We asked. You voted. We listened.
Earlier this month we put out a simple ballot asking readers to help us choose a new color for our plain bookcase. After tallying the responses, one option rose to the top: green. Today we’re sharing the finished painted bookcase, the process we used, and why we think this new color transforms the space.
All three of our original subtle color options had supporters, and a few readers suggested other hues as well. In the end, majority ruled and we went with green. We didn’t pick a pale, muted tone; instead we chose a livelier shade that adds personality without overpowering the room. The paint is Glidden’s “Zen Mist,” a clean green with a touch of lime-y yellow that keeps the finish fresh and modern.
The transformation was straightforward. We started with a coat of primer to ensure good adhesion over the existing finish, followed by two coats of semi-gloss Zen Mist. Semi-gloss was our pick because it’s durable, easy to clean, and highlights the bookcase’s lines without being too shiny. The result is a crisp, bright piece that reads as intentional and well-integrated with the room’s palette.
One of the biggest benefits is how well the green coordinates with the dining room accents. Several readers pointed out that there were already green tones on the wall, and painting the bookcase in a matching or complementary shade ties the space together. The green also provides a pleasing contrast to the white objects and ceramics on the shelves, allowing those items to stand out instead of blending into the background.
We also wanted to move away from the reddish wood tone that previously dominated the piece and didn’t match any other finishes in the room. Repainting allowed us to create cohesion without replacing furniture. It’s an economical update that makes a dramatic difference: the bookcase now reads as a curated element of the room instead of an afterthought.
Feedback from friends and readers has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have told us the color feels bold but approachable, and that the piece now reads like it was always meant for the space. We appreciate the input that led us out of our usual white-washed comfort zone—sometimes a little nudge from readers is all it takes to try a new direction.
Are you happy with the vote? Want a recount? Tell us what you think—did we pick the right green, or would you have gone softer or darker? We always enjoy hearing reader opinions and learning what catches your eye.
For anyone inspired to tackle a similar furniture makeover, primer plus two coats of a durable semi-gloss paint is a reliable recipe for long-lasting results. Consider sampling a few swatches in your space before committing, and test how the color reads at different times of day. Lighting can change the undertone dramatically, so a small test patch will save you surprises.
PS: If you’re looking for another creative furniture painting idea, we recently completed a DIY herringbone pattern on a thrift-store desk that makes a simple piece look custom and modern. It’s a great next-level project if you enjoyed this bookcase update and want to keep experimenting with color and pattern.