This Easy DIY Will Seriously Brighten Up Your Room

Everyone has that one bookshelf that's followed you from dorm room to first apartment to next apartment. It's dutifully held your books while looking so wonderfully basic. This DIY will instantly transform it from a blah functional piece into a colorful, eye-catching addition to any room. You only need a few materials, premium paint, and a couple hours to create a vibrant cabinet that's multifunctional.

Materials Needed:

  • Old bookshelf
  • Fine sandpaper
  • 1 1-inch screw
  • Screwdriver
  • 4 3-1/2 inch Waddell taper legs
  • Tarp or paper bags
  • Painter's tape
  • Paint brushes
  • Behr paint in Peek-a-Blue T17-04 and Hot and Spicy T17-18

Directions:

  1. Cover your work area with a tarp or paper bags to keep your space mess free. Lightly sand the wood to help the paint stick. Even if you're working with pressed board, this step helps remove any buildup while creating a surface that paint loves.
POPSUGAR Photography | Diggy Lloyd

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Diggy Lloyd

  1. Using a screw, predrill the holes for the legs, then screw each leg into the base of the bookshelf. Flip over and admire its new legs.
POPSUGAR Photography | Diggy Lloyd

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Diggy Lloyd

  1. Wrap the metal ends of the legs with painter's tape and then coat with Peek-a-Blue. Let dry for two hours.
  2. Apply Behr paint in Peek-a-Blue, covering just the outside of the bookshelf.
POPSUGAR Photography | Diggy Lloyd

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Diggy Lloyd

  1. Now paint the interior of the bookshelf with Behr paint in Hot and Spicy, leaving the front edges to the shelves paint free for now. Keep your hands off the bookshelf for two hours.
POPSUGAR Photography | Diggy Lloyd

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Diggy Lloyd

  1. To finish, paint the front edges of the bookshelf with Peek-a-Blue and touch up any other areas as needed. We know it's tempting to rush, but let it all dry overnight before styling with your favorite things.

Here's a reminder of what that bookshelf looked like before. Prepare yourself for the colorful reveal.

POPSUGAR Photography | Diggy Lloyd

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Diggy Lloyd

Your updated cabinet can be used for so many things. Try transforming it into a chic bar cart with your favorite accessories that makes for a fun spot to mix drinks with friends. Use open or closed baskets to store items so everything is in easy reach.

POPSUGAR Photography | Diggy Lloyd

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Diggy Lloyd

Or use it for an indoor garden area that will definitely grab everyone's attention. Either way, that boring bookshelf has a whole new vibrant life.

POPSUGAR Photography | Diggy Lloyd