LE FEATURES

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Blah Bookshelf to Ballards Knockoff

We have all seen these bookshelves, maybe we even have one in our home? 

Items needed:
  • 4 short legs of choice, plus plates
  • Paint of choice
  • Wax or top coat of choice
  • Fabric of choice to go on back behind shelving
  • Measuring tape
  • Sharp Scissors and Box Cutter
  • Spray Adhesive, and small rolling pin or something to smooth out fabric

I purchased this basic bookshelf at my local Goodwill store for $5.


I then purchased four bun feet from Home Depot for about $8 each.  

To upgrade the bookshelf, turn it over and add the feet plates, they are easy to drill in and then screw in the legs.  Both are usually found in the "Trim" department of your local Home Improvement Store.


While it was still upside down, I painted the entire piece in ASCP, "Graphite".  


When dry, I righted it and painted the entire piece in a 2nd coat.  Skipping the back, (this is where the fabric will go).  When 2nd coat was dry I waxed the entire piece with Mylands Dark Brown Antique Wax.  I like to use the Dark Wax with the Graphite, it seems to work really well together. 

Turn the bookshelf open side down, lay the fabric of choice on the back and cut around to fit.  (or be more accurate in measuring, which I am not)


Turn bookshelf back over and spray back with good spray Adhesive (I like Elmer's brand because I can move stuff around to fit before it sets).  Use roller to smooth out fabric and make sure it adheres well.


If it is not an exact fit, go around edges with "Box Cutter" to "score" the fabric. Gently lift up and trim excess fabric, then repeat light spray and roll.

Add your shelf back in and you  have your Ballards Knock off! 

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24 comments:

  1. Stunning! You really are a pro! I'm going to feature this project on my blog, and I'll be sure to link back to you!!

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  2. So, sooooo cute. Love the chic B&W fabric. This could go virtually anywhere and look fab. Love it. Lots!!

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  3. I love it! I had been thinking about getting a cheapy bookcase, now I will!
    Debbie

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  4. Good job - this is now designer-worthy!

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  5. love the fabric. It's my new love!!!!

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  6. It looks fantastic - a lovely transformation!

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  7. Great idea! Love those bun feet, it is just what it needed!

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  8. Beautiful! Love the added feet and fabric.

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  9. Oh, the LEGS!!!!! Gee whiz, I think I have lots of stuff that needs some of those bun feet (not legs, I guess..) haha. Simply gorgeous!

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  10. Lovely! I keep thinking of you...I am working on a piece of furniture...I bought this entertainment center (low and long) to go under the new TV for $20...but alas I never finish my furniture projects...but I am inspired and I need some of those bun feet. Hopefully I will have something t show soon! I have to prime that thing this weekend!

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  11. You made an amazing job!!

    xo
    Myric

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  12. LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE!!!!! You're aaaa---maze----ing!
    Thanks for stoppin by!

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  13. Fabulous. The addition if the feet make it look so much more elegant. Love the fabric back, too.
    Ruth

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  14. Love the little feet you added. Really changes the look of the shelf. Great fabric too!

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  15. I love all the little details that made such a difference!(Not just the paint, but the fabric and feet.)

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  16. I love the feet! I have a tall bookshelf I would love to fix up like this! It looks really good!

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  17. That is fantastic! The feet and fabric completely transform it and it looks lovely. :-) Thank you so much for sharing it with us at Inspiration Friday this week!
    Vanessa

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  18. I love this! So amazingly transformed. I adore the fabric and black/white combo. SO cute!!

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  19. that looks beautiful now- it's such a classic!

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  20. what a fabulous shelf! I love it :) I never would have thought of adding legs to an ordinary piece of furniture, it makes an amazing difference!

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