12 Style Inspirations for DIY Refurbished Bookshelves

You found an old bookshelf at a garage sale, in your basement or on craiglist, but it needs a little TLC. 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.

1 / 12

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.

2 / 12
Family Handyman

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 how-tos so you can make one of these yourself.

3 / 12

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. Check out these 33 bookcase projects and building tips.

4 / 12

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.

5 / 12

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.

6 / 12

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. Here are 11 great DIY bed frame plans and ideas.

7 / 12

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. Learn how to finish and protect your chalk paint projects.

8 / 12

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

9 / 12

Patterned Bookcase

This refurbished bookcase was finished with a 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 funirture! Gotcha! Here are 14 not-tacky ways to use contact paper.

Photo: Courtesy of ArtbyJillBrown/Etsy

10 / 12

Shabby-Cute Bookshelf

If you’re looking for a shabby-chic project, here’s a refurbished bookshelf to inspire you. The photo is a little blurry, but we like this bookshelf because it features a light coat of paint that will work with any decorating style, and it’s a good size for a child’s playroom or bedroom. Check out these 12 awesome ideas for storing toys.

Photo: Courtesy of BettysBootiqueShop/Etsy

11 / 12

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

12 / 12
Hidden bed behind bookshelf
Photo: Courtesy of Brandon Dempster

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! Here’s more on this clever project.

Rachel Brougham
Rachel Brougham spent years working in newsrooms, for television and newspapers, and has won several awards for her writing. In 2015, she left her full-time job as a newspaper editor to focus on freelance writing and editing. She has been a Family Handyman contributor since 2017.
In 2019, Rachel lived through a major remodeling project on her home, and she uses that experience to inform her Family Handyman content. She's also an avid gardener (both native plants and vegetables), enjoys keeping up with decor trends and spends a lot of time traveling, cooking and hanging out with her family and their giant dog.