If you have an old bookshelf sitting around, collecting dust, you might be wondering, “What can I do with it?”
Well, you’re not alone. Many of us have old furniture pieces that we no longer use the way they were originally intended, and a bookshelf is one of those items that can serve so many purposes with just a little imagination.
From turning it into a modern bar cart to transforming it into a unique garden stand, there are endless ways to repurpose that bookshelf and make it work for you again.
In this post, I’m going to take you through creative ideas to turn your outdated bookshelf into something new and functional.
Whether you want to refresh your living room decor, create additional storage, or simply make a functional piece of furniture for a different room, you’ll find inspiration here!
Why Repurposing a Bookshelf is a Great Idea
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about why repurposing furniture, especially a bookshelf, is a fantastic idea.
Sustainability is one of the main reasons. By reusing furniture, you’re helping reduce waste and avoid contributing to landfills.
Also, repurposing can save you money compared to buying new furniture, especially if you love the idea of custom pieces that reflect your unique taste and style. It’s a win-win!
Furthermore, old bookshelves are typically sturdy. Their simple design makes them perfect for a variety of functions, from organization to decor, and they can easily be adapted to fit into any room, whether modern or rustic.
Creative Ways to Repurpose a Bookshelf
Transform It into a Bar Cart
A bookshelf can quickly become a stylish bar cart with just a few tweaks. Imagine a rustic wooden shelf with bottles, glassware, and your favorite cocktails on display in your living room. This is a great way to repurpose a bookshelf if you’re looking for a fun, practical addition to your home.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Empty the Shelf: Clear out any old books or decor.
- Sand and Paint: If you prefer a fresh look, lightly sand the bookshelf and paint it in your desired color. Gold or black works well for a classic bar cart look.
- Add a Mirror: Consider placing a small mirror on the top shelf to add some glamour. You can attach a framed mirror to the back of the shelf.
- Add Glassware and Bottles: Place your favorite liquor, glasses, and cocktail accessories on the shelves.
- Optional Wheels: For mobility, add caster wheels to the bottom for easy movement.
This simple transformation turns an old bookshelf into a charming, functional piece that’s perfect for your next dinner party.
Turn It into a Plant Stand
If you’re a plant lover, why not use your bookshelf to house your indoor plants? The tiers of a bookshelf make it ideal for showcasing a variety of plants, especially those that thrive in indirect sunlight.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Remove Old Items: Take out any books or unused decor.
- Paint or Stain: Choose a color that complements your home decor or leave it natural for a rustic look.
- Add Shelving Liners: For extra protection, add liners to the shelves to avoid any water damage from your plants.
- Arrange Your Plants: Mix up different sizes and types of plants (succulents, trailing plants, and flowering ones) to create an eye-catching display.
A plant stand not only makes a bookshelf more useful but also creates a refreshing, natural vibe in your home.
Create a Workstation or Desk
If you have a small space and need a dedicated spot to work, repurposing a bookshelf into a small desk is a great solution. It’s a perfect fit for apartments or rooms where space is limited.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Remove Shelves or Adjust the Height: Take out some of the shelves, so there’s enough space for a comfortable workspace.
- Stabilize: Add extra support, if necessary, to ensure the bookshelf can handle a laptop, printer, or other office supplies.
- Add Accessories: Add a small desk lamp, a chair, or organizational items like baskets to hold pens, papers, or books.
This easy DIY project will turn your bookshelf into a compact yet efficient workstation.
Repurpose as a Kid’s Toy Organizer
Bookshelves are great for keeping toys and games organized in a kid’s room or play area. A bookshelf’s multiple shelves allow you to store toys, books, and even art supplies in an easy-to-reach spot.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Remove Books: Clear out any old books and items that aren’t related to toys.
- Reorganize: Use baskets or bins to store smaller toys, while keeping larger toys or stuffed animals neatly arranged on the shelves.
- Personalize: Let your kids decorate the bookshelf or add fun labels to make it their own.
This keeps your child’s room organized and their toys easily accessible.
