What Painting My Bookshelf Taught Me | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

What Painting My Bookshelf Taught Me

My subpar DIY project was a learning experience in more ways than one.

11
What Painting My Bookshelf Taught Me
Sarah Teague

I recently got a new bookshelf. Well, it’s new to me; it is a hand-me-down from my brother. I’m the youngest of four kids, so I’m no stranger to second-hand belongings. Like many of my hand-me-downs, I altered it to feel more like mine; I painted it black to match the rest of my bedroom furniture.

Unfortunately, my DIY skills are sub-par and the final product certainly shows it. There are bumps in the paint and uneven brush strokes that taunt me when the light hits the shelf in a certain way. I forgot to paint one side of the very top of the shelf, and the prospect of dragging out all the supplies again was so unbearable that I ended up leaving the top of the shelf off altogether. My parents, ever the encouragers, called it “shabby chic.” Bless them.

Clearly, the shelf isn’t perfect. The perfectionist in me screams every time I see it. Weirdly enough, however, I love that shelf. I think it’s my favorite part of my bedroom.

The bookshelf doesn’t really fit in with the furniture around it. Sure, it’s the same color and at first glance, it can blend in with the dresser and headboard near it. Look closer, however, and you’ll see the imperfections: the errors in a well-meaning craft project that make it stand out as different against the smooth, glossy paint of its counterparts.

Despite all of the mistakes, the outer frame of the shelf is forgivable; the contents are what really matters. The books, organized alphabetically and placed with care, are the focal point. When I consider all that the books have done for me, the shelf they sit on is trivial.

All too often, I compare myself to the perfect furniture in my life. Everyone around me seems to be smarter, prettier, or more outgoing. But when I’m tempted to compare myself to others, I think about my beloved bookshelf. Standing tall, holding those precious books, flaws and all.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition

10 ways to prepare for finals week—beginning with getting to the library.

65
How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

It’s that time of year again when college students live at the library all week, cramming for tests that they should have started studying for last month. Preparing to spend all day at the library takes much consideration and planning. Use these tips to help get you through the week while spending an excessive amount of time in a building that no one wants to be in.

Keep Reading...Show less
girl roommates
StableDiffusion

Where do we begin when we start talking about our roommates? You practically spend every moment with them, they become your second family and they deal with you at your best and at your absolute worst. They are there to make you laugh just a little harder, cry a little less and make each day a little better. We often forget to thank them for the little things that they do to make college even a tiny bit easier and more fun. This list of 26 things are what you should thank your roommates for right this minute and every day that you live with them.

Keep Reading...Show less
Thoughts While Studying For Finals
StableDiffusion


That time of the semester has arrived once again, finals. The worst week ever. Who thought it was a good idea for all your classes to have exams all in the same week? Definitely not me. Here's 20 thoughts you may have studying for finals.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Disney magic for New Year!

The "Happiest Place on Earth" has a lot of characters with some pretty great advice.

6271
Disney magic kingdom castle on new years
StableDiffusion

Disney movies are well known and very popular in today's world. Although many people appreciate the plot and the storyline, not many people appreciate the wisdom these characters possess. Every Disney movie has unique advice that can be applied to everyday life. Here are 11 Disney quotes to help start your New Year off right:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

40 Gift Ideas for the Indecisive

It's a time of love, family, memory-making, and gift-giving. But also a time of stressing over the perfect gift.

120385
Christmas gifts around a tree
StableDiffusion

It's officially December. There is less than a month of 2024, and I still feel like yesterday was summer. Now comes the merriest time of the year, the Christmas season.

Everyone has been waiting for this time of year since mid-October (which is way too early, in my opinion) or before. It's a time of love, family, memory-making, and gift-giving. A lot of times when I ask friends and family what they want, I get a lot of "I don't know" or "I don't care."

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments