Power of Paint: Built-In Bookcases

I’m joining the Power of Paint Party for the first time, but not because I have a new project.  Most of my big painting projects are behind me, we took care of all that shortly after we moved in our current home 4 years ago.  One of the first things we did was paint the built-in bookcases in the living room.  And by we, I mean my mom and I.  My husband has never picked up a paintbrush, he leaves that to the professionals (my mom and me)!

 

Here’s how the area looked before (also notice the window frame, we painted those, too):

During:

And after:

Here’s a more final product, with the new wall color as well.

In order to cover the old orangey-looking stained wood, we applied 1 coat of Gripper primer (oil-based) and two coats of Behr Interior Satin Latex paint in Decorator White on the shelves and Behr Vintage Grape on the back paneled wall.  We used the same purple paint in our foyer.  Be sure to let the primer cure for a day or two as well as the paint before placing any accessories.

 

I really love the way the white stands out very crisp and sharp, and the purple really sets off the accessories in the bookcase.   Painting the back wall/panel of a bookcase a different bold color is a great way to get an accent wall look without having to commit to painting a whole wall.

I also replaced the brass hardware with black satin knobs.

Another look at the change: For more before and after shots of our living room, click HERE.