painted backs

A lovely client is currently having wall-to-wall bookshelves installed in her living room and after much contemplation, we’ve decided to paint the built-ins a crisp white and the beadboard backs the most beautiful shade of slate gray/blue.  One of the quickest, easiest and least expensive ways to make your bookshelves-and the objects that sit on them – really pop is to paint the backs a contrasting color.  Whether it’s a bold hue or only a few shades darker than the trim, creating a contrast adds depth and lots of interest.  Here are some of the inspiration images that won over my client:

Love the soft turquoise in this living room by Lauren Leonard:

Jill from Forever Cottage painted the backs of her white built-ins Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze and they look amazing!  The dark charcoal brown actually acts as a neutral backdrop for her beautiful accessories and vintage books:

Emily Clark used the same color on her floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in her office:

Taupey-grey warms up this gorgeous, neutral living room by Munger Interiors:

Love this teal color, which is actually painted, interchangable foam core boards-a great way to easily change up your look:

Greige backs on these floor-to-ceiling bookshelves are super cozy in this small space via Cottage Living:

Cobalt blue adds a touch of whimsy to this kid’s room:

Painted beadboard is such a subtle touch in this living room designed by Sarah Richardson, but it adds just the right amount of contrast to the gray built-ins and doesn’t compete with the striped wall:

Benjamin Moore Peony brightens up office built-ins – love this shade of pink: