What Is the Best Color for Bookshelves?
There are many colors to paint bookshelves, and your choice will depend on your personality and the vibe you want to achieve.
Vibrant/Bright Colors
If you want a bold look, try painting a room in a bright color such as hot pink, yellow, or bright red, as these colors add life and vibrancy to any space. Notably, because these are vibrant colors, you may want to paint the back of the bookshelf to leave a white trim.
The white trim will help to balance out the bright colors, creating a striking contrast. Also, unless you’re going to use a primer first, apply two coats for a solid color print.
Dark Hues
However, if you prefer dark colors to bold paint, there are many dark colors to choose from at the paint store. Black is a great example because it adds a classic look and feel to your space. Green and navy blue are two other paint colors that will add sophistication to your space.
Review of the Best Bookshelf Paint Finish
Do you want to refinish your bookshelf or bookcase? A fresh coat of paint transforms any room’s visual dynamic. Here are our top picks for the best bookshelf paint finish.
Majic Paints Satin Interior/Exterior Paint
This semi-gloss enamel paint is water-based for maximum durability and ease of cleanup. This self-leveling paint dries to a striking smooth glossy finish, and the diamond finish provides excellent scratch and chip resistance.
You can start painting right away because there is no need for sanding or priming when preparing the surface for paint. This paint adheres to any surface, including steel, plastics, and wood. This paint has excellent color retention and will not fade, resulting in a smooth, gliding surface for the bookshelf.
Pros
- There are ten different color options.
- Satin finish is smooth.
- Self-leveling.
- Suitable for all materials.
Cons
- The vintage look of chalk paint is not achieved.
Summary
If you want a long-lasting paint for your bookshelf, go with Majic. The gloss enamel can be used on almost any material.
Renaissance Retique It Chalk Furniture Paint
This Retique chalk paint gives your bookshelf a rustic finish with a “chalky” appearance that is both eye-catching and smooth to the touch. Superior coverage is obtained, and the pain builds on itself, allowing for a textured finish.
This paint has a low-VOC formulation and a 30-minute drying time with no odor during the drying process. This paint’s versatility makes it ideal for refinishing distressed old wood or contemporary style bookshelves.
Pros
- There are 44 colors available.
- Coats are simple to construct.
- Easy cleanup and a smooth finish
Cons
- Less durable than formulations based on oil or latex.
- Only works with wood.
Summary
If you want to give your bookcase a vintage look, use this chalk paint. You get a smooth finish that is simple to paint and clean up.
Questions and Answers
Q: What Is the Best Wood Furniture Paint Finish?
A: If you want a classic look and durability, we recommend a semi-gloss or satin finish for your bookshelf. Chalk-based paints are ideal for creating a rustic and vintage look on bookshelves.
Q: What Type of Paint Do You Use on Your Shelves?
A: When painting your bookcase, we recommend using latex or water-based paint formulations. Latex paints are less expensive and easier to work with, but they do not have the same durability as oil-based formulations.
Q: Should The Bookshelves Match the Color of Your Walls?
A: You have as much freedom with your paint color as you do with your style and personality. The colors of the bookshelves do not have to match the walls, but similar paint gives your room a flowing yet cohesive look. If you have a built-in bookshelf, matching it to the walls will work better because it will add cohesion to the room.
Q: Is It Better to Stain Your Bookshelf Than to Paint It?
A: In a different way than painting, staining your bookshelf highlights an unseen beauty of wood. It protects the wood while preserving its natural beauty, whereas paints conceal the wood and give it a new look.
As a result, whether you stain or paint your wooden bookshelf is determined by what you value the most. If you prefer the natural beauty of wood, stain your bookshelf, but if you prefer to add a new beauty to your bookshelf, try painting the surface.
Q: Do You Have the Ability to Paint Bookcases?
A: Paint can be used to give particleboard or solid wood shelves a modern, playful look. Because wood absorbs paint, it must be prepared before painting. Remove the bookcase’s hardware and sand it to prepare it for painting.
Q: How Should You Paint Furniture?
A: Furniture paint is available in the following formulations.
- Oil paint is long-lasting but expensive. High VOC levels and difficult cleanup
- Acrylic paint is a water-based paint with vibrant colors and a smooth finish.
- Milky and Chalky Paint has a vintage, rustic appearance and is available in water-based and latex formulations.
- Latex paint is inexpensive and widely available.
