I picked this bookcase up at a yardsale for our cottage in Maine. I plan on painting the exterior a deep navy to match the shutters that we use as a headboard. I have 2 rolls of vintage wallpaper. I love the color of the striped wallpaper but it has no "punch" to it. I love the pattern of the yellow paper but our cottage has almost no yellow and leans toward blues and seafoam green. Unfortunately, I can't combine the two of them! The walls are a light blue color. Is there a store in the greater Boston area that sells "orphan" rolls of wallpaper or wallpaper remnants? I'd really like to find a damask or venetian style wallpaper that is white and blue or some other type of "bold" print. My other option would be to use fabric but I would like to exhaust my wallpaper options before I start looking at fabric. Thanks for your help!! Jodi
What about using shelf liner?
view kiddo katsu's profile
If you ask at places that carry wallpaper, they often have it in the back, if not on the floor.
Also, try ebay.
view Dulcibella's profile
Or you could use fabric which you can get by the yard.
view Dulcibella's profile
Why wouldn't either one of those wallpaper remnants you show look good with a navy cabinet? The yellow one would be a refreshing change from all the blues and greens in your house, and would be so striking with the navy exterior. The blue striped one would blend in a little more, but if you love it, why not?
Presumably, you're going to put things in this cabinet that will block the view of the wallpaper backing to some degree. Why not pick either of these two patterns that you (a) love and (b) already have? I think a bold pattern will look weird once you put things in the cabinet, and it doesn't seem worth all the effort considering you already have two choices you love!
view Daffodil's profile
I think there are a number of etsy seller who sell rolls of vintage wallpaper, or I second the eBay suggestion.
view Tobermory's profile
I agree with Daffodil on using the yellow paper. Using the yellow as an accent will make the cabinet a focal point, which is presumably what you would want since it's a display cabinet. Plus it would save money since you already have the yellow on hand. I don't know what wallpaper remnants cost, but it can't beat $0.
view KyleD's profile
eBay
view bepsf's profile
I absolutely agree with the above . . use the yellow! It's a gorgeous contrast to the colors that are already in your house (look at it in the picture with the blue . . lovely!) And paired with a navy paint job . . . that'll be a stunning piece!
and it's free! even better! :)
view Limeliteshines's profile
I think the yellow will look nice with all the blue (and green). It would be worth a try, anyway.
view jamiealyse's profile
Thrift stores sometimes have wallpaper, but it's luck of the draw. I'd use the yellow that you have, and if, in the end, you don't like it, you can always replace or cover it after you have had more time to hunt. (Apply according to directions and it's removable!!)
Just use some other yellow accent items in the room -- art with a little yellow in it on the wall, a yellow vase or yellow flower in a vase...
view SherryBinNH's profile
As with many above I heartily vote for the yellow wallpaper. In a decor that is almost entirely blue and green it will add a great bit of zip and yellow and navy is a fabulous combo!
view Domestic Intellectual's profile
if it doesn't absolutely have to be wallpaper, why not use regular paper? paper source has some wonderful options; i've lined nearly every wooden piece of furniture i've ever purchased from craigslist with their stuff.
also, i'm surprised that no one has mentioned this: you can order wallpaper samples from most suppliers, meaning you could find an assortment of various styles that you liked and use one as a backdrop to each shelf.
view curvatura's profile