Do you remember the transitive property from school math?  If A = B and B = C, then A = C?  I not only remember it, I live it on a daily basis.  Except that in my case, it doesn’t apply to math, it applies to shopping.  In my head, it goes a little something like this, “I have to run at Target.  Target is next to HomeGoods.  Therefore, I have to go to HomeGoods.”  I can justify almost any errand with a side trip related to home decor, and yesterday was no exception.  I had to go to the bank, the bank was near Lowes, therefore, I had to go to Lowes!  Makes sense, right?

Okay, enough about math and my crazy brain…today’s post is all about the fantastic beadboard wallpaper that I picked up yesterday.  I’m a fan of dressing up the backs of bookcases {post here} and I’ve been staring at the built-ins in my room for a year now trying to decide what I wanted to do.  I thought about burlap, but it’s too rustic for my bedroom.  I tried linen but I just wasn’t feeling it.  I knew I’d love beadboard but while I’m a DIY’er at heart, I’m not so much a DIY’er when it comes to actual skill!  I can’t use tools to save my life and truthfully, I’m not all that exact when it comes to measuring and cutting.  I’m more of a trial and error kind of gal, which I didn’t think would serve me well if I were trying to cut beadboard.  So when I came across this beadboard wallpaper that was paintable and only $20, I thought I’d give it a try.

TIDBITS-&-TWINE-DIY-Faux-Beadboard-Wallpaper

 

I sort-of measured and then I sort-of cut along the lines.  But I was too afraid to actually use the pre-pasted glue to attach it to my bookcase in case it didn’t work out and so I used my trusty glue dots.  {I swear, give me glue dots, a glue gun, tape, and paperclips and I can do anything!}  I advise that you measure better than I did and also actually glue the wallpaper to the wall so that there aren’t any bubbles.  I definitely wouldn’t recommend my method; nonetheless, I’m still happy with the way it turned out and maybe I’ll actually take it down and put it up again properly!

I have narrow shelves of each side of the TV in our room and while the addition of the “beadboard” is subtle, I like that it adds just a bit of dimension.  I’m still working to style my built-ins so they aren’t quite ready for their debut, but here’s a sneak peek.  This shelf holds some of my favorite “well-loved” books along with a boxwood topiary that I purchased at HomeGoods.  It was originally in a cement pot but I recently discovered that it was only held together with styrofoam and a stick so I pulled the boxwood out and set it inside of this mercury glass cup that I have.

TIDBITS-&-TWINE-Beadboard-Backed-Bookcase-2

 

 

Since I didn’t quite properly install my wallpaper or share with you an entire picture of my project, I thought I’d leave you with a couple images showing just how beautiful it can look, not only on the backs of bookcases, but in bathrooms, kitchens, cabinets, even the ceiling!

{via BHG}
{via BHG}
{via BHG}
{via BHG}
Nest of Bliss Cabinet Makeover
{via Nest of Bliss}
{via Dear Lillie}
{via Dear Lillie}

 

Here are my honest thoughts on the beadboard wallpaper from Lowes.

 

Pros

  • Creates essentially the same look as regular beadboard.
  • Inexpensive, especially compared to true beadboard, whether wood or MDF.
  • Only scissors, a tape measure and a lever are required!  Can easily be installed by just one person in a short amount of time.

Cons

  • Not nearly as durable as beadboard.  The packaging states that it’s durable, but the texture is sort-of like a puffy sticker and can be dented and scraped easily.  In fact, the store display was completely demolished by people poking and scraping at it!
  • In a high traffic area or an area that will need to be cleaned often, beadboard wallpaper might not be the best option.

 

 

I guess you know what I’ll be working on over the weekend.  And please tell me that there are others out there who also shop using the transitive property!!  Lol!
Tidbits&Twine - Signature

 

 

 

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9 Comments

  1. Thanks for this. I’ve been looking for a solution to covering the unfinished back of a repurposed cabinet that’s been converted to the base for my kitchen island and I think this will be a good solution. I’m looking forward to giving it a try. Don’t know why I didn’t think of it earlier

    And, yes, that transitive property does work well. If I’m going to town 40 miles from home) and the thrift store is in town…… will I go to the thrift store? Well, yeah! I’ll likely go to the thrift first

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Sherry – Lol! You’re right! I think the transitive property works in reverse for me, too! I always start with the fun store and then head to the store where I have an errand to run. :) I hope the wallpaper works for your kitchen island!

  2. I bought this same paper a year ago and used it on the walls and ceiling of this attic eave we use as a closet of sorts. Very simple to put up and it looks great.

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Hi Lori – That sounds like a great use of the wallpaper! Was it hard to apply it to the ceiling? I’ve been toying with the idea for our bathroom….

  3. Ah, yes. That transitive property has always worked for me. It makes perfect logical sense. I was happy you were honest with your opinion of the bead board paper. I had a few images I’d saved on rooms that had been papered with it. It does look good and would certainly be easier to install than the real deal, but I didn’t realize it was a bit cushy.
    I would think it will look great as the back to your book case shelves.
    Karen

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Hi Karen – I did a bit more papering with it and it’s definitely easier than installing real beadboard but you do have to be really carefully when cutting and applying it so that you don’t inadvertently mark it up.

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