Turn An Old CD Rack Into A Cute, Upcycled Bookshelf
If you've purged your CD collection and are thinking of discarding that old hardwood CD rack, hold your horses. We have an easy DIY idea that will take your retro CD organizer from an ordinary don't-know-what-to-do-with-it item in your garage into a stylish upcycled bookshelf. Even if you don't own a CD rack from back in the day, you can go thrifting for one from your local yard sales, Goodwill, or on social media marketplaces.
Most of these old CD racks are very well crafted yet, with a little knowhow, are also easy to disassemble which will make your DIY project pretty straightforward. If you want to upcycle your thrifted CD shelving unit into a small space storage solution for books, then getting a wall-mountable version helps save floor space. The main step is removing the CD dividers so the open sections can function as bookshelves. After that, simply refinish the wood with paint and mount the unit on the wall.
The best part about this DIY storage project is the fact that wooden CD organizers are already designed to complement living room furniture. This makes them excellent display units that adapt to diverse room aesthetics without needing too much re-engineering. Besides, this is a cost-saving opportunity. If you've recently done a book shelf price check, you know that a new bookcase or bookshelf can cost a pretty penny whether on Amazon or IKEA.
Creating your custom upcycled bookshelf from an old CD rack
To begin the CD rack's transformation, we're first going to remove the CD holders, which may be made of metal or plastic. If the holders are attached with screws, remove the screws and pull out the dividers. If there are no screws, it means the CD holders are likely glued to the shelf, so grab a chisel or a scraper to pry them out. Next, clean off the dust and grime on the wooden shelf using soap, water and a washcloth. Leave it to dry completely before going on with your upcycling project.
@iamhayleystuart When one person's CD rack becomes another person's... cute handpainted shelves! As soon as I saw this CD rack on FB marketplace I knew it was made for so much more, so I upcycled it with just paint as it is already such a beautiful shape. Feeling inspired? Save this for your next upcycling project. It hasn't got a home yet but I'm thinking of putting it in my cabin to store books in. P.s sorry about the naff lighting at the end, it's been dark and dismal here all day! 🌧️ . . . . . . . #upcycle #upcycling #handpainted #handpainted #vintagehome #vintagedecor #whimsicalhome #whimsicaldecor #interiors #interior4u #interiorismo #bohemiamhome #bohemiandecor #creativity #creativehome #creativeinspiration #creativeinteriors #diyinspo #diyideas #fyp #foryoupage
At this point, if you like the look of the old wood as is, then your CD rack is actually ready to be mounted as a bookshelf. However, we want to transform this into a really cute piece, and that's why we recommend painting. First, sand down the wood using sandpaper, from the outer surfaces and the edges, to the inner compartments. This will remove the old varnish and allow the wood to take up the new paint properly. Next, apply a coat of primer with a brush and allow it to dry. Now paint the entire shelf in your base color. If need be, add a second coat for a richer finish.
Once dry, you're ready for the fun part. Use different colors to paint unique patterns or floral designs on the outer surface of the shelf, and any wood accents if present. Once you're satisfied, apply a clear sealant all over the painted surface. Let that dry then hang your work of art on a wall using hooks or brackets. Now you're free to arrange your books on the shelves.
Tips to make your upcycled bookshelf stand out
Taking your upcycled hand-painted bookshelf to the next level can be as simple as creating intricate designs on the shelf's outer surface using stencils. This is a great idea, especially if you aren't very artistic and can't pull off designs with freehand painting. Another simple tip is to make the back wall inside the shelves stand out. To do this, you can use peel-and-stick tiles or wallpaper. Even better, make this one of the creative DIY projects you try with leftover vinyl tiles or wallpaper scraps.
Finally, how you arrange books on your shelf can help create the aesthetic appeal you're looking for, especially if you add a few decor pieces. On one of the shelves, you can include an accent piece like a stylish vase or souvenir trinkets, or prop up the books using decorative bookends. A little greenery, using either real plants or their faux versions, can also do the trick. Alternatively, create heartwarming bookshelf decor by printing small bookmarks of your favorite poems, laminating them, and tying beautiful ribbons so they hang from the bookshelf's front edge as functional decor.