|

DIY Lighthouse Photo Collage Bookshelf

DIY Your Bookshelf Like This!

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience.  Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

My Mom and Dad have moved into an apartment over our garage and it is wonderful having them so close by.  When they made the purchase of a new bookshelf, I knew I needed to step in and help them enhance the Walmart bookshelf  to give it a little more personality.  With their nautical and beach decor already established I decided to create a lighthouse photo collage bookshelf.

DIY-lighthouse-collage-bookshelf

 

22ac88dd-4e10-41dd-b709-276294aa288c_1.c78c4b8d0e9550fd639b844ec23c8ba3

Mom and Dad are trying to do things on a budget, they would much rather use their extra money for taking cruises!  So they bought this simple bookcase from WalMart for just $129.00!  A bargain for sure, but Mom wanted a little more style, so I went to work.  51XclX8HrCL._SX345_BO1,204,203,200_I am familiar with these series of books that have vintage images.  If you aren’t familiar with them, you might be interested in some.  They cover everything from Ellis Island to Malibu to Route 66, Biltmore and many, many more.  After talking it over with my mother, I bought a used copy of  Images of America – Florida Lighthouses  on Amazon for less than $4.00.  Since I was going to be cutting it apart, it didn’t really matter what condition it was in.

Step One:  Select and cut out photos

Cutting up a book for a lighthouse collage

I then went through the book with my Mom and chose images of lighthouses, lighthouse keepers, and the cover page from the book.  This was going to be give the vintage feel she wanted to her bookshelf.Making a Lighthouse Photo Collage Bookshelf

I laid them out in the various patterns until we were both happy with the look and then I went to work attaching them to the hardboard back of the bookcase.

Step Two:  Assemble the frame of the bookcase

LIGHTHOUSE PHOTO COLLAGE BOOKSHELFIt was time to assemble the bookshelf.  Everything except for the back and the cupboard door fronts.

Step Three:  Attach photos to the backboard

Old Florida Lighthouse collage

If you are familiar with these kinds of unassembled furniture, you may know that the back of the bookshelf part is just cardboard.  I laid the the backboard on the floor on top of a spare piece of cardboard and went to work mod podging the images to the bookshelf backing.  I let it dry overnight.
LIGHTHOUSE PHOTO COLLAGE BOOKSHELF

The next day I applied two more coats of Mod Podge, allowing it to dry completely between coats. This sealed the collage well.

Step Four:  Final assembly of the bookcase

LIGHTHOUSE PHOTO COLLAGE BOOKSHELFHere is the completed lighthouse collage bookshelf.  This really adds to the vintage coastal vibe they have created in their home.

LIGHTHOUSE PHOTO COLLAGE BOOKSHELFThis is now a lovely addition to their home, giving my mom a place to display some of her favorite collections and ample storage beneath.Styling a Lighthouse Photo Collage Shelf

A Complete Lighthouse Collage BookshelfMy parents can enjoy studying these vintage images and the times around Florida when these lighthouses were integral to protecting ships approaching the coasts. Photos of the lighthouse keepers are reminders of how important they were in keeping the lighthouses working and ships safe.  Lighthouse Photo Collage Bookshelf

Vintage Lighthouse Photo CollageI will be sharing this at the following link parties:  Dishing it & Digging It | Amaze Me Monday | The Scoop | BTTCG Blog Party | Tips and Tricks Link Party | Create Link Inspire | Show and Share | Make it Pretty Monday | Brag About It | Waste Not Wednesday | The Creative Circle | A Bouquet of Talent | Over The Moon | Show and Share | Friday’s Five Features | Merry Monday | Do It Yourself | Metamorphosis Monday | Ta Da Thursdays | Home and Garden Thursday |Share Your Cup | Thriving on Thursdays

Similar Posts

34 Comments

  1. Well done! I have seen wallpaper on the backs of bookcases but this is much more personal. Will we see more of the apartment?

  2. This turned out great. I love it and easy to switch out. Thanks for sharing at Dishing it and Digging it link party. We love having you.

  3. This might as well be the oomph my bookshelf has been missing all this time. I’m sceptical about finding cardboard to use and I don’t want to plaster the photos directly on the plywood. I’ll consult with someone on this matter. Thanks for the idea 🙂

    1. Thanks so much Mary Beth. This is a great way to add a personal touch to a bookshelf, with whatever is important to you. Even a child’s picture book could be used in a nursery.

  4. I just love this idea Chloe!!!! And I love that series of books. I’m featuring you this week at Charming Homes & Gardens! Thanks for linking up!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *