love Black & Moody?
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DIY Bookshelf Makeover: $2 Wrapping Paper
SUPPLIES:
- 2 rolls black and white check wrapping paper (or whatever you like)
- double-sided tape
- scissors
- tape measure
*** Similar Options :
- Removable Wallpaper: box stitch, herringbone, zigzag, brush strokes
- Pre-Pasted Wallpaper: plaid, linen plaid, muted plaid
DIY Bookshelf Makeover: $2 Wrapping Paper
Super Easy 3-Step Tutorial:
STEP #1: Measure Bookshelf & Wrapping Paper Dimensions
STEP #2: Remove All Items & Clean Bookshelf
STEP #3: Add Wrapping Paper To Bookshelf
Now it’s time to decorate it for fall, Christmas, Easter, etc. This little accent wall is perfect to showcase all of your holiday decorations, and everyday home decor as well.
And if you get tired of it or just want to change things up, pop in another pattern to keep things fresh (and budget-friendly).
Love it!
Okay, let’s get to the DIY Bookshelf Makeover!
STEP #1: Measure Bookshelf/ Wrapping Paper Dimensions
The first thing you’ll want to do is measure your bookshelf (bookcase, built in, china cabinet, etc) so you know how much wrapping paper (or wallpaper) you’ll need.
- Bookshelf Dimensions
My bookshelf dimensions are ~ 5 ft x 4.5 ft = 22.5 square feet
x 10% (for extra wallpaper recommendations or mess ups) = ~25 square feet
Check your wrapping paper dimensions and get the total square feet.
- Wrapping Paper Dimensions
My roll was 12.7 ft x 17 inch = 18 square feet
x 2 rolls = 36 square feet
***TIP: The last thing you want to do is begin your project, only to find out that you ran out of wrapping paper.
STEP #2: Remove All Items & Clean Bookshelf
Next you will remove all of the items, remove shelves (if possible), and clean the back of the bookshelf to remove any dust.
Removing the shelves will make the entire process SO much easier – trust me!!
Now you have a clean, open wall to work with.
STEP #3: Add Wrapping Paper To Bookshelf
Next it’s time to add your wrapping paper (or peel and stick wallpaper) to the back of your bookcase.
***TIP: I recommend holding up your paper to the wall first to get an idea of how you will attach it.
- Is it better to hang horizontally or vertically, and how will you match up the pattern, etc?
Now I know that I will attach my wrapping paper vertically, and will simply overlap the widths to fill the back wall.
Add your double-sided tape to either the paper itself, or to the back wall.
***TIP: I recommend starting with a top corner, and then going from Left to Right.
After you have your top area done, make sure to press down and smooth flat.
Then I recommend adding some double-sided tape to the wall on the sides of the paper also.
This will help keep the paper smooth, and get rid of any air bubbles.
Once you get to the bottom, gently use your finger nail to form a crease.
You can also use a pencil to mark your (crease) line – but BE CAREFUL not to poke a hole in your paper 😉
Now you can cut your paper line, and tape the bottom portion to the wall.
Repeat these steps for the other side (if you have one).
Next you will add the second piece of wrapping paper, simply overlapping it to match the seam.
My seam was not an exact match, so one block column was a little larger.
Not a deal breaker though.
You are done!!
Here are the before and after pictures of our DIY bookshelf makeover.
Before.
And After.
Well, what do you think? It’s a quick and easy way to change things up – without breaking the bank!
More pictures coming soon – with my Fall Home Tour 2020!!
Have a Great 2020-2021 School Year Everyone!!
Love & Hugs 🙂
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