lovetimestwo-deactivated2012040 asked: Hey! I wanted to say I love your blog. It's so creative and fun, and it really makes me want to dive into some of my own DIY projects...which is why I've come here to ask you something. I plan on redecorating my room in the coming months, and I'd really love to have a bookcase. However, I'm not sure I exactly want to go to Ikea and just purchase one. Since books are pretty important to me, I thought it would be interesting, unique, and personal to possibly do a DIY bookcase or even refurbish one? What are your thoughts? Do you have any personal ideas or any websites I can check out? Thanks a bunch!

Thank you! I should ask if you have a lot of books, or just really want to show off the ones you have. (The reason is weight load.) Aside from that, I do have a couple ideas…

I am going to assume that since you were going to purchase an IKEA one that you have the floor space for a free standing one. The most obvious answer is to head on down to your local chairty shops and see what you can find. If you are already planning to paint and personalize your piece then the possibilities are endless that way.

If you decide to do that, I just have a few tips: First, look for solid wood, not MDF (If you can’t tell the difference a clerk can help!)Sand it all smooth and prime (priming is so important!). Then paint to your heart’s content. Maybe add a great graphic printed paper/fabric/wall paper to the inside backs?

Like this:

Alternatively, you could do the same to an Ikea piece. Check their crash and dent isle for a sweet deal.

You could also do a series of bracketed shelves and that way you would get full use of the the wall space (Or start it higher getting more use of the floor space, say for a trunk or extra seating etc.) Like this: 

I hope that helped! I found some great pieces to post heer when I have a moment just by googling these terms:

wall mounted shelving (also bracketed wall shelves)

painted bookcases

flea market shelving

repurposed shelving

Thanks for the great question!

Cheers,M.