How to Dress Up an Old Bookcase

The DIY experts at HGTV Magazine recreated this flea market find. Here’s how you can, too.
Old bookcase next to an update blue scalloped bookcase.

Update an Old Bookcase

Find the step-by-step instructions at the link below. Paint: Cay by HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams; Crafts paint: Martha Stewart Crafts liquid gilding in gold, $7, Michaels stores; Stencil: 12" x 12" large scallop stencil, $23, thestencilcloset.com

Photo by: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Materials Needed:

  • inside paint (blue)
  • paint brush
  • craft's paint (gold)
  • 12" x 12" scalloped stencil
  • repositionable spray mount
  • pouncer

Step 1

Lift the glass doors out of the track and remove them, then slide out the middle shelf. Paint the shelf (excluding its front edge) and the top and inside of the bookcase blue. Let dry. Then paint both sides of the bookcase with gold crafts paint. Let dry.

Step 2

Adhere a stencil to the top of one side of the bookcase with repositionable spray mount. Use a pouncer to fill in the design with the blue paint. Remove the stencil and let dry. Reposition the stencil down the side of the bookcase to create a continuous pattern. Repeat on the other side. Let dry.

RX-HGMAG022_Flea-Market-Flips-119-c-4x3

©Hearst Communications Inc.

Hearst Communications Inc.

Step 3

Replace the middle shelf and add glass doors.

RX-HGMAG022_Flea-Market-Flips-119-a-4x3

Photo by: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Marko Metzinger/Studio D

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