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How to Easily Update Shelves in Minutes (Without Paint!)

November 1, 2016 by Laura Kiernan 10 Comments

Learn how to update shelves in just a few minutes with a clever trick that uses a common craft supply. You’ll add pizzazz to plain shelves even if you don’t have time to paint!

There’s a reason that laminate shelves are so cheap: their looks are as fragile as the Real Housewives. Grease, grime, heat, and overexposure to direct sunlight turn the shelves’ white veneer yellow over time.

That’s exactly what happened to the utilitarian white laminate shelves that our home’s previous owners left behind. Since I couldn’t toss “perfectly good” shelves in the trash, I moved them to our craft area to provide much-needed storage.

But before we get to how and why the old shelves look so much better now, let’s take a moment see the shelves’ original location.

I took this photo just before we closed on our house. The shelves we’re talking about today were part of an office nook on the first floor, adjacent to the powder room. You’ll be happy to know that the powder room’s lovely early 90’s wallpaper is long gone.

basic-laminate-shelves-the-no-pressure-life

There are loads of tutorials on Pinterest about how to paint laminate shelves because they age poorly and are so very blah to look at.

With a full-time job and two little nose-pickers that require attention (and tissues), there’s no time or desire to paint shelves. So, I figured out how to update shelves in just a few minutes, without opening a can of paint.

How to update shelves in a craft room

How to Update Shelves Without Paint

Whether you want to makeover wall shelves or update a bookcase, there’s an easy way to give your basic shelves a brand-new look in just a few minutes.

You likely have an inexpensive craft supply just sitting around waiting to be used. In fact, you may actually have a whole collection of it just because the stuff looks pretty on your desk (or in my case, pegboard).

Hang a dowel on a pegboard to store washi tape. | The No Pressure Life

All it takes is washi tape, a few minutes and a steady hand to upgrade basic shelves and hide the discolored edges. Washi tape is inexpensive and comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, plus it’s easy to remove when you want to change your decor.

Follow these simple steps to apply washi tape to shelves:

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  1. Select a roll of washi tape that’s as wide as your shelf is thick.
  2. Remove your shelves from the brackets
  3. Take the end of the tape and attach it to the back of the shelf, about 0.5″ from the edge. This will create a clean look on the side without wasting tape on the back of the shelf.
  4. Slowly attach the tape all the way around the shelf, continuing around the corner with the same piece of tape (no seams!).
  5. Finish up on the back by wrapping the last corner about 0.5″ on the back of the shelf, just like you did to start.
  6. Re-position the tape as necessary – it’s easy and clean to remove!
Learn how to update shelves without paint using this simple trick!

The tape hides the discolored shelf edges and adds a pretty pop of color to otherwise boring shelves.

How to Update Bookshelves With Washi Tape

If you apply tape to bookshelves (not floating ones like these) use scissors to cut the tape with a clean, straight edge.

Will the Tape Last?

I tried this method with painted wood shelves in our medicine closet a year ago, and the tape hasn’t budged.

No Muss, No Fuss: Washi Tape FTW

With just a little tape and a few minutes, you can update old shelves to coordinate with your decor and add a little visual interest.

pretty craft room with white desk and pink peg board

Get all the details of this small craft area makeover.

How do you like to update shelves? Have you used paint, contact paper, wallpaper, or something else? I’d love to hear about it, so please share your ideas in the comments section below!

Check out these other easy decorating ideas!

  • How to Make Gorgeous DIY Art in 5 Minutes for Less than $5!
  • How to Organize Books When You Don't Have Space for a Bookshelf
  • How to Paint Furniture Easily (Even If You Hate Painting)
  • How to Set Up an Inspiring Craft Area in Any Room in Your Home

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bookcase with colorful books

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Filed Under: DIY

About Laura Kiernan

I'm Laura, a mom of two little humans and one furry rescue pup. As a full-time working mom, I understand how tough it is to keep your home looking nice and functioning well while juggling everything life throws at you. Check out my organization tips, decor ideas, and quick crafts that will help even the busiest mom feel more in control of her home.

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Comments

  1. Fiona says

    November 2, 2016 at 6:31 AM

    Love the idea! It’s so easy and it’s nice to know it will last..☺

    Reply
    • Laura says

      November 2, 2016 at 9:43 AM

      Thanks, Fiona! Gotta love a quick update. 🙂

      Reply
  2. KristinatPostboxDesigns says

    November 3, 2016 at 1:58 PM

    Great idea! I have some similar shelves…I never would have thought of that!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      November 4, 2016 at 5:08 PM

      Thanks, Kristina! I’m glad you were inspired! The tape is so easy to remove and switch up for a fresh look.

      Reply
  3. Natalie Ast says

    November 7, 2016 at 10:21 AM

    Great idea! I put washi tape on EVERYTHING! xo, natalie http://natalieast.com

    Reply
    • Laura says

      November 7, 2016 at 3:52 PM

      Thanks, Natalie! It’s great stuff, isn’t it? 🙂

      Reply
  4. Janine Huldie says

    May 3, 2017 at 4:00 PM

    Think you already know I love Washi Tape and now you just me another project to try out here. Thank you!!!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Laura says

      May 3, 2017 at 4:11 PM

      Hah! Yes, couldn’t resist sharing that with you. Looove washi tape!

      Reply

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I'm a working mom of two who loves making something from nothing, rearranging furniture, and finding a place for everything. Come learn more about me and my journey to a less-stress life!

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