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diy bookcase makeover cabinet hack black

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As we have settled into our house, it became apparent that we desperately needed some type of storage solution for our dining room. While researching inexpensive options, I came across several people flipping the infamous Billy Bookcases from Ikea. It’s a great, affordable hack. Problem is - Ikea is a long drive away and out of stock of nearly everything for months.

So I patiently kept my eyes peeled on Facebook Marketplace. I finally found similar bookshelves by the brand called Sauder for only $30 each!

These are by no means high quality pieces of furniture - they’re not solid wood and the finish is not the best to paint. They are designed to attach together in different combinations and create the look of a long library bookshelf wall, which I love. I needed something large to take up the big blank space on our wall - while also offering some storage. These were an amazing price that I couldn’t pass up for the size.

I have a reel on Instagram that shows the entire process - but essentially; we primed and painted all the shelves, added new back paneling, attached them together, added feet, wood detailing in the corners, and new knobs.

The end result is way better than we ever could’ve imagined. They look completely different and like high end bookcases. Not a Billy Bookcase hack… but almost!

Watch the Instagram reel here.