Beach-Mat Lined Bookcase

Yesterday I showed part 1 of the Summer Living Room Makeover.  I love the built in bookcase feature on that wall.

Here it is at the “blank slate” start of the project.  You know…the part where you get to put the room back together again after you’ve taken it all apart to paint!

wall before

I knew I wanted to add some texture and pizzazz to the back of that bookcase.  Because I wanted a summery, “beach-like” feel, I headed to the Dollar Store for some beach mats.  {They were only $1.25!}  I wasn’t sure how I was going to attach it at first, so I picked up three.  Really, I only needed one…but I ruined the first one (oops!), so it was nice to have back-up!

I first removed the back of the bookcase.  It’s in the closet in the adjoining room, so it’s really easy to do.

back removed

I then held up the beach mat to the bookcase, and cut it so that it was  about 3 inches too long on one side.  (*I learned this the hard way.  I at first cut it exactly to size.  Please note!!~  As soon as you cut the threads holding the reeds together, they fall apart!!!)

Using your staple gun, staple up the bottom half first, then the top half.

beach mat

I rolled the cut edge {before the reeds start falling off!} and stapled it to the side.  Thankfully, the staples hold it all together.

rolled edge

Once it was all stapled and secure, I put the back back on.  Easy Peasy!

Living Room bookcase wall after

 

DSC_2131

 

Now I’ve been fiddling with the arrangement of accessories.  I really like how white & black show up against the textured backdrop.  However, I’m finding the balance between enough things and too much is tricky!…

Linking to:  Miss Mustard Seed, My Romantic Home, Freckled Laundry, Chic on a Shoestring, My Repurposed Life, Common Ground, Remodelaholic, Lovely Crafty Home, Funky Junk, Whisperwood Cottage, I heart Naptime, DIY Showoff, At Home with K

Similar Posts

DON’T MISS A THING!

Join my list for more ideas for you and your home…

29 Comments

  1. I love it!! Love the added texture it adds and how it makes all your pretty accessories pop!

  2. Hi there! I found your link at Show and Tell Friday. This is so wonderful! How easy was that to just go in your closet and hang the reed? I have some bookshelves and I'd love to do something like this…great inspiration. It's my first time here and I'm a new follower now. So…you have an ocean view? I'm totally and utterly jealous!

  3. Love the look!!! I would never have thought of this…amazing! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  4. I love the creativity of this – And it added so much interest and texture to the space.

    Awesome!!!

  5. What a great idea, Rita! I'd have never thought of it. I love the look, much better than even a contrasting paint.

    Cousin Kim

  6. What a great idea, it came out very well, and adds all that great texture and beachy feel.
    Smart thinking!!

    blessings, Nellie

  7. How creative – it really looks fabulous and beachy!

    Happy Show and Tell Friday :O)

    Hugs,
    Marie

  8. Seeing it first hand sure makes you realize that something so simple can transform the look. It all blends together and is truly beautiful.. I am very impressed… Well done. It is amazing your vision for something I already thought was beautiful and classy and then you go and make it even better. Can't wait what else you "get in to!" Coleen

  9. I love this – such nice texture. Maybe you can leave the beach mat for the summer and fall and do some other texture over the winter – don't know what, but something to think about. It really is a very nice look.

  10. This turned out nice and really adds something to the bookcase. Nice with the pillows and all.
    Good job!
    Linda

  11. I always enjoy your thrifty projects! This one is super as well! I'm featuring it at this week's Terrific Under Ten party!

  12. Your bookshelf looks wonderful now! Love the beach mat, sure adds texture & interest. I’ve pinned for future, we have a built in shelf unit in the office, might look great there.
    Thanks
    Debbie 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.