Cheap (Inexpensive)-Shelf-Addict:
Bland to Beautiful:
There are so many ways to make a cheap shelf look expensive, but one way I have found that is super easy is to cover the back of the shelf with contact paper. You could also use wrapping paper, wallpaper, etc.
The one I am using in this specific post is actually a taller bookshelf, but this could easily be done with any shelf really. You could do this with a hutch too.
Here are the directions step-by-step.
Sorry this picture shows the first layer of contact paper on already, but I forgot to take a pic of it bare.
Step 1: Remove the back of the shelf.
(Sometimes it may be easier to do it without removing the back. It can be a bit more difficult because everything will need to be super straight. Just use your best judgment. This method will just take more patience).
Use a hammer to pry the board away gently. Remove all of the nails.
Usually the back is a thin MDF, particle board, or sometimes even cardboard. If they are the cardboard type and you want something a little more durable, now would be a good time to cut a new piece of board and fit it to the back.
Time to Contact Paper:
Step 2: Unroll the contact paper over the board.
Tuck the end in to hold it and roll the paper down to the bottom of the board. Leave at least two inches overlap at the top, bottom, and side edge. Cut the excess contact paper off.
Step 3: Stick it.
Start from the top corner of the contact paper and begin to pull the backing off. I pulled about 6 inches of the backing off and then creased the backing flat in a triangle shape
Step 4: Line it Up & Stick it On.
Position the contact paper making sure that there is overlap on the sides and that it is straight. Press the exposed adhesive down. Start at the top and smooth it out as you work towards the creased area. Move your hand back and forth, working out any air bubbles.
When you get to the creased area, keep moving your hand back and forth along the seam as you use your other hand to slowly pull the backing away. Work your way to the end of the board, until it all of the contact paper is smoothed on. Make sure to avoid air bubbles as you go.
If you have to pull back what you have pressed down and make a 2nd go at it, that’s ok.
Step 5: Fold down the overlapping Sides and Smooth On.
I always start at the middle and work my way out to either side.
Step 6: Cut a piece to fit the width of the remaining section (leave overlap) and repeat Stick-On Process.
Match up the pattern as well as you can.
Fold in and smooth edges.
My “Helper” wouldn’t get off of her runway, so anyways…
Just a Note: If you are going to use the shelf to store anything electrical, now would be a good time to plan out any holes to cut for cords to go through to outlets.
Step 7: Re-Attach Back to Shelf.
Enjoy!
Check out how Abby at Just a Girl and Her Blog did a similar project with wrapping paper here.
Then she took it one step further an added crown molding to her shelves here.
Thank you for Reading. Please be sure to “Pin it” if you loved it, Comment, and Share. I appreciate the Support.
God Bless,
P.S. Check out my How to Paint a Herringbone Pattern Post Here.
Stephaney - Me Flying Free
Latest posts by Stephaney - Me Flying Free (see all)
- I Would Rather Have Strep Throat… - October 20, 2017
- You will Never get Fully Clean in Your Old Machine - May 21, 2017
- Why I am So Sick of Webinars! - April 18, 2017
[…] it to the length of the door and cut off the excess. Peel and stick, trying to avoid air bubbles. Find more tips in my post about contact paper-ing a shelf here. I left a bit of wood on the sides of the door and just centered the width of the contact paper. I […]