A painted bookcase or display cabinet is one of the most impactful room transformations you can make — and one of the most underrated furniture painting projects. A dark, dated bookcase painted in the right colour becomes a feature wall in its own right. And a display cabinet with a painted interior in a contrasting colour creates a beautiful backdrop for whatever you're displaying.
Here's how to do it well.
The Interior vs Exterior Decision
Before you start, decide whether you're painting just the exterior, just the interior, or both. This is the decision that most affects the final look.
- Exterior only: The simplest approach. Paint the outside of the bookcase in your chosen colour and leave the interior natural or white. Works well for bookcases that are full of books — the interior won't be very visible.
- Interior in a contrasting colour: Paint the exterior in a neutral (Arctic White, Parchment, Charcoal) and the interior in a bold contrasting colour. The interior colour shows behind the books and objects and creates a beautiful layered effect. This is our favourite approach for display cabinets.
- Both in the same colour: A fully painted bookcase in a single colour is a bold, graphic statement. Works particularly well in dark colours — a Charcoal or Navy bookcase painted inside and out is a dramatic room feature.
Best Colours for Bookcases and Display Cabinets
For the Exterior
- Charcoal (chalk) — our most popular bookcase colour. Sophisticated, dramatic and works in almost any room.
- Navy (chalk) — rich and classic. Beautiful in a living room or study.
- Arctic White (chalk) — clean and fresh. Suits coastal and contemporary interiors.
- Noir (chalk) — bold black for a graphic, contemporary statement.
- Sage (chalk) — soft green for a more relaxed, organic feel.
For the Interior (Contrasting Colour)
- Peony or Rosé (chalk) — soft pink interior behind a white or charcoal exterior. Romantic and unexpected.
- Duck Egg (chalk) — soft blue-green interior. Beautiful behind a white or navy exterior.
- Crème Brulée (chalk) — warm cream interior behind a charcoal or navy exterior. Warm and sophisticated.
- Sage (chalk) — soft green interior behind a white exterior. Organic and beautiful.
- Go Bananas or Orange Fizz (chalk) — bold, playful interior colour for a maximalist or eclectic bookcase.
Step-by-Step: Painting a Bookcase
Step 1: Empty and Prepare
Remove everything from the bookcase. If the shelves are removable, take them out and paint them separately — it's much easier to paint shelves flat than in situ.
Step 2: Clean Thoroughly
Wipe every surface with sugar soap solution. Bookcases accumulate dust in the corners and on the shelves — clean thoroughly and allow to dry completely.
Step 3: Lightly Sand
Scuff sand all surfaces with 180 grit. Pay particular attention to any glossy surfaces. Wipe away all dust.
Step 4: Paint the Interior First
Always paint the interior before the exterior. Work from the back panel outward — back panel first, then the sides, then the shelves. Allow to dry completely before painting the exterior.
Step 5: Paint the Exterior
Paint the exterior of the bookcase — sides, top, base and front frame. Two thin coats, sanding lightly between coats.
Step 6: Paint the Shelves
Paint the shelves flat if you've removed them. Two thin coats. Allow to dry fully before replacing.
Step 7: Seal
Seal with wax or a water-based sealer. For shelves that will hold heavy books, a water-based sealer is more durable than wax and less likely to mark from the weight of books over time.
Display Cabinet Tips
For a display cabinet with glass doors, mask the glass carefully with painter's tape before painting. Remove the tape while the paint is still slightly tacky for the cleanest edge — if you wait until the paint is fully dry, the tape can pull the paint with it.
For the interior of a display cabinet, consider using a small foam roller for the back panel — it gives a very smooth, even finish that looks beautiful as a backdrop for displayed objects.
For colour inspiration: Best Paint Colours for Australian Homes 2026
Shop Artisan Chalk Finish Paint at Sweet Pea Interiors.
