Revamp Your Shelves - Chic Cabinet Wallpaper Ideas You’ll Love

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Adding wallpaper is a perfect way to elevate the look of any cabinet. Here are the tips you need to make your cabinets and shelves look beautiful with wallpaper.

Chic wallpaper ideas for china cabinets, shelves, and bookcases

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Wallpapering Cabinets & Bookshelves

Adding wallpaper to cabinets and bookshelves is a creative way to transform your furniture and give your home a fresh, updated look. Whether you’re looking to revitalize an old china cabinet or add flair to plain bookshelves, applying wallpaper is an easy and impactful project. Keep reading to see beautiful cabinet wallpaper ideas that will inspire you and learn tips for selecting and applying wallpaper.

Blue English living room with built ins with wallpaper on back of bookcase — Source

Vintage hutch with les touches wallpaper inside china cabinet — Source

Ideas for adding wallpaper to cabinets and bookshelves

Line the back of a glass cabinet

Adding wallpaper to the back of glass cabinets is an excellent way to showcase your dishware or collectibles. Choose a wallpaper pattern that complements the items on display. For example, if you have a collection of blue and white china, a wallpaper with a subtle, coordinating pattern can create a stunning backdrop. I mean look how beautiful the blue Les Touches wallpaper looks with that china (pictured above).

Painted china cabinet with wallpaper backing — Source

Green painted glass cabinet with forest mural wallpaper — Source

Add wallpaper to the back of a bookcase

For a fun and unexpected touch, consider adding wallpaper to the back of your bookshelf. This works particularly well for open shelving, where the wallpaper can add a splash of color and pattern to the room. One of my favorite interior designers, Elizabeth Hay, does this regularly in spaces she designs, and it always adds beautiful layer of pattern to the room.

Green Colefax and Fowler wallpaper behind shelves with colorful books and decor — Source

Teal built in bookshelves with desk and wallpaper behind shelves — Source

Wallpapering cabinet drawers

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not wallpaper the drawers of your cabinets too? This can be a great way to add a subtle pop of color to a room, especially if the rest of the décor is fairly neutral. If the space already has wallpaper, try adding matching wallpaper to the drawers for a cohesive look.

antique dresser with wallpaper in drawers — Source

Pink dresser drawer with wallpaper — Source

Tips for applying wallpaper

Applying wallpaper to cabinets and shelves requires a bit of patience and precision, but with the right approach, you can achieve a professional-looking result. Here are some tips to help you along the way:

Prep the surface: Before you begin wallpapering cabinets, make sure the surface is clean, smooth, and dry. Remove any dirt, grease, or dust, and lightly sand any rough spots to ensure the wallpaper adheres properly.
Measure carefully: Accurate measurements are key to a successful wallpapering project. Measure the area you plan to cover and cut your wallpaper accordingly, leaving a little extra around the edges to trim after application. For awkward angles use a contour gauge to trace the shape.
Apply wallpaper paste: If you’re using traditional wallpaper, apply a thin, even layer of wallpaper paste to the back of the paper or directly onto the cabinet surface. Smooth the wallpaper into place, starting from the center and working your way out to avoid bubbles. If you’re using peel and stick wallpaper, paste is not necessary.
Smooth wallpaper: After applying the wallpaper, use a squeegee or brush to smooth out any air bubbles and ensure the paper adheres evenly. Trim any excess wallpaper with a sharp knife.
Seal the edges: To prevent peeling or lifting, consider sealing the edges of the wallpaper with a clear, water-based sealant. This step is particularly important for areas exposed to moisture, like kitchen cabinets.

Vibrantly colored office with blue built in bookshelves with wallpaper behind them — Source

Best types of wallpaper for cabinets

When selecting wallpaper for cabinets, it’s important to choose a type that will hold up well to the demands of daily use. Here are a few options to consider:

Vinyl wallpaper: Vinyl is a durable and easy-to-clean option that works well for cabinets and shelves. It’s resistant to moisture and stains, making it ideal for areas like the kitchen or bathroom.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper: This type of wallpaper is perfect for renters and serial redecorators alike! Peel-and-stick wallpaper is easy to apply and remove, making it a good option if you’re renting or want the flexibility to change the design later. It’s also a great choice for china cabinet wallpaper, as you can easily switch up the look without damaging the cabinet.
Textured wallpaper: For a more luxurious feel, consider textured wallpaper. This type of wallpaper adds depth and interest to your cabinets and can make a striking statement in any room. However, be mindful that textured wallpaper can be harder to clean, so it may be best suited for areas that don’t see heavy use.

blue and red living room with wallpaper behind shelves — Source

Burgundy living room with bookcase wallpaper — Source

Blue built in hutch with Sister Parish wallpaper behind shelves — Source

Adding wallpaper to your cabinets and shelves is a creative and affordable way to update your home. Whether you’re lining the back of glass cabinets, wallpapering the interior of a china cabinet, or adding a pop of pattern behind plain bookshelves, the possibilities are endless. I hope these tips and ideas for wallpapering cabinets and bookshelves help you recreate these gorgeous looks in your own home!

I’ve linked the wallpapers featured in this post (or similar ones) below.

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