Oh For The Love of Books + Bookshelf

I have way too many books.  I don't only have reading books, but I've kept just about every text book from various stages of my college career and they take up A LOT of space.  They've always been stored in boxes, crates, under beds, in closets....you get the idea.

Then I see this bookshelf and its twin.  I immediately begin to cry (not really, but sooooo almost!) because I knew that I didn't have the space for both of these, as there is only one main wall in my office nook that could realistically accommodate it and my garage is packed!  So, against my better judgement, I only bought the one.  I am not sure if I regret that decision yet but I am almost certain that I will.

Before/During

   

Let me tell you a quick bit about me.  I HATE breaking up sets.  I have a huge sense of regret when I do this and therefore, I RARELY, if never, do this.  I will buy all of the lot, whether I need them all or not, just so I don't BREAK UP THE SET!!.  

As I've mentioned before, the particular thrift shop that I frequent is not a fan of housing big, bulky items for long in their furniture department.  This thing is about 6 1/2 feet tall and 4 1/2 wide!  I can't remember exactly, but something like 10 bucks!!  Super lucky me!!  At that price, I REALLY should have taken the other one too! 

AFTER

Nothing spectacular....just two coats of standard satin black paint rolled on with a smooth roller.  I didn't even try to be perfect.  I just wanted to get it done and in my house so I'd stop tripping over all of those huge boxes of books!

Even after donating a chunk of the books, I still had books stacked on top of and next to each other.  I will be downsizing some more.  Some of these text books are 15+ years old.  They have to be dated by now!!!

If redoing a bookshelf, I would suggest that you allow the paint to fully dry and to give it a good rubdown with a clear wax.  I had all intentions of doing this, but the impatient part of me couldn't wait.  So now my books stick to the shelves a bit.  Some paint has pulled up as a result of that.  I plan to give them a once over with the paint again and then seal it with the wax.  Uggg!  Do this first and it'll save you all some time!