Should I paint bookshelves white?
In my long narrow living room there are large north facing windows. The thought is that painting the bookshelves white would reflect, balancing the light more pleasingly. However I like the look of the bookshelves, louvered cabinet doors and all.
Another concern is that I will be creating a maintenance issue that doesn’t exist now. In addition, the bookshelves, although functional and sturdy, are not finely finished. Gaps and imperfections will be more noticeable once painted.
My house is a 1953 ranch with wide eaves, reminiscent of Prairie style homes.
Comments (13)
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Comments (7)I have the same color in my room. it pulls a lot of blue, doesn' it! I also paired Kendall Charcoal w/that color. I used it on an accent wall. I like the backs in that gray or do a darker color. either works fine. the shelves will be white, yes? and then you'll have your books or whatever on them, so you will only see a small portion of the back. I think any color you choose will be fine....See MoreWhat should I put in the empty space between book shelves? And more?
Comments (16)Hi sparkleivy- I like the blue color and together with the ivory beige it looks sophisticated. I would use the space underneath the TV for either a a table or closed storage. The type of closed storage depends on your needs, whether you need a cabinet or drawers or a file cabinet, but it should be attractive. I would suggest changing around how you have arranging the things on your shelves. Your flag deserves to be displayed with honor. I would purchase a display box for the American flag, they are made of wood with a glass front, and tuck in a dessicant packet to prevent mold or rot of the flag. Make sure you get the correct size box for your size flag. A burial flag is larger. Then put the flag on top of the book shelf. Put the airplane on top of the other bookshelf. Why are you displaying a book with the front facing out like that? Do you have a living room? Do you entertain? Should your liquor and glasses be in a bar piece in the living room or is that bookcase the bar piece?...See MoreWhat color should I paint bookshelves?
Comments (4)I think they are a bit too dark too. I would paint them white like your trim. However, I also think your tv is not hanging in the right spot. Looks a bit odd. Lower it down so that it is closer to the bottom, which will also make it level across the top. Cute dog. :-) I should add, that I dont even like white trim, so suggesting you paint white isnt quite normal for me....See MoreShould we paint the bookshelves and all of the brick white?
Comments (2)Here it is. This is an east facing room. It’s extremely dark....See More
Maureen
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoI wouldn’t paint, but to update store some away books if possible and rethink how shelves are accessorized (lots of help on line). Because this is the focal point in room/has a lot of influence, it will make a big difference. Ignore the white in example.
Just a thought, if interested, try layout below, as rust chair feels akward and window wall unbalanced. Turn chairs inward so viewing TV from rust chair is better.
kkerr thanked Maureen
la_la Girl
2 years agoNice room with a lovely window! I agree - I would not paint them white.
If you're feeling crafty you can always cut inexpensive foam board to fit the backs of the shelves and wallpaper or paint them them a nice color that you pull from the room. It could also help to pull out some of the books to get a little more "air" and bring in some larger accessories -
ignore the white paint but this is an example of wallpaper in the back and larger accessories mixed in with books:
kkerr thanked la_la Girl
kkerr
2 years agopetula67
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoIf you have as much trouble visualizing things as I do, maybe this will help a little. Even making allowances for my clumsy virtual painting skills, I'd vote for the unpainted version.
kkerr thanked petula67
housegal200