Alexei Volkov
There are many ways to improve the appearance of unsightly plastic shelves without having to resort to paint. One option is to use decorative moulding, which can be added to the front surface of the sides and top of the unit to give it a more polished look. Another idea is to use shelf paper or contact paper, which comes in various patterns and colours, including wood grain, to resurface and improve the appearance of the shelves. Alternatively, you could use thin, pliable plastic sheets, which can be cut to size and contoured around the front of the shelves. If you're looking for a more natural look, consider using plants, such as ferns or ivy, to cover the shelves. For a more temporary solution, consider using fabric or a tablecloth to drape over the shelves, or install a spring tension rod with curtain ring clips to hang fabric over the shelf's contents.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of plants | Real or silk plants such as ferns or ivy can be used to cover shelves and brighten the room |
| Use of trim | Adding trim to the front of shelves can improve their appearance |
| Stacking | Short units of the same width can be stacked and secured together to create a taller piece of "real" furniture |
| Molding | Placing multiple shelving units of the same size next to each other and adding molding can make them look like a single classy unit |
| Shelf papers | Strong shelf papers are available in various patterns, including wood grain, to resurface and improve the look of bookshelves |
| Plastic sheets | Thin, pliable, white plastic sheets can be cut and bent to cover shelves |
| Vinyl flooring | Click-together vinyl flooring with a matching stair nose can be used to cover shelves |
| Plexiglass | Inexpensive plexiglass sheets can be purchased in various measurements to fit shelves |
| Fabric | A spring tension rod and curtain ring clips can be used to hang fabric to cover shelves |
| Storage boxes | Storage boxes can be painted or covered with wallpaper to add color and hide clutter on shelves |
| Baskets | Baskets can be used to add storage and hide mess on shelves; they can be spray-painted to match the shelf color |
| Doors | Adding doors with frosted glass to shelves can help hide clutter while making the unit look neat |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Use plastic sheets or vinyl flooring
If you are looking for a way to cover ugly plastic shelves without painting them, one option is to use plastic sheets or vinyl flooring. This can be an inexpensive and easy way to improve the look of your shelves.
One idea is to use thin, pliable plastic sheets that can be cut down to size and contoured around the front of the shelves. These sheets can be found at home improvement stores like Home Depot and are typically used for covering walls. They are available in various colours and measurements to fit your shelves perfectly.
Another option is to use click-together vinyl flooring, which can add a unique and glamorous touch to your shelves. Vinyl flooring comes in various patterns and designs, offering a range of aesthetic options. It is also easy to install, as it typically clicks together, and can be cut to fit the dimensions of your shelves.
If you are looking for a more natural look, consider using plexiglass sheets. These can be purchased in various measurements and are fairly inexpensive. They provide a clear surface that can give your shelves a sleek and modern appearance.
Using plastic sheets or vinyl flooring to cover your shelves can be a simple and cost-effective solution. By cutting them to size and fitting them to your shelves, you can transform the look of your space without the need for painting. This method allows for customisation and provides a range of options to match your personal style and the surrounding decor.
Efficiently Removing Paint from Your Car's Plastic Bumper
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cover with fabric or wallpaper
If you want to cover your plastic shelves without painting them, you can use fabric or wallpaper. This method can be applied to any kind of shelving unit, including bookcases and IKEA shelves.
Covering Shelves with Fabric
To attach fabric to your shelves, you will need fabric scissors, an X-Acto knife, rubber cement, and cotton fabric. First, cut your chosen fabric to the approximate size needed, leaving an inch on each side. Then, apply a coat of rubber cement to both the surface of the shelf and the back of the fabric, and let it dry completely. Once the rubber cement is dry, place the fabric onto the shelf, starting with the middle of the fabric and smoothing outwards with your hands. Don't worry if you don't get it right the first time, as you can peel the fabric off and place it again.
If you are covering wooden shelves, you can also try applying the rubber cement directly to the wood and then adhering the untreated fabric. This method may not work on all surfaces, especially high-gloss paint.
To make your fabric shelves waterproof, you can treat the fabric with turpentine and soybean oil. Alternatively, you can use liquid starch, which can be applied directly to the fabric or used to stick cut-out shapes to the shelf.
Covering Shelves with Wallpaper
To cover your shelves with wallpaper, you can follow a similar process to wallpapering. Cut your wallpaper to size and apply it to the shelf, smoothing out any bubbles. You can also use wrapping paper, which can be a cheaper alternative to wallpaper.
