How to line any drawer or cabinet with pages from a book.
Before
This is my very first completed project in my studioffice. I figured I would start out with a simple project. You all know that I think the desk is pretty, but the aged yellow finish is just not my cup of tea so I am going to be changing it. I started with the inside of the drawer and made a new drawer liner for it. The rest of the desk is going to be painted.
If you haven’t read my previous post – I found this desk curbside. It was a freebie that I put in my basement as I didn’t have place for it. That all changed when I recently cleaned out my basement. I got inspired and decided the time was right to make the desk my own.
Even if the inside of this drawer gets filled with “drawer junk”, it would bother me that it was not pretty. I had to make the drawer lining look more attractive.
Here is what the inside of the drawer looked like when I brought the desk up from my basement.
Where to Find Books With Interesting Pages To Line a Drawer
I find the best books to use to line drawers when I go thrifting – my first destination is always to head to the book section. It is where I found all of these books that have provided me with decorative paper and prints to use on decorative projects.
The book on the bottom left is the one I used to line the drawer. I only used 10 pages. The book cost me $1.50. I also have a file where I keep all sorts of b/w illustrations and drawings to use.
- These illustrations could be framed, used to wallpaper a wall, wrap a gift, make tags, scrapbooking…are just a few ideas that I can think of.
I simply cut out the pages I liked and used Mod Podge Matte Formula to adhere and seal each page to the inside of the drawer.
I used a flat wide paint brush to apply the ModPodge to the drawer, not the book pages. Once I had each page positioned on the Mod Podge covered area, I applied one coat of Mod Podge to the top of the book page. Doing it this way will lessen any wrinkling. I did one area at a time until I had the entire surface covered. I then went over a few areas that I missed with the Mod Podge and let it dry.
I used a pair of scissors to trim the paper to size to fit into each corner. Made sure it fit perfectly and then applied the Mod Podge. Took about 25 minutes start to finish. My photos are dark because I did this late last night.
After
All done. The perfect lining for a desk drawer. I love it.
DIY Drawer Organizing Ideas
To make your desk drawers even better, try making dividers to add to the drawers. I have posted two different kinds:
If you want to see another way I used I used book pages/illustrations, click over to the post I did on how I made a craft cart:
UPDATE: See how I painted this desk with the glossiest white paint you have ever seen.
Vicky says
Hi, thank you for sharing this information. I have a question, if you don’t mind me asking. Does the surface stay sticky or does it dry good enough for the clothes don’t get stuck on it? Thanks
Diane Henkler says
Hi Vicky – Once the Mod Podge dry – about 24-48 hours depending on the humidity it will not be sticky at all. Clothes will not stick once dry.
Vicky says
Thank you so much. I tried it. I loved it and now I use it for everything. Thanks again
Barbara says
I love this! I’m going to do this. I actually have two of the three books you have shown. Though I wouldn’t want to cut them up so what I think I’m going to do is copy them onto card stock using my laser printer scanner and then Mod Podge. You have such great ideas!
Rose M. says
Dianne, you have the most creative ideas!
Jo-Ann says
I think this is a great idea; however, I do have a question re the Mod Podge. If you were lining drawers that get a lot of wear and tear, you will eventually have to replace the paper, even if you poly the paper. How hard is it to get the paper up at this point? I have some solid maple cabinet shelves and drawers that I would love to try this on (the wood itself has been poly’d) but I don’t want to mess up the wood.
Is this a dumb question? I’ve never used this stuff, so I have no idea.
Diane says
Hi Jo-Ann
It is not a dumb question at all. My drawer originally had a paper lining in it that was ripped and was glued on. I covered it with the book pages and Mod Podge. If I ever tire of it, I would need to spray it with water and rub it with a lot of elbow grease to remove it. I would just cover it with a new layer of paper. If you think you may want to change your paper someday, you can make a liner for the drawer using foam board or very thin plywood cut to the size of the inside of the drawer. Cover that with the paper and Mod Podge. If using foam board – it may warp a little when drying. If it does use glue dots or Velcro squares sold at crafts stores to hold it down in the corners of the drawer. When you want to change the look of the drawer it will be easy to remove and your wood will not be damaged.
Mod Podge Amy says
Diane you are a brilliant! Love the paper (book pages) that you chose!
Kathryn Griffin says
How lovely is that! I so need to do that in a chest I repainted. Thanks for sharing. Hope you have a grand evening. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Alicia says
What a fabulous idea and a great tutorial. Your instructions/technique are most helpful!
