Yardsale Bookcase - suggestions on wallpapering the back needed

14 years ago

I picked this bookcase up at a yardsale for $20. I didn't buy it with the intention of it going in our bedroom but it looks like it is made for the spot.

I plan on painting the exterior a deep navy to match the shutters that we use as a headboard. I have 2 rolls of vintage wallpaper. I love the color of the striped wallpaper but it has no "punch" to it. I love the pattern of the yellow paper but our house has almost no yellow and leans toward blues and seafoam green. Unfortunately, I can't combine the two of them! The walls are a light blue color.

Does anybody have suggestions on where I find a venetian style wallpaper that is white and blue? Or some other type of "bold" print? I'd really like to use wallpaper rather than fabric as I think wallpaper will be easier to remove in the future if I feel the need for a change. Is there any place that sells wallpaper remnants??

I've never wallpapered anything before. Should I use wallpaper paste or another type of glue?

Thanks for all your suggestions and recommendations!

Comments (15)

equest17
14 years ago
I can't make out the undertones in the yellow print you show, but blue and yellow often look great together. If you're looking for vintage wallpaper, try eBay. Otherwise, look at some wallpaper books at Lowes or Sherwin Williams to find something you want to order. You can search wallpaper books online too at American Blinds, Wallpaper, and More, either by pattern, color, or book name.

Most new papers will be prepasted; you just soak them in warm water, let rest 5-10 minutes, and then apply. If it's vintage paper, just buy wallpaper paste (make sure it's for unpasted, as some glues are designed to wet prepasted paper). Whichever you do, apply size to the inside back of the bookcase first so it will be easier to hang the paper and also much easier to strip in the future if you change your mind.

Here is a link that might be useful: American Blinds Wallpaper and More
squirrelheaven
14 years ago
How about adding punch to the blue wallpaper. You could use a stamp or stencil overlay in a white motif.

You could also just paint the back and do the same with stencils or stamps over paint. Easier to change down the line.
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A picture would really help us give you a good answer. Just based on this tiny amount of information, I'd glue some of that narrow wood (or what is it made of?) trim that looks like rope up the front side edges. Then if there's a place for it, I'd glue some type of wood medallion or fancy trim to the top center. Then I'd sand the rest lightly, fill in the knot holes, prime it and paint it. Hard to say what color without seeing your room or knowing your taste. One choice would be to paint it white and do some cute fabric or wallpaper on the inside back of the shelves. Another choice would be to introduce a jewel tone, like bright red, green, or blue. Of course, with any color you use, you can do a cute colored or patterned back. You can paint the inside back of the wood. OR you could cut a piece of matt board to fit the opening and decorate it one color/pattern on one side (winter?) and another on the other side (summer?). That way when you get bored you could change it. I recently did a whole thread on that... see this link... Here is a link that might be useful: Pretty cabinet insides
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susie100
14 years ago
That's what I was going to suggest: paint the back a solid color then use a stamp or stencil for pattern. When you want to change it, just paint it over.
bbstx
14 years ago
If you find a fabric you prefer, you can apply it with liquid starch, or so I've seen them do on HGTV.

Here are directions for using liquid starch:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5044689_use-starch-apply-fabric-wall.html

Below are directions for spray starch

Here is a link that might be useful: directions for applying fabric to walls with spray starch
luckygal
14 years ago
Would navy on white toile work for you?
jlsch
14 years ago
Ok, I just have to say I think you got a good deal on this! I love the bookcase and would have snatched it up myself. I love the yellow and think you will be able to get more variation/interest in fabric or paper, and there are beautiful options to be had. (Could you add other yellow touches in the room to accent the paper you've posted since you already have it?) Although I think the stenciling is another option, I think it might make less of a statement...however maybe that reflects my limited experiences with stenciling/stamping. wig
squirrelheaven
14 years ago
There are some interesting stencil patterns out there:

Stencil Library

Here is a link that might be useful: Damask Stencils
graywings123
14 years ago
$20 for that???? What a great deal!!!!
palimpsest
14 years ago
Check these out

Waverly Essence in Sea

Essex Stripe in Chambray

Soho Stripe in Sea

Savoy in Bluebell

Then you could use the extra wallpaper to cover the books. Oops, thats another thread:)

Here is a link that might be useful: Waverly
bestyears
14 years ago
You won't believe me until you click on this link, but.... Target! They recently started carrying some amazing wallpapers online. Graham&Brown, etc. I think they have exactly what you are looking for....

Great room and great bookcase by the way. Now you need a comfy Craigslist chair near the bookcase to create a little reading nook for yourself!

Here is a link that might be useful: Target Wallpapers
natesgramma
14 years ago
I was thinking of doing something similar but I was going to try cutting a poster board or foam board to fit and cover it with fabric. That ways it's easy to change. Can't wait to see what you decide.
johnmari
14 years ago
Actually what jumped into my head when you showed the bookcase and mentioned the shutter headboard is beadboard-textured paintable wallpaper - waybackwhen, many cabinets, including freestanding ones, had a beadboard back. It's less busy than patterned wallpaper or fabric (remember, it'll get busier when you get books in there, unless you go the covering-with-identical-blank-paper route) but it has more interest than an ordinary painted surface. Remember to paint the shelves the same color so they're not visually intrusive.

However, most wallpaper dealers (brick and mortar type) have bins with "orphan" rolls of paper at a VERY steep discount. If you can find the time you might cruise through some stores to see what strikes your fancy.
oceanna
14 years ago
Great bookcase and super bargain! Actually, fabric applied with wallpaper paste is easier to remove than wallpaper. Easier yet is the faux backing made of cardboard, and you can make it reversible. One look that is cool is to put an old map in the back. Start your search in CL for wallpaper or fabric if money is an issue. You never know what you will find. Of course eBay has almost everything there is. There are so many creative ways to approach this issue. Please keep us posted on your progress.
susan209
14 years ago
Why not try any paint store, they usually have books of wallpaper in all price ranges....I bet you only need one single roll and maybe they carry some discounted ones in stock. What a wonderful find. I would love to see some blue and white print, maybe a little navy/red in it....a mini-print? It's going to be gorgeous!!!!!
oceangirlme
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you for all of your great suggestions.

I love the stencils and never even thought about using a stencil. My tendency towards perfection probably won't be happy with my less than proficient work so I probably won't go that route.

I will start looking for wallpaper stores but I think I might have better luck at a fabric store.

I'll post a pic when it's done....which probably won't be for a while. Thanks again!

Yardsale Bookcase - suggestions on wallpapering the back needed

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equest17

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Yardsale Bookcase - suggestions on wallpapering the back needed

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