Other Options for Covering Shelves
If you don't want to use fabric or wallpaper, there are several other options for covering your shelves. You can use foam core boards, which can be covered with contact paper or left plain, or thin plastic sheets, which can be cut to size and bent to contour around the front of the shelves. You can also add doors to your shelves, using frosted glass or painted canvas squares to hide the contents.
Spray Paint Removal from Plastic: Effective Techniques
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Hide with storage boxes
If you want to hide ugly plastic shelves without painting them, one option is to use storage boxes. You can buy inexpensive storage boxes from IKEA or other homeware stores like Michael's or JoAnn's Fabrics. These boxes can be decorated or painted to match your colour scheme or wallpapered to match your decor. You can also use magazine boxes to store papers and magazines, which are available in various colours and can be decorated if needed.
Another option is to use baskets, which come in various styles and sizes and can be spray-painted to match the shelves. You can also use canvas squares that can be painted and hung to cover the shelving spaces. These can be easily lifted out of the way when you need to access the shelf.
Fabric can also be used to cover shelves and hide clutter. Simply install a spring tension rod across the width of the shelf with some curtain ring clips. Then, clip on a hemmed piece of fabric. You can also use a picture, installed with hinges, to cover parts of the shelf you don't want to display, which can easily be lifted to access the shelf's contents.
If you want to hide the entire shelf unit, you can add doors to the unit. Frosted glass doors can make the unit look neat without making it seem too heavy.
Latex Paints: Are They Bingham Plastic Fluids?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Disguise with plants
If you are looking to disguise your ugly plastic shelves without painting them, plants could be a great solution. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Firstly, consider the type of plants you want to use. Real or artificial plants can work equally well. If you choose real plants, opt for something leafy with long, flowing branches, such as ferns or ivy. These plants can hang over the shelves and add a touch of greenery to the room. Just be careful not to use too many plants, as you don't want your space to look like a greenhouse.
Alternatively, you could try placing larger plants in front of the shelves to hide them from view. For example, tall potted plants like rubber trees or fiddle leaf figs can create a stylish and natural barrier. Just make sure the plants are proportionate to the size of the shelves and the surrounding furniture.
Another option is to hang plants from the ceiling or a wall-mounted shelf. This can draw attention away from the plastic shelves and create a unique, eye-catching display. Consider hanging plants such as string of pearls, pothos, or spider plants.
If you're feeling creative, you could even attach planters or pots directly to the shelves themselves. This can be done by drilling holes in the shelves (if allowed) and hanging planters or by attaching pots with adhesive or brackets. This way, the plants become a part of the shelves, softening their appearance.
In addition to plants, combining them with decorative items can further enhance the disguise. Consider placing vases, picture frames, or other ornaments among the plants to create a stylish display that takes the focus away from the shelves themselves.
Remember to choose plants that suit your lighting and care conditions, and don't be afraid to get creative with your plant choices and arrangements. By incorporating plants, you can transform your ugly plastic shelves into a vibrant and natural feature in your space.
Removing Paint from Plastic Using Rubbing Alcohol
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Place behind a picture
If you want to hide your shelves behind a picture, you can install a spring tension rod across the width of the shelf with some curtain ring clips. Then, clip on a hemmed piece of fabric and place the picture in front of it. To make it easier to access the items on the shelf, install the picture with hinges. You can also use wallpaper or paint to decorate storage boxes and hide clutter on your shelves.
Another option is to use plants to cover your shelves. Real or silk plants with long, flowing branches can hang over the shelves and brighten up the room. Additionally, you can add trim to the front of the shelves to make them look better. If you have multiple shelving units of the same size, put them next to each other and add molding to cover the seams, giving them a more classy and expensive look.
If you're looking for a quick and inexpensive solution, consider using shelf paper or contact paper to resurface and improve the appearance of your plastic shelves. You can find various patterns, grades, and variances, including wood grain designs. While contact paper may not be the best option for those who want a smooth finish, as it can crinkle and wrinkle, shelf paper can give your shelves a new look without the hassle of painting.
For a more unique approach, you can try using thin, pliable plastic sheets designed for wall covering. Cut them down to size and contour them around the front of your shelves for a sleek and modern look. Alternatively, you can explore "wire shelving covers" online, which offer various options, from lucite sheets to full wooden units that can transform the appearance of your shelves.
Revamping Plastic Chairs: Paint Options and Techniques
You may want to see also
