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Empty your built-in shelves. Strip and restain shelves that are showing signs of aging. Paint your shelves if you want to create a fresh look. Place contact paper on the back of the shelves for a fun, graphic look. Add mirrors to the back of the shelves for a sleek look.
Get a fresh perspective on your shelves by clearing them off completely. This way, every piece you add to your shelves will be deliberate. If your shelves are covered by thick coats of paint or their stain is faded and discolored, use a paint stripper and sandpaper to restore the natural look fo the wood. If you want to keep a natural wood look, stain the shelves a color that matches your decor. A fresh coat of paint can help your shelves look crisp and new. You can paint the shelves the same color as the wall to integrate them seamlessly into the room, or you can paint them a bright pop of color to make them really stand out. Show off your playful personality with a unique background for your shelves. Choose a color that coordinates with the decor in your room. Then, choose items for your shelves that will stand out against the backdrop. You can also use wallpaper cut to fit behind the shelves. If you want to add extra visual interest, place contact paper along the backs of the shelves. Choose bright contact paper as the background for your shelves to create an unexpected pop of color. Mirrors can make a space seem larger and brighter. You can either install mirrors along the back of your shelves, or place hanging mirrors along the back wall of the shelves before you add any other decor.