Make It into a Mini Mudroom Shelf
If you have a small entryway or hallway, transforming an old bookshelf into a mudroom organizer is a fantastic idea. It’s perfect for storing shoes, bags, keys, and other items that tend to clutter up an entry space.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Remove Shelves: Depending on the size of your entryway, you may want to remove a shelf or two to create space for shoes or larger items.
- Paint and Personalize: Choose a color that matches your entryway decor. You can add hooks to the sides for coats or bags.
- Organize: Place bins, baskets, or shoe racks on the shelves for additional storage. Use the top for keys, wallets, or sunglasses.
This is a great way to keep your entryway tidy and organized.
Table: Repurposing a Bookshelf – Project Overview
| Repurposing Idea | Description | Materials Needed | Step-by-Step Overview | Difficulty Level | Time Estimate |
| Bar Cart | Transform your bookshelf into a stylish bar cart for drinks and glassware | Bookshelf, sandpaper, paint, small mirror, glassware, liquor bottles | 1. Sand and paint bookshelf.2. Add mirror to the top shelf.3. Organize bottles and glassware. | Medium | 2-3 hours |
| Plant Stand | Create a multi-level plant stand to display indoor plants | Bookshelf, paint or stain, plant liners, plants | 1. Remove old items.2. Paint or stain.3. Arrange plants on shelves. | Easy | 1-2 hours |
| Workstation/Desk | Turn the bookshelf into a compact workstation or desk for small spaces | Bookshelf, support brackets, desk accessories | 1. Remove shelves as needed.2. Reinforce for extra support.3. Add desk accessories. | Medium | 2-3 hours |
| Toy Organizer | Repurpose the bookshelf as an organizer for children’s toys | Bookshelf, baskets or bins, labels | 1. Remove books.2. Add baskets for smaller toys.3. Label bins. | Easy | 1-2 hours |
| Mudroom Organizer | Create a functional mudroom organizer for shoes, bags, and accessories | Bookshelf, hooks, baskets, paint | 1. Remove unnecessary shelves.2. Add hooks on sides.3. Organize shoes and accessories. | Medium | 2-3 hours |
Mistakes to Avoid When Repurposing a Bookshelf
Repurposing a bookshelf can be fun and rewarding, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Not Checking for Stability: Before starting, make sure your bookshelf is stable enough for its new purpose. If you’re turning it into a desk or bar cart, the structure must be solid.
- Overcrowding Shelves: If you’re turning your bookshelf into a plant stand or toy organizer, avoid overcrowding it. Leave enough space for items to be displayed properly and without looking cramped.
- Ignoring Room Layout: Consider the size and shape of your room before repurposing. A large bookshelf in a small room can overwhelm the space, so think about placement carefully.
By being mindful of these common mistakes, you’ll ensure that your repurposed bookshelf adds value to your home.
Conclusion
Repurposing an old bookshelf is a fun, practical, and eco-friendly way to breathe new life into a piece of furniture you might otherwise discard.
Whether you’re transforming it into a chic bar cart, a plant stand, or a functional workstation, the possibilities are endless.
With just a little creativity and effort, you can turn that forgotten bookshelf into a stylish, functional addition to your home.
I hope these ideas inspire you to grab that old bookshelf and start your DIY project today. Repurposing furniture is not only a great way to save money but also an opportunity to create something unique that reflects your personal style.
If you’ve tried any of these ideas or have more suggestions, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to hear how you repurposed your bookshelf!
FAQs
Can I repurpose any type of bookshelf?
Yes! Whether it’s made of wood, metal, or even plastic, you can repurpose nearly any bookshelf. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough for the new use.
How do I make sure my bookshelf is stable enough for heavy items?
If you’re planning to use your bookshelf for heavy items, consider reinforcing it with extra brackets or screws. Adding additional support, such as caster wheels or brackets, can also help ensure stability.
What are some other ideas for repurposing a bookshelf?
You can also turn a bookshelf into a wall-mounted coat rack, a display case for collectibles, or even a shoe rack.
