Oh, what a difference a couple coats of paint can make! We chose Jolie Paints in Legacy for both of these solid, heavy bookshelves. Most of the shelves were able to be removed from the tall cabinet and this is MUCH easier for painting. Pop them out and paint vertically, then reach back to paint the panel for a quick paint job. The large cabinet SOLD in a few days.
The wider shelf, while much more decorative, was a little more challenging to paint. I prefer to tip these cabinets so it is easier to get the top of the shelf and the undersides of the lower shelves. The back of this piece is beautiful wood planks so we did not paint. It is currently housing our awesome puzzles!