Modern Bookcase Update & New Bookcase Styling

This modern bookcase update was a simple, budget-friendly change in our home and it made a huge difference! I also tackled restyling our shelves to help pull the new look all together.

Black and white bookcase with vintage style decor

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Our bookcase used to look completely different. The bookcase was completely white and had only books on the shelves. Here’s a look at the old bookcase and my no-fail idea to style bookshelves in your home!

The first step in our modern bookcase update was to paint the border of the bookcase black. I really wanted a pop of black in here. Below, you’ll see how the bookcase originally looked, with all white bookcase borders.

Below is a photo of how the bookcase looks with the border painted. I actually used chalkboard paint for this project because I already had it on hand. But, I’d normally recommend getting a black paint. I love the color “black” by Behr paint.

You can see how the update makes the room look completely different. I have more updates I want to make in this room, but now I’m happy with the bookcase update. It was a budget-friendly project and only took two days.

For the bookcase styling, I used items I already had on hand.

If you look closely, you may notice I need to swap out my picture frame photos. These frames were originally hung on my walls vertically. Now, I need to swap them out with horizontal images.

The vintage-style black and gray vase below is actually my favorite vase in my home. I love its worn, textured look.

I also grabbed some books I had that had mostly black spines and covers.

I’m loving the new look so much! Lately, I’ve been drawn to a more modern French vintage type of style instead of a French country look, so I’m slowly making small changes to my home to reflect this style.