Welcome back, friend! For today’s DIY project, I chose this little wood bookcase that I bought along with this small table that I gave a chic new look recently. I had a cool idea for the back area, but first it needed some paint. (There’s also a quick helpful video below of this makeover.)
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Painting the thrifted bookcase with Chalk Paint
I decided on Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Duck Egg for this wood bookcase. (This is the old version of Duck Egg in the United States – this color formula is now known worldwide as Svenska Blue.) I also used one of my favorite Purdy paint brushes.
First I lightly sanded with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth some rough areas. You can read through all my tips for how to prep furniture for painting here.
I thought I might have to prime first, but decided to try it out and see what happened. There was no bleed through! 🙌🏻 If I was painting this white, I definitely would’ve primed first with my favorite shellac for a crisp look. But with the soft blue I actually wanted a little bit of a rustic vintage look. You’ll see why in a minute.
I painted two coats and gently sanded again for smoothness. Finally I followed with Annie Sloan’s clear wax and a lint-free cloth for protection.
Adding repurposed yardsticks to the back of the bookcase
Next it was time to work on my idea for the back of the bookcase. Since the back opening is only about 24in x 15in, I decided to finally use my stash of yardsticks that I’ve been hoarding saving for awhile now.
(If you’re looking for basic new yardsticks, you can get a pack of 10 for about $15 on ebay like I did. If you’re looking for some unique vintage yardsticks, I’d recommend ebay or Etsy.)
Guy in the Garage helped me out by cutting the yardsticks with the chop saw outside while I refereed our boys who were wrestling playing in the living room. Our saw is older, but here’s a highly-rated and inexpensive brand new option. (Remember to always wear safety goggles and follow all directions when using power tools.)
In total, 9 yardsticks were used for this project. I used 9 pieces cut at 24 inches long and then 8 pieces at about 12 inches long (leftovers from the nine). This way there was almost zero leftover waste.
I tried to be strategic when nailing the yardsticks in place, so that no two were exactly the same side-by-side. I checked how each one looked from the front before actually nailing it in place with small 5/8 inch nails.
The 12-inch pieces were stacked and nailed from behind the center shelf (see below).
It was actually a pretty easy project, and you could totally use a regular saw and miter box (and some good ol’ muscle) if you don’t have a power saw to use. This miter box and saw set is about $13 and free shipping with Amazon Prime (and I’ve used this set many times myself).
When all was finished, here’s how this painted bookcase with repurposed yardsticks looks now:
It kind of oozes vintage charm, don’t you think?
Here’s a closeup so you can see the yardsticks better:
It was an easy project but I think the results are pretty fantastic!
Here’s another reminder of the before and after of this project:
I’d love to know what you think of this painted bookcase with repurposed yardsticks. Did you expect that I might use yardsticks for the back of this bookcase? I hope you were surprised! 🙂 I’d also love for you to Pin or share this makeover with a friend. I appreciate you! – Jen
Now it’s time for some Furniture Fixer Uppers makeovers. Below are the Before photos – visit the links underneath to see the amazing Afters and to learn how they did it:
Maryellen Webber says
What an amazing transformation! The yard sticks are an excellent touch for the back of the shelves. Great job!!!
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Jen! Great thinking with the yard sticks. I didn’t know that Duck Egg Blue is now Svenska? Is there a different Duck Egg Blue now? Thank you for that information. This is a great little bookcase. Pinned
Kathy Owen says
How stinkin’ cute is that!!! Love this idea Jen.
Christy James says
This turned out so super cute, Jen!! I love the yard sticks!! XOXO
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks so much Maryellen! Glad you like it! 🙂
Denise - Salvaged Inspirations says
Brilliant Jen… so creative! I never would have thought to use yardsticks. Adorable! XO
Linda C Johnston says
How many ways can you say A D O R A B L E?????!!! This project was so stinkin’ cute. I can think of a dozen places to use it. Great job!
kandice says
this is adorable! I love the creativity of using yardsticks! xoxo
Charlene says
One of the best ideas I’ve seen posted!
Kathy says
Love love it…right up my alley..awesome job!
Kathleen says
Love the yardsticks! Gives one ideas!
Barbara says
This is an amazing transformation! I love your creativity!!
Sharon says
I had planned on a similar treatment to transform a lap desk, but the (Young) girl at the office supply store didn’t know what a ‘yardstick’ was. So I used paint stir sticks.
Naomi Shelton says
This is cute and innovative with the yardsticks but I’m seeing gaps between the yardsticks above the shelf. Was it hard to get them butted up against each other? To me the gaps are distracting but the idea is cute.
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
You’re right, a few of the yardsticks weren’t 100% perfectly straight. I stage and take my photos outside, so the sunshine is bright and peeking through the little gaps. Inside a house with regular lighting I don’t think it would be so noticeable, and even if it was, personally I wouldn’t mind. It’s not supposed to look like a perfectly warehouse-manufactured piece of furniture. I prefer vintage pieces with character and little “flaws.” 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Oh my, that made me giggle! She didn’t know what a yardstick was? Paint sticks sounds like a cool idea though!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Aww, thanks so much Barbara!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks so much for your kind words, Linda!!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you Denise! xo
Marsha Heskett says
Beyond fabulous!!! Two of my favs: yardsticks & bookcases! You’re incredible 👏👏
Kevin Fitz says
Very sweet, what can we do with “paint sticks” used to stir a can of paint? They are free for the asking, taking at the paint store
Kym Kinnison says
That looks fabulous, a brilliant idea I love it. Great colour too !
p says
Soooo cute !!
No white paint – and a creative touch. 😉
Thanks for sharing ! I love this.
Rebecca Payne says
I love this idea.
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Haha, no white paint. 🙂 Thanks, P!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks so much, Rebecca!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you Kym, I appreciate your kindness!
Marie says
Love the yardstick back, Jen, it adds such lovely vintage charm to this bookcase! Thanks for the tip on where to find yardsticks because it is difficult to find them locally.
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you Marie! xo