Thursday, May 18, 2017

Fabric Slipcover for Built-in Shelves

I'm always on the look out for ways to lighten up our house without painting the woodwork.  I've been happily married for 29 years and eleven months.  The Alaskan cruise is already booked.  Can't blow it now.

So.... I found a temporary way.

No, it's not really a slipcover.  It does involve fabric and can be removed without any damage to the wood. I was inspired by projects where patterned fabric was used in IKEA type bookcases.  





Here's the dark corner of our family room "before."




The materials I used were:

Two tri-fold cardboard displays (aka science boards)
Glue 
Scissors
Packing tape
Fabric

The texture of this fabric gives more interest in real life than shows in the photos of the completed project.







I trimmed the tri-fold cardboard to 46 inches wide (slightly less than the width of the shelves).  I had to use one complete and about half of the other board to achieve the 56 inch height.  The two boards are taped together with packaging tape.

I cut the fabric the same height as the board and four inches wider than the board.

Then I brushed plenty of glue all over the cardboard and attached the fabric.  For a finished look, I wrapped the excess two inches of fabric around the sides using a little more glue to attach it to the back.   






The fabric covered board is now held flat and in place by the removable shelves in front of it.






A small change for sure, but this girl is happy to be rid of that dark corner.


Hope to see you back here for Monday Social on Sunday night!
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Eilis
Eilis

19 comments:

  1. Michele MorinMay 18, 2017 at 9:45 AM

    What a great idea for lightening up a dark space! I never would have thought of it -- and the pictures really helped me to see the difference!

    ReplyDelete
  2. StaceyMay 18, 2017 at 12:04 PM

    Smart girl! That looks terrific. I really like the texture the backboard adds.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. EilisMay 19, 2017 at 1:02 PM

      Thanks, Stacey! I'm glad I finally did it.

      Delete
  3. DebraMay 18, 2017 at 4:35 PM

    Now what a good idea. It does make a world of difference. I like the ligntened look.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Botanic BleuMay 18, 2017 at 6:04 PM

    Eilis,
    Brilliant! I love the texture of the fabric, and it goes so well with the room. I know science project boards well... used a few in my lifetime. :) But, not as cleverly or beautifully as you.

    Judith

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. EilisMay 19, 2017 at 12:59 PM

      Thanks, Judith. It's funny, I went in looking for foam boards, but left with the science boards. They were both bigger and cheaper.

      Delete
  5. Blondie's JournalMay 18, 2017 at 10:38 PM

    I think this is a really great idea, Ellis! It turned out beautiful and you gave perfect instructions. Thank you!

    Jane x

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  6. BonnieMay 19, 2017 at 8:04 AM

    Looks great Eilis. My study could use lighting up. Maybe this is an easier solution than painting.

    Great idea.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. EilisMay 19, 2017 at 12:57 PM

      Thanks, Bonnie. I'd still love to see them painted, but have to keep hubby happy.

      Delete
  7. JeanieMay 19, 2017 at 9:25 AM

    That looks fabulous, Eilis. I'd make that in a heartbeat except for the bitter truth -- I have the bookcases so packed, you can't see the backs of the shelves! Could be time to purge but I can't bear to part with books I love!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. EilisMay 19, 2017 at 12:56 PM

      Hi Jeanie,
      The shelves in our study are like that :)
      We love books!! I just keep these in the family room a little sparse and decorate them for holidays.

      Delete
  8. Celestina MarieMay 19, 2017 at 3:18 PM

    Hi Eilis, This is a great look and lighten and brighten your corner beautifully. Love it and no paint required!! Thank you for sharing your great tutorial! Have a great weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble ChristmasMay 20, 2017 at 2:08 AM

    What a great idea and what adiference it made!! Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

    ReplyDelete
  10. Rita C at PanoplyMay 21, 2017 at 4:36 PM

    That looks awesome. I'd been holding onto a few of those old boards for.ever. Finally used one to try paint samples for the work done at the house, but had seen them used for a project like yours. Brilliantly done!

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  11. Becky M.May 22, 2017 at 8:18 AM

    Such a great idea! I may try that with some colored fabric in my hutch! Thanks for the inspo!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Jemma@athomewithjemmaMay 24, 2017 at 3:26 PM

    Very, very pretty! Your upcoming trip sounds so wonderful!
    Jemma

    ReplyDelete

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