Installing a roller shade to an under-used bookcase adds hideaway storage

The quest to find more storage is a never-ending task in many homes. But homeowners should look to under-used bookcases that can solve the storage dilemma and provide a fresh look to a room.

The addition of hinged doors to hide away some of the shelves, while keeping others open to display books and decorative accessories, is one way to expand storage space, suggests Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Or try adding a rod to hold a curtain that will cover the bottom half of the bookcase.

Another idea from the magazine is to hide away clutter by installing some simple hardware on the inside of the bookcase frame. Attach window roller shades to fit the width of the case and cover some of the shelves. They can be raised for easy access to whatever is stored away or drawn for a clean, uncluttered façade. The shade pulls can be decorated with a finial or tassel.

Adding shutters to some of the shelves lends a cottage makeover to a bookcase, which can be painted white or cream on the frame and shelves. The back of the unit can be covered in traditional cottage patterns such as floral, toile or damask patterns.