Whether you use paint, stain or some creative contact paper, here's a look at 12 of the best-looking refurbished bookshelves to inspire you.
12 Style Inspirations for DIY Refurbished Bookshelves
Updated on May 22, 2025
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Plaid Bookshelf
Cait Miller from Little City Farmhouse gave this old bookshelf a new look with some fresh paint. She painted a plaid pattern on the back which is a good contrast with the gray-blue color used on the outside and the shelves. Learn how to refinish furniture from a pro.
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Flipped IKEA Kallax
We love this reinvented basic, ready-to-assemble bookshelf. It started out as a standard 4-shelf Kallax unit but after turning it on its side, wrapping it with plywood and adding legs, it’s so much more stylish. Here are the complete step-by-step guide so you can make one of these yourself.
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Metal Barrister Bookshelf
This metal bookshelf has been reimagined into a sleek and stylish design. Use it to store books along with other items you want to display.
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Victorian Bookshelf
This Victorian-style bookshelf was painted white for a fresh look. It would not only work to store books but also to brighten up a dining room where it could be used to store cookbooks and decorative mugs. The beveled mirror insets add to this bookshelf’s uniqueness. Here are 12 ideas for organizing with open shelving.
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1970s Steel Bookcase
This tall, steel bookcase with adjustable shelves is refinished in lime green. If you’re looking to bring some bright color to a room, try painting an old bookcase in a bold, unexpected hue.
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Children’s Bookshelf
This refurbished bookshelf is hand-painted and would work great as an end for a child’s bed. If you’re feeling creative, try painting animals or a fun design on a bookshelf for your child’s room.
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Chalk Paint Bookcase
Here’s a DIY bookcase that was made 20 years ago and recently refurbished with white chalk paint. Chalk paint gives furniture a distressed and antique look, perfect for some decorating styles.
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Turquoise Bookshelf
If you find a perfectly sized bookshelf that needs a little TLC, try experimenting with different paints and painting techniques. This bookshelf is finished with a bright base coat and then has a top coat in a different hue. Milk paint can give your furniture a similar look.
Photo: Courtesy of RusticFurnishings/Etsy
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Patterned Bookcase
This refurbished bookcase was finished with rich, glossy black paint and features a patterned backing. Depending on the finishing method you choose, you can make an old piece of furniture fit in with your classic decor.
Wait, look closer. This is actually a piece of refurbished Barbie furniture! Gotcha!
Photo: Courtesy of ArtbyJillBrown/Etsy
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Built-In Bookshelf
You can refinish Billy bookcases from IKEA to create a built-in look like this example from @minimagkate. The dark green color creates a sophisticated floor-to-ceiling look for a fraction of the cost of custom built-ins.
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Upcycled Drawer Bookshelf
With a little creative thinking, this DIYer created a bookshelf by using two drawers. It’s a perfect size for an entryway or an apartment living room or office. If you’re looking for something different, then you can even try out suspended bookshelves.
Photo: Courtesy of CreationsRedeemed/Etsy
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Bookshelf/Bed Combo
This bookshelf wasn’t just refurbished, it was transformed! By connecting the bookshelf to a bed frame and adding casters, the bed can be rolled away into the unfinished attic space where it is covered by a wooden box, so it doesn’t get dusty!
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FAQ
Where can I find bookshelves to refurbish?
You can find used bookshelves on Facebook marketplace, garage sales, thrift stores, or hand-me-downs from family members. “Upcycling furniture is a great way to change the energy of a home, especially with solid, traditionally crafted pieces,” says Roynon, “[Transform] heavy furniture beloved by grandparents and second-hand markets into something uniquely precious to you.”
Is it worth refurbishing a damaged bookshelf?
If the bookshelf is a quality piece made of solid wood, it is worth your time to repair the damage. You can sand away scratches, fill in gauges with wood filler, and apply a fresh paint or finish for a brand new look. Here’s how to reinforce flat back furniture and how to repair sagging shelves.
About the Expert
- Suzanne Roynon is an Interiors Therapy expert and member of the International Feng Shui Guild. She shares hints and tips to create a home and office space to love and propel you forward into a happier and healthier lifestyle. Suzanne is the author of award-winning bestseller Welcome Home, How Stuff Makes or Breaks your Relationship.
