Add A Quick Pop Of Color To Any Room With A Fun DIY Trend

Finding easy paint DIYs that give your home a unique splash of color is an excellent way to breathe new life and inspiration into your design, especially when you're trying to spruce up your space on a budget. Painting is fun and inexpensive but still makes a large impact on the overall aesthetic. The best part is, you don't even have to go all out and paint an entire room to switch up the vibe. Instead, think a little smaller. Painting your shelves, for example, is the perfect way to add a pop of color to any room and create the kind of stylish storage pieces that many desire for their homes.

Painting shelves is a DIY trend that's expected to really pop off in the coming months for homeowners and renters alike. Gone are the days of neutral-colored shelves that blend into the background and let the decor sitting on top of them make the statement. From free-standing bookcases to floating shelves and everything in between, any storage surface can become a focal point in the design. So, if you want to hop on the trend but need some painted shelf ideas to get you started, then this one's for you.

Once you've decided to paint your shelves, there are two basic directions you can take. The first is to choose a contrasting color that stands out from the shelf's backing, surrounding walls, and the rest of your room's scheme. This is a bold approach and will help your shelves become the focal point of the room. The second option is to lean into the color drenching home design trend and paint your shelf the same (or similar) color as the wall for a cohesive, tranquil look. Either option adds vibrant character to the room, and which one you choose comes down to personal preference.

If you're struggling to choose a color, look to your current shelf decor for inspiration. For example, if you have a painting or photograph that's prominently displayed, pull a color from there for your shelf to create a thoughtful, balanced layout. Once you've settled on a color, there is some important prep work to do to update your shelves. Many store-bought shelves will have a finish on them that prevents the paint from properly adhering (you'll likely experience this, for instance, when painting IKEA furniture's difficult surfaces). To combat this, use a medium-grit sandpaper to dull the surface of your shelf. Then, wash away the sanding dust and allow the shelf to dry completely before adding primer and paint. Let the paint dry, and add your books and other items back onto the shelf, using the new color to guide how you lay out your decor.