How to Wallpaper the Inside of a Bookcase

Step-by-step instructions to add a pop of color and pattern to your bookcase.

Step 1

Remove the shelves and lower doors (use a pencil to label each door to make rehanging them easier). Unscrew and discard the hardware from the upper and lower doors.

Step 2

Lightly sand the backboard. Wipe off dust with a tack cloth. Tape off both sides of the bookcase. Using a paintbrush, apply white paint and primer to the backboard, including both sides of the shelves if it need cover. Remove the painter’s tape while the paint is still wet. Let dry.

Step 3

Measure the bookcase’s backboard, and cut the wallpaper to fit. remove the backing paper and apply wallpaper. Affix the wallpaper to the backboard, starting in the center of the board. Using a plastic smoothing tool, smooth the wallpaper. Repeat until the entire board is covered.

Step 4

Replace the shelves. Attach the new hardware to the upper and lower doors.