Category: decorative hardware

Prefab to post fab customizing bookcases enhancements for that custom built-in look as promised.

Yes, decoristas, you too can build, design and style a better mousetrap (bookcase).

Customizing a bookcase with moldings, panelings, trims and embellishments takes an average, plain and otherwise boring bookcase from prefab drab to post style fab.

Crown and trim moldings easily punctuate the custom look.

Most basic prefab 5-shelf bookcases are approximately 6′ tall, but not all ceiling heights are created equal.

Decorative furniture feet will take the bookcase to new heights.

Waddell Bun Foot ||  Square Bun Foot   || Pumpkin Bun Pine Foot

The custom look is enhanced by adding for example by updating the back of the bookcase.

Beadboard paneling or beadboard pattern wallpaper take the look from common to custom.

The art of customizing bookcases is further enhanced by adding ornamental appliques and onlays.

Ornamental appliques and onlays applied to the front, side or back panels take the ordinary to the extraordinary.

Molding Installation and Applique and Onlay Application Recap:

The bookcase has an assembled height of 71.25 inches.

Decorative molding will have to be cut as it is usually sold in 8 ft lengths.

Measure the selected area of the bookcase where the molding will be placed.

Keep things as simple as you can by marking the area on the molding to be cut with a pencil.

Carefully make the cuts on the molding using a miter saw.

Sand each finished cut with sand paper to smooth edges.

For Top Crown:

Nail the crown molding into place at  the top and sides of the unit.

Fill the gaps with caulk and allow to dry for approximately 30 minutes before paint application.

For Appliques and Onlays:

Determine desired placement of applique or onlay.

Apply small beads of Liquid Nails Paneling and Molding Construction Adhesive or a preferred wood glue to the applique or onlay and put in place.

Small bead applications of adhesive or glue will help to prevent it from running out from under the sides when pressure is applied.

Apply pressure for a few minutes to ensure tight adhering.

Armac Martin

Decorative furniture hardware remains one of the most inexpensive and dramatic accent updates known to decoristas.

Inspiring design features are ripe for replication.

A strategically placed decorative pull(s) or door knocker on a front trim, side or back panel takes the piece to custom built-in statement piece status.

We’ll look at how to go from prefab drab to post style fab by creating polished style in the stacks in part 3 appropriately titled From Prefab to Post Fab: Customizing Prefabricated Bookcases Part 3.