How to Convert Bookcases into Built-Ins and Paint Them

I know what you’re thinking: do John & Sherry really love built-ins? Yes—absolutely. We’re suckers for the combination of function and form, and Hilary’s clever transformation of inexpensive Craigslist bookcases into a cohesive architectural feature had us at hello. It was a smart use of space and an economical way to adapt premade pieces to suit the room. Here’s her note:

Hey there John + Sherry! My husband and I moved into our little Cape Cod in New Jersey just over a year ago. In our first year we removed the old flooring, installed new hardwood, and completely gutted and renovated our kitchen. Once the major projects were done, we moved on to more enjoyable updates, like adding storage and display space in our living room with two built-ins. After months of searching Craigslist, I finally found two ugly-but-sturdy all-wood bookcases for only $100.

After removing dated trim and sanding them down…

…and painting them Benjamin Moore’s White Dove…

…they really pop against the navy-blue wall behind them, painted in Behr’s December Eve. We finished the look with matching trim, added crown molding, rehung the doors, and filled the shelves with things we love. The lower cabinets provide hidden storage—an ideal combination of display and practicality.

There’s still some trim work and paint touch-ups left, but I couldn’t wait to share the progress.

I hope you’ll find them as awesome as we do! — Thanks, Hilary

This is such a smart idea. The rich navy that shows through behind the shelves feels a bit regal and provides a striking backdrop for the white built-ins. The darker-framed accents and the thoughtful styling on the shelves complete the look. Most importantly, Hilary cleverly repurposed affordable secondhand bookcases into a built-in solution that adds both display space and concealed storage to a previously underused wall.

If you like this approach, you can recreate it by hunting for sturdy secondhand bookcases, trimming and painting them to match your room, and painting the wall behind them a contrasting color to make the shelves stand out. Beyond the built-ins themselves, the carefully chosen objects on the shelves—vintage finds, ceramics, books, and small decor—bring personality and warmth. I’m tempted to track down a vintage fan myself.