Cute thrifted and upcycled home library on a tiny budget.

We found some shelves in a charity shop and as it's Easter it must be time for a DIY project! Watch us get busy with a little project.
Frugal Queen in France
We are a British couple living in Brittany on a budget.
Frugal recipes, days out, home renovations and day to day making do in France.
We’ll give you hints, tips, advice and an insight into our life in France.
Website www.frugalqueeninfrance.com/
Instagram / frugalqueen. .
Equipment used
Camera : iPhone
Editing : iMovie on a Mac mini
Music:
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Epidemic Sound
Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Artist: audionautix.com/
Some Sound from Zapsplat.com
KZbin Audio Library
Apple iMovie*

[@juliamist4797]

I love your library area. A house is not a home without some books!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@marilynpeppers1356]

I saw by some of the titles that we have a similar taste in reading. I searched my Libby app and borrowed the Atkinson book. Maybe you could insert a “What I Am Reading” segment into a video from time to time.☘️💜☘️ I always look for old Readers Digest condensed books when I go into a thrift shop. Such great finds in some of them.

[@Lexi-po1ur]

I love to thrift shop and re-purpose items

[@dawnmorandin541]

I went to the thrift store last week to drop off some clothes and came home with two brand new with tags tops and a pair of white pants brand new with tags, cost $12 price tags said $70...I'll wear them and then one day they will return. I read my books on my laptop from the library as I can't read small print , the joys of getting older, I'm thinking of having laser surgery because the TV is also harder to see. Nice little project, can we borrow Michael, lol.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Nice

[@lesleyferguson1419]

It really is a library! So pretty and unique, not to mention frugal! Love it x

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@lindajacquot5391]

That looks very nice. I need more bookshelves, and you are giving me ideas! Happy Easter Jane and Mike!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you! You too!

[@Trandans]

Love it! The pink and grey looks beautiful together.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you! 😊

[@user-tm5kc8oq4y]

lovely. I upcycle until it's not possible . Enjoy your lamb meal, looks yummy. Thank you Jane Mike and Puppies.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Our pleasure!

[@janicefender2071]

I volunteer in a charity shop, which can be a bit of a temptation at times, but I'm learning to be firm with myself. Many things in my home are thrifted. Bone china dinner plates,coffee set, some furniture ,which I upcycle ,many clothes,bags ect. I always get my books thrifted . I have a small wish list of things I'd like/need, but they're on my thrift list, and I'm not buying new. I search car boots sales as well, and a few times a year will attend as a seller,moving on my books, clothes and other things that i no longer need or love. For me, it's as much about the thrill of the chase finding my treasures and the wait to find it makes it feel even more special.

[@loriar1027]

I love having my own little library! It's is just a spare bedroom with a couple of bookshelves, an old desk that I inherited and a comfy chair from a yard sale. Yours looks very inviting too! Love reading old books late at night when I can't sleep. ❤

[@marty9011]

Love your library area. I'm glad books are still in your budget. I have loads of books & 99% of them are second-hand. They look a bit tatty but that's fine. A house without books is not furmished !! :)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yes! Thank you!

[@user-ev5cx4xx3x]

I love up cycling it’s so much fun. The other Christmas all my friends got cedar wood hanging blocks for their wardrobes . Our neighbour built a work shed and clad it in cedar wood. Oh the off cuts quick smooth, hole drilled ribbon threaded done ! My husband did cut them to manageable size.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sounds great!

[@juststoppingby390]

This is my kind of project x Never thought of using drawes sideways for shelves. Thats genius. I have one in my back room doing nothing. Im going to to see if i can try it. You are an inspiration x

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you liked it

[@wendyonions8652]

Beautifully done, Jane and Mike!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Many thanks!

[@jinnemee7327]

My two favourite things lol. Thrifted, books and pink! Oh no, 3 ;)

[@Masterclassonlife]

Clever library.

[@lizscott6911]

Great upcycling Jane & Mike. To me it ads individualism and charater. Love it. Yes I have been upcycling since the day I married.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Super

[@lynnestait8011]

a girl after my own heart, one of my hobbies is book swapping in the campsites when we tour, and in the local book swaps in our town. Charity shops are my favourite for books, wool & scarves(!) I think I own almost 3 hundred books, mainly hardbacks, of my favourite authors whom I reread, the majority of which I have got for nothing or less than £1. We also have a recycle & reuse centre, between that & the charity shops I have picked up over the last months some large bone china mugs for £1 each, some porcelain dessert bowls, Wedgewood soup bowls, a camping chair & some small toys for my Grandson - I love a good rootle about in a recycling & charity shop

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's all great.

[@charlotterice7418]

Love this. Recycled and made new, lovely and purposeful. Most of my furniture is second hand, inherited (not posh!) or thrifted. It has character and feels more homely.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@catseyes8377]

This is a brilliant idea. I'm going to make the hallway into 'the library'

[@juliemoore6957]

Cute shelves! A great way to take advantage of unused space in your hallway.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yes! Thank you!

[@katherinerichardson1767]

Keeping an eye out at garage sales and thrift stores for book shelves helps to build a nice library area. Besides gifted books, I have acquired many of my books that I have purchased are ones that I read over and over from sales at various places. Happy reading you two!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@maryannowens133]

I like looking for small tables or cute boxes to mosaic my left overs from my stain glass projects.

[@Jennheartsqs]

Such a cute library! Love the pink color! All my bookshelves I got for free since all my friends know I love collecting books, so they always ask me first whenever they're getting rid of old shelves. Like you, I'm not too particular about what they look like, because most of the shelf is covered by books anyway.

[@ritazimmermann2918]

A Book Nook! Lovