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Design Dilemma Paint Home Decorating

Painting built in book shelves white

3 years ago

Hi!!! We just bought this house and are having a hard time figuring out if we should paint the built in shelves white to match the walls. The mantle we are removing and mounting our tv there. We are removing the gold fireplace grill. The beams and the base/trim we want to keep brown. Should we leave as is or paint white?

Comments (4)

houssaon
3 years ago
It seems a shame to mount the TV on the fireplace when you have two other good walls that a TV could be mounted. Plus it would be at a much better viewing height.

I can see a black fire screen would look better, but the mantle seems to fit the space. I think a large piece of art would look good hanging over the mantle.

As for the bookcases, I would paint foam core board or wrap a pretty wallpaper on foam core to change up the back of the cases. Either a print or grass cloth would work.
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Natesgram
3 years ago
I totally agree. Put the tv on another wall. It doesn’t look as though you could put a big tv above the mantle anyway. A light color background of something in the bookcase, foamcore or grasscloth is a great way to get a change you will probably like. worth a try before painting.
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Another vote for why is the TV so high when there's not even a fireplace you have to clear? You want it at eye level for seated people. (Well, really, *I* want it over a console to the left of the bump, but you've already ruled that out.) You'll have difficulty building anything in on either side without partially blocking the closet and/or window. I think I'd just do a furniture piece of some sort on each side, with a painting over at least one of them. Or a slim bookcase to the left, since you already have an end table and lamp there, and then something with a little more presence on the right...
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I think painting them black would draw attention to them as sort of "black holes" that would stand out in not-so-good way. I would leave them the same color as the fireplace and thereby retain a cohesive look on that wall. You could explore the possibility of painting the interior backs of the shelves, or using a removable paper to add interest. You have a very pretty room, and I do understand the desire to make something stand out (notwithstanding the comment above which seems not to get it at all).
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freedomplace1
3 years ago
I also agree with houssaon’s wallpaper, etc. on foamcore idea.
pricklypearcactus
3 years ago
I love houssan's suggestion! The wood shelves are lovely but I can see how you might feel like it's too much wood. Wrapping foam core board is a genius way dramatically change the look and be able to change it again in the future.

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