Need help - To paint or not to paint these bookshelves?

10 years ago

Our great room needs some serious love, starting with a big decision - should we or shouldn't we paint these bookshelves and mantel casing? The room feels quite dated with this reddish wood finish taking up such a large part of the room - very 1990s - and I'd like to modernize and class it up a little bit. One option I am considering is white with back part of the selves the same color as the wall, so it's not SO much white. I would love to hear your recommendations on painting the bookshelves and for the room overall. Thank you!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

lefty47
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
HI -- I would leave the fireplace and paint the bookcases the same as the walls . Or I would remove the book cases and just have matching decorative commodes ( cabinet/dresser) on each side to lighten things up . Then just have a nice painting or framed mirror over and lamps. Are you thinking of adding drapes ?? That would finish the space if you did.
Lauren thanked lefty47
PRO
Dytecture
10 years ago
The overall feel of the room is nice, perhaps add some color / textures and patterns through pillows, area rugs and artwork.
Lauren thanked Dytecture
Related Professionals
Crestview Interior Designers & Decorators · Corpus Christi Architects & Building Designers · Manchester Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Montebello Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Palmetto Estates Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Springfield Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · West Virginia Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Cibolo General Contractors · New Bern General Contractors · Deer Park General Contractors · Erie General Contractors · Foothill Ranch General Contractors · Hermitage General Contractors · Pocatello General Contractors · Randolph General Contractors
decoenthusiaste
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
With the exception of the part you want to paint, this is a very 'beige' room. Are you sure you want to neutralize it more? How about leaving as is but adding fabrics as Dytecture suggested. Here is a lovely colorway that works well with the woodwork and walls, adding texture and pattern. Mouseover to enlarge pix.
Lauren thanked decoenthusiaste
PRO
Elevation Home Builders
10 years ago
This room has the potential too take on a whole new look with painting the bookshelves and fireplace. I see the fireplace brick is very neutral, if you paint everything white you may need to spice the color of the fireplace surround as well unless the paint is so white it makes the brick look yellow, but I might recommend against bright white, it can be blinding, Alabaster is a nice alternative. Paint is "magic in a can."
hasinajiwani
10 years ago
Yes to painting the woodwork, and also everyone's ideas about draperies, rug and artwork. I think you need to do all of it to polish up your nice, big room.