Alison says
What a cool idea! Roadside finds are my favorite :)
[email protected] says
Hi Diane–
Just found you via Thistlewood Farm, and am so glad I did! I’m working on refurbishing an old desk for my son, and the main drawer is all yucky inside and this is the perfect solution! Going to the thrift store today to see if I can find some great boyish pages for his desk.
Diane says
Hi Rita-
Finding the book is harder than the actual project, I hope you find a good one. Comic books, sports, or a even a technical manual would work perfectly. Thanks for connecting. xo
[email protected] says
Found a great book with old black-and-white sports photos at Goodwill yesterday! Hope to be posting soon. I’ll let you know when it’s up. Thanks again for the great idea.
Diane says
Hi Rita. Looking forward to seeing post.
[email protected] Smartie Pants says
This looks great! I just bought 3 big books at Half Price books for projects. One was an atlas, I’m thinking that could make some pretty drawers!
Diane says
Hi Laura –
I love maps – so colorful and visually interesting. They would look great lining drawers. Oh! the possibilities :) I did a Google search once on decorating with maps and a ton of great ideas came up. Have you checked that out?
gail says
Diane–your book page drawer looks fabulous! You are such a smart cookie to keep all your pages and stuff organized! I need to do more mod podge projects.
thanks for the inspiration!
so happy you linked up and linked back to catch as catch can!
gail
Diane says
Hi Gail – I love Mod Podge and do use it on a lot of projects. I remember my mom using it when I was growing up so it is a bit nostalgic for me, too.
Sandy says
This looks awesome! I love this treatment. I am doing this to the inside backing of some bookshelves. They are dark wood and the stuff I have on the shelves is dark so it all kinda blended. Now with the light color of the vintage book pages it makes everything on the shelves stand out. I never thought to line a drawer this way though. Love it!
laura says
This is great diane. Already a follower! I love that you found inspiration from books. I was convinced it was wrapping paper. Love it! laura
Sheryll & Critters. says
Again, another fabulous make over. I just love this.
I have a new found respect for your creations/make overs (like the buffet), I just love that one.
I decided to make a trial experiment, using a mashed potato box and some WWF wrapping paper. I did not do well at all. When I put the paper on the box it looked okay, then immediately as it started to dry, it wrinkled like crazy. I am using it anyway, for a paper or bill divider on my desk, but I am not proud of my job. Is the Mod Podge that much better to work with or is it me? I used Elmer’s Glue, cause I did a search on Mod Podge and found that Elmer’s was supposed to work….. ? What I really, really want to do is two tiny nightstands in my bedroom. I only want to to the top and was considering using fabric…… but I am scared now. I don’t live close to a craft store or Joann’s, but am planning to make a trip there when I get up enough nerve to do this. I do live close to a Dollar Tree (thank goodness).
Diane says
Hi Sheryll – White Glue or Mod Podge will wrinkle thin paper. The trick is to put the Mod Podge on the surface you are applying the paper to first. Then use your finger to smooth the paper down to make sure you have the paper adhered flat and no air bubbles. Press any air bubbles out with your brush. Then apply one light coat of Mod Podge on top of the paper. Thicker paper – book pages do not wrinkle like a thin sheet of gift wrap might. White glue is not exactly the same as Mod Podge. Mod Podge does have a sealer and comes in gloss, matte, sparkle, outdoor, and a paper on paper formula. Keep experimenting – you will get it right.
Sheryll & Critters. says
Thanks Diane,
I was just thinking that the World Wildlife Fund probably uses only recycled paper. I have always been one to save the paper & ribbons along with the gift.. SO, I am convinced that book pages are absolutely the beat to use in more ways than one. Old, probably the best paper, and solid weight. I am going to go back out to my work shop and see what I can find now.
Lynne says
You amaze me with your ideas . . . I am always telling someone about you or sending them your link.
Today I am going to do a post on my new “inside the door” fabric, ribbon organizer . . . Idea . . . YOURS! . . . and I will mention you . . .
Dawn says
I love this! What a fun and pretty project.
Nelda says
Wow! Really looks good with all the oversized lettering. You should send it over to Modge Podge Rocks.
Crystal says
What a great idea! Very pretty!!
Vanessa says
Hi, Diana
I love this idea! Its awesome. Have a great weekend.
Vanessa
linda (burlap+blue) says
LOVE! This looks amazing! Thanks for sharing. xoxo