Spruce Up Your Shelves

Colorful Personality

Staid rows of books can be dull when what you're really after is a pretty vignette. Give your arrangement extended shelf life by addressing the back wall first.

Even the least skillful among us can wield a paintbrush to great effect. For shelves, paint the back in a bold color that coordinates with the room’s decor.

Tip: First, remove the shelves. Use painter's tape to mask off the inner sides of the bookcase. Allow the paint to dry, remove the paint, and replace the shelves. This will make your favorite collections and books really shine.