
I once read that when painting furniture, you should choose decent pieces to begin with. I’m not entirely sure what the definition of decent was, I suspect the author was referring to the overall shape and style. But when it comes to substance … they don’t get any more solid than my pine bookcase. Functional, practical, but uninspiring would be an apt description for the little place where my books are kept. So here is my simple guide on how to makeover a pine bookcase.
Unfortunately I don’t have a before photo but here are some pretty close examples of what it looked like before I painted it. The orangery pine colour has had its day – it was time for a change. But as we had just replaced our hot-water system, there was no way I was getting a new bookcase … time to makeover what we already had!
Once I had sanded off all the varnish, I started with a decent undercoat as I was concerned about bleed-through from the pine wood. Priming is also an important step to ensure the paints bonds properly with the wood.
This was the first makeover I had attempted on a large piece of furniture, which would sit in a prominent position in our lounge room. So I stuck with basic white (I experimented with colour on my daughters bookcase, which didn’t go as well but I’ll share that story another time).
I applied two coats of paint, lightly sanding in-between each coat using 210 grade-sandpaper to help give a smooth finish.

I choose to paint the bookcase in Dulux Antique White USA
I had a good feeling about painting this bookcase. I really loved the detailing … the fluted panels down the side and the tiered base and top, which gave to bookcase character. I knew that I would be distressing the bookcase (see here for more detail) … for a more relaxed, rustic feel.
When distressing, rub with sandpaper gently at first, then harder if necessary to reveal more of the wood. Sand the prominent areas of the bookcase, such as the edges and corners … which would naturally get knocked over time.
I finish with two coats of clear polyurethane, gently rubbing with very fine steel-wool between each coat.
The end result? Wow … what a difference! I was so pleased with how this makeover turned out. My next step to work out the styling. In the meantime, I love having a functional, practical … and now stylish space to display all my books.
Any bookcase styling tips you’d like to share?
Also shared at:
Monday: Something to Talk About, Made by you Monday, Show and Share, Inspire Me Monday, Metamorphosis Monday, The Scoop 165, Before and After, Show + Tell
Tuesday: One project at a time, Do Tell Tuesday
Wednesday: Wow us Wednesday, Wow me Wednesday, Whimsy Wednesday, Creative Spark, Centrepiece Wednesday, Work it Wednesday
Thursday: Create It Thursday, Your turn to shine, On Display Thursday, Handmade Hangout
Friday: Furniture Feature Friday, Feathered Nest Friday, Show Off Friday, The Creative Collection, Frugal Friday, Best DIY Projects and Recipe
Saturday: Saturday Sharefest, Show me Saturday, Skip The Housework, Found & Foraged
Sunday: diy Sunday Showcase, That DIY Party, Silver Penny Sunday, Sundays at Home
I really like the bookcase! You did a great job! Love the distressing!
LikeLike
Thank you 🙂 I think distressing is the fun part with any furniture makeover. Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLike
I love how you added subtle rustic touches without just leaving it all white! Thank you for sharing!
LikeLike
I think the distressing adds a little more character. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
LikeLike
You did one awesome job on this bookcase and thank you for sharing it at my Show and Share party.
Blessings,
Linda
LikeLike
Thank you … and thanks for hosting another great party 🙂
LikeLike
I love how it turned out! I’m in love with white furniture so this really sings to me 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you 🙂 White is such a great colour to match in with the rest of my furniture. Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLike
Wonderful job with your bookcase! I love how you distressed it a bit but not too much. Can’t wait to hear the story of how you’ve already experimented with other colorful bookcases!
Thanks so much for sharing at Shoe Me Saturday!
LikeLike
Thank you, I’m pleased with how it turned out. Thanks for hosting a great party!
LikeLike
Pingback: Something To Talk About Link Party #12 | 2 Bees in a Pod
Pingback: Something to Talk About Link Party #12
Pingback: Something to Talk About Link Party #12 | Karen's Up on The Hill