Welcome to Week Three of the One Room Challenge! We’ve officially reached the halfway mark, and the excitement is palpable among all us Linking Participants (ORCLPs)! Woo hoo! Have you seen the incredible progress made by the 20 featured designers this week? There’s so much inspiration and creativity out there—it’s truly awe-inspiring to witness everyone’s transformations taking shape.
For those of you who are new here (hello, and welcome to my little slice of chaos!), I’m participating in the ORC by tackling a living room project. My focus is on building a statement wall of bookcases. Customizing bookcases offers endless possibilities, from molding to wood choices to paint finishes—it’s all about the details that make them uniquely yours. This week, let’s dive into one of my favorite aspects of bookcase design: bookcase backings.
Exploring Bookcase Backing Options
Choosing the right backing for your bookcases can dramatically impact their overall look. It’s a decision I’ve been mulling over for quite some time as I planned this project. There are so many exciting options to consider:
Solid white or matching color: A classic, seamless look that blends beautifully with the rest of the bookcase.
Patterns using fabric or wrapping paper: Add texture and personality by lining the back panels with fabric or decorative paper.
Accent colors: Use a contrasting or bold color to make the backing pop.
Beadboard or paneling: Introduce a timeless, architectural element that adds depth and character.
A combination of beadboard and an accent color: A winning combination for a touch of charm and vibrancy.
Here are some examples of inspiration that guided my decision:
- A monochromatic approach, like solid white, offers a clean and sophisticated aesthetic.
- Using fabric or wrapping paper adds playful texture, as seen in designs by Marika Meyer Interiors and Pam at Simple Details.
- Accent colors, such as the bold tones Carmel featured at Our Fifth House, create striking visual interest.
- Beadboard and paneling, like the designs from Molly Frey or Elizabeth at The Little Black Door, add timeless charm.
My Bookcase Backing Decision
From the outset, I knew I wanted some form of planking to give the bookcases a classic, paneled look.
I ultimately decided on hardboard paneling for its affordability and versatility. Sheet paneling is widely available in various styles and price points, making it a practical choice for many DIY projects. While I considered real wood beadboard, which runs around $40 per sheet, I opted for hardboard, which offered similar visual impact at a fraction of the cost.
Here’s a quick breakdown of some options I found at Home Depot:
- Hardboard beadboard: $19.98 per sheet
- Whitewashed paneling: $15.97 per sheet
- Unfinished wood paneling: $14.86 per sheet
- White hardboard paneling: $22.98 per sheet
I had the hardboard sheets cut at the store to fit the back of my Ikea bookcases, with the grooves running horizontally for added visual interest.
Lessons Learned: Do This, Not That
While swapping out the backing boards of Ikea bookcases is a straightforward concept, I did encounter a few bumps along the way. Since the hardboard sheets I chose were slightly thicker than the original backing panels, I decided to modify the grooves in the sides of the bookcases to accommodate the new material. This is where things got messy.
Armed with a ¼-inch router tip for my Dremel, I attempted to widen the existing grooves. Let’s just say it didn’t go as smoothly as I had hoped. Here’s what I learned:
- Avoid using a Dremel for this task. The tool was difficult to control, especially on the laminated surfaces of the bookcases. The result was uneven grooves and a lot of frustration.
- If I could do it over, I’d fill the original grooves with putty and attach the panels to the back of the bookcase frame with a brad nailer or directly to the wall. This approach would have been much easier and yielded cleaner results.
Despite the challenges, I powered through and routed all three bookcases. While my early attempts were less than perfect, I improved with practice. After installing the panels and caulking the edges, the imperfections were virtually invisible.
The Finished Backing
The effort was worth it. The paneled backing adds an elegant touch that elevates the entire look of the bookcases. While I initially debated painting the panels a bold color like black or a moody blue-green, I decided to keep them white for now. The clean, bright backdrop complements the overall aesthetic of my living room and leaves room for flexibility in styling.
What’s Next?
Next week, I’ll be focusing on trimming out the bookcases to achieve a custom, built-in appearance. I can’t wait to share the details with you! For now, I’m off to check out the progress of my fellow ORCLPs over at Calling It Home. Join me in exploring the amazing transformations happening across the One Room Challenge community—it’s sure to spark some inspiration for your own projects!
