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Whether you’re looking to flip a flea market find or just want something new for your home without breaking the budget you are going to love these repurposed bookshelf ideas.
Y’all are going crazy over our upcycled flea market finds collection right now and readers have been asking for ideas of ways to repurpose bookshelves and bookcases, so that’s exactly what we have for you today.
Whether you want to just give an old and tired bookcase a makeover, or you want some clever storage solutions for your kitchen or mud room we’ve got you covered with lots of ideas.
We also have ways to add some clever storage into your craft room, and some adorable play space ideas that your kids will go crazy over!
More repurposing ideas you need to see!
Bookshelf Makeover Ideas
Let's kick off with some ideas of how you can give an old unloved set of bookshelves a makeover to bring them up to date and look much more appealing.
Wall Bookshelves Makeover: Make Them Look Custom
This super smart set of bookshelves look like they were bought from an expensive store right? But this is the after shot. To find out just how battered and unloved this bookcase was before head over to My Creative Days to see the makeover.
Upcycle a Bookshelf with Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Anam took a pretty dull looking bookcase and turned it into something very chic and modern with peel and stick wallpaper!
Bookcase Makeover - Traditional Cherry To Farmhouse Fab!
Wow! This farmhouse style bookshelf with its sliding barn door looks like something out of an episode of Fixer Upper. But they started life as cheap-o bookcases with a fake cherry stain. Head over to Worthing Court to see the transformation.
Billy Bookshelf to Kitchen Bookshelves Hack
When you're making over a piece of furniture sometimes you have to flip it on its side to think about another way you could use it. Hop over to 11 Magnolia Lane to see how they switched up a plain old Billy bookshelf into a chic kitchen bookcase in this clever IKEA hack!
Entryway Catchall
The folks at BHG worked their magic on a boring bookshelf to create something that would work perfectly as a catchall in your entryway. I love how they mixed up the shelves to create something that's super practical but also really pleasing to look at.
How to Upgrade Bookshelves
Here's another super smart set of bookshelves that you could certainly flip for a good price, hop over to Pneumatic addict to find out how they looked before they got the power tools out!
How to Repurpose Old Bookshelves into Kitchen Storage
Next up let's head to the kitchen to see how you can use those unloved bookshelves to create stylish storage solutions.
Bookshelf Kitchen Island
Adding an island is a great way to add in some more countertop and storage space using that empty space in the middle of your kitchen. But they are so expensive. Well unless you make one yourself using an old bookshelf!
Turn Old Bookshelf Into Rolling Kitchen Island!
Need something you can move out of the way? Check out this upcycle project to find out how to make a rolling kitchen island!
Ikea Hack from Bookcase to Bar Table
If you love the look of this industrial style bar table you might not believe me when I tell you that it started out life as a plain old white Billy bookcase. Genius IKEA hack right? You could use this out on your patio as a bar, or inside your kitchen as a coffee station.
Easy DIY Freestanding Pantry With Doors from a Billy Bookcase
While we're on the subject of Billy bookcase hacks. Tania converted hers into a fabulous freestanding pantry for her kitchen.
How to Turn an Old Bookshelf into Bedroom Storage
If you're short on storage space in your bedroom these next few ideas will show you how to get clever with that old set of bookshelves.
DIY: How to Make Your Own Storage Bed Using a Repurposed IKEA Bookcase
You might be forgiven for thinking that this repurposing idea is simply a matter of standing an expedit unit at the end of the bed. But no. Head over to Inhabitat to see how they used a second unit to create clever under the bed storage.
How to Repurpose an Expedit Unit into a Bed Frame
Or check out this IKEA hack to see how to turn the bookshelves into the bed frame for easy to access under bed storage.
DIY Under Bed Storage Solution
If you'd prefer an under bed storage on wheels solution then Jenise has you covered on that one. Including a quick tip on what to do if you don't like your first go at a makeover!
Genius Ways to Repurpose Bookshelves in Entryways and Mudrooms
Now let's head to the front of the house. To the entryway where a little bit of extra storage is always useful.
IKEA Hack; DIY Mudroom lockers from IKEA bookcases
If you can't afford to have custom mudroom storage built in your home check out how Melissa made her own lockers using IKEA furniture.
IKEA Hack: How to Turn a Bookcase into Lockers
Or for a super clever way to hide all of your family's toys and books or boots and bags away from view go one step further and turn your bookshelves into lockers with doors!
Cheap Cabinet into Nice Bench
It's always handy to have a bench to sit on while you put on your shoes, and this one started out life as a sad and tired bookcase that needed a new lease of life!
Ikea Cubbies into a Rustic Apothecary
If you've always dreamed of having a rustic apothecary in your entryway but didn't have the budget you need to head over to Sawdust 2 Stitches to see how to pull off this clever makeover.
DIY Industrial Cabinet Hack
Or for a more modern storage solution see how Ashley gave her bookshelves an industrial makeover.
Elegant Storage Unit from an Old Bookcase
You don't need an expedit unit from Ikea to make any cubby style storage piece, this one was made from a plain old bookcase with regular horizontal shelves.
Turn a Bookshelf into Craft Room Storage
If you love to craft and like me never seem to have enough storage these are the bookshelf makeovers you'll love the most!
Rolling Craft Cart
This rolling storage cart has so much space for all your craft supplies and I love the roll of paper on the side! This would make a great rolling kid's craft cart too.
DIY Bookshelf Craft Table
Another clever way to add more storage space to your craft room is to add it underneath your desk.
Rolling Fabric Storage
Or check out Katie's genius idea of turning a set of bookshelves into rolling storage! This is perfect for storing fabric away in the closet, but you could also use it for yarn or scrapbooking supplies.
From Bookshelf to Garden
If your "craft room" is actually your garden and you need somewhere to store your supplies or your seedlings then check out this genius idea!
Old Bookcase Becomes Genius Kid's Storage Ideas
Let's finish up these repurposed bookshelf ideas with some ways you can turn an old bookcase into a playspace for your kids!
DIY Bookcase Dollhouse
How cute is this doll's house? It's a great upcycling project for you to do with your child as they can help to pick out the floor and wall coverings. I love how they drew the roof on the wall behind!
Kid’s Pretend Play Market
It's always good to encourage dramatic play so this play market is the perfect way to put that old bookcase to good use!
Dress Up Closet: Easy DIY Dress Up Storage from a Bookcase
Or how about making a custom closet for all of your child's dress up outfits?
Color-Block Sandbox
Oh my goodness, I would never in a month of Sundays have ever thought to turn a bookcase into a sand pit! Genius idea!
From Bookcase to Toy Storage
Or how about this clever way to keep all of those softies under control. I spotted this on Pinterest and can't find the original source but I'm pretty sure those "bars" are just pieces of elastic knotted through holes at the top and bottom so its easy to get the toys in and out.
