Peanut is taking her sweet little time! So while we wait for her arrival, why not dive into another detail in her room. If you’ve been looking for bookcases recently, I bet you’ve noticed the industrial trend. The market is full of bookcases made of metal and glass, often with open sides like etageres, or else tall library-style pieces that look like built-ins. If you find wood, it’s most likely laminate or a cheaper pressed wood.
We wanted something that would hold a lot of book weight and withstand the wear and tear of toddlers learning how to stand (and climb). That ruled out the flimsy particle board options we saw everywhere.
What’s a girl to do when she’s looking for a durable, all wood bookcases?
Your best bet is an unfinished furniture store. While the process isn’t entirely custom, they do offer a wide range of measurements to choose from. There’s a lot more flexibility because they’re creating a piece just for you.
I got to choose from a variety of options for molding, leg shape and over-all dimension.
Some stores will finish the piece for you, but they have limited paint colors. I prefer to have my decorative painter paint mine because the options are limitless! I painted our bookshelves the same color as the room trim (Benjamin Moore Carlisle Cream). That way they almost feel like a built-in.
The most fun touch was adding wallpaper to the interior of the shelves. Here’s a tip: make sure to prime and paint one coat before you put the wallpaper on. If you ever want to take the paper off, it will remove easily rather than sticking to (and corroding) the wood. The wallpaper I chose works well with the trim color and the white walls. But it also has a wavy line in it that ties into the window treatments and bedding. There’s something satisfying about having a design motif repeated in small doses throughout the room.
When it comes to unfinished furniture, have fun with it! Do something a little bit different, and find ways to customize it. Taking the design one step further keeps the room fun and interesting. Think of unfinished furniture as a blank slate, and put the freedom it affords you to good use.
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Amy,
A designer friend of mine just told me about an unfinished furniture store that I knew of but that has expanded their stock of wood pieces with options galore here in Orange County. I love the idea of having the bookshelf professionally painted…your idea of wallpaper backed shelves looks great.
Karen
Can I have the name of the unfinished bookstore in Orange County? I want to use your idea.
You’re in San Diego too so I wondered what unfinished furniture store you found with a nice selection. Thanks!
Such a great idea! Will need to research where such stores exist in France!
xoxo
I have done that several times and I am always pleased with the outcome. The pieces are always very heavy and solid which I love. Love that wallpaper backing! Looks great!
Jennifer
Love the unfinished wood store! I have a few pieces that feel so custom because we got to finish them the way we wanted. Half I had done at the store, and the other half I’ve done myself. The wallpaper is beautiful!!
LOVE!! you have been on my mind… I keep waiting to hear the news… maybe tonight
!!
oxoxo
The wallpaper is gorgeous!
You couldn’t have picked a more beautiful wallpaper…every detail in her nursery is absolutely gorgeous. Best wishes!
Gorgeous, Amy! What a great idea! Now she needs to come out and enjoy it:)
Amy- Beautiful work and such a nice piece! We have a great little unfinished furniture store around here, I’ll have to visit it soon!
Loretta
Great suggestions, Amy! The bookcase looks great in the room, and I love the thoughtful detail of the wallpaper backing.
I love the train you have on this lovely bookshelf. Can you tell me where I could get one for my grandson? thank you~
I love the wallpaper also. Could you please tell me the pattern & manufacturer.