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DIY | Silhouette Bookcase Backing + Freebie

So excited to be sharing this fun tutorial with you guys!

As you know, I recently completed my new home office. Amongst other projects, adding a backing to my ikea Expedit bookcase was one of my favorites. I loved the balance we created between the black and white walls  and wanted to continue that same idea with the white bookcase (because a white bookcases against a white wall doesn’t cut it!) Eventually, adding a pretty backing came to mind. There are so many choices. You can go with fabric, stenciled pattern, wallpaper etc. I decided to create my own wallpaper utilizing silhouettes – and what better than using my own family’s silhouettes. If you like the look of this bookcase, you can decorate yours in no time.

For this project you will need:

  • the printed silhouette wallpaper (for a 4×4 Expedit bookcase you will need 16 sheets of the downloadable wallpaper – one per each opening)
  • a large format printer (I highly recommend you send the file to Kinkos so they can do the printing for you – it will cut down the prep time and is cheap)
  • masking tape
  • scissors

This project can take anywhere from 1-2 hours.

First and foremost, remove all the items off the bookcase. It will make it easier for you to maneuver. You will need to work on the back side of the bookcase. Begin by taping each sheet of wallpaper against each opening/square (Tip: cut down the wallpaper to 14×14 inches – or even better, if you get them printed at Kinkos have them do this for you).

This step will go fast – just continue one row at a time. Tape all 4 sides securing each sheet against the opening. Once you have taped all 16 sheets, you are ready to move the bookcase against the wall and start putting your items back on it.

Sorry, no pictures of the process. I was too excited to do this, I didn’t even think about taking them.

Click HERE to download the free silhouette wallpaper. Have fun with it and make sure to share pictures. You can tag us on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest.