How to update built in bookshelves

Bookcases, especially if made of high-quality wood and boasting a modern design, are not outdated. However, modern trends and shopping patterns of the new generations indicate whether it still makes sense to have a bookcase in our houses.

Both freestanding and built-in bookshelves can benefit. Painting built-in storage to match the wall color can give the space a cohesive and intimate feel. For the living room of a Los Angeles home, design firm Commune painted the walls and bookshelves in a pale green, giving the space a serene but stylish vibe.

A flat to satin sheen is best for cabinet shelves, especially those that carry electronics or other heavy objects, but choose a semi-gloss to high-gloss sheen for the cabinet exterior to make lighter work of cleaning it.

Use an Alkyd (Oil-Based) Paint

Alkyd (oil-based) paints provide a tougher finish than latex (water-based). They are getting harder to find due to environmental restrictions and improved latex-paint quality. Still, many professional painters rely on alkyd paint for shelves and cabinets.

Choosing a light shade for your shelving allows the books to pop against the background and really stand out in the room. Pale, neutral shades are an ideal option since there’s no danger of them clashing with the books. White is a classic choice, but you may prefer cream, beige, tan or gray.

This classic piece of furniture is anything but outdated. Traditionally they’re a combination of both drawers and doors, but there’s no limit to what you choose to store or where to place an armoire.

Massive Entertainment Center

These days, televisions are as flat as can be, and don’t need these oversized and outdated entertainment units. They’re typically mounted on walls or over fireplaces, which don’t warrant the use of these old furnishings.

If you have a used TV stand or old media cabinet that you don’t need, you can get the unwanted entertainment center hauled away as soon as next day. Even if your TV cabinet is in pieces, LoadUp will haul away your old media console at your convenience.

Items You Can’t Donate

However, Salvation Army stores don’t accept built-in appliances or kerosene appliances. They also refuse large console stereos and television sets and automobile parts, including wheels or tires. You can’t donate potentially dangerous or polluting items, such as chemicals or paint.

Are charity shops open during lockdown? Charities can follow the same rules around click-and-collect services, though, so can still trade if people order in advance. People have been urged not to leave donations outside of shops as it will cause further problems for charity workers once they return.

If there’s no way you can sell or give away your books, contact your local council or recycling centre and ask if they can do anything to help recycle your books. Don’t throw them in your recycling bin; they need a specialist recycler to look at them to judge whether they‘re recyclable.

Condition is very important and will greatly influence value. A beaten-up old book that is falling apart will have little value. First editions are sought-after by book collectors and a first edition is usually more valuable than a later printing. A first edition signed by the author will have even greater value.

Though a lack of relevance renders most complete encyclopedia set values at less than $75, there are some rare editions that have historical value. Older sets of encyclopedias can carry excellent value as well, especially if they’re in good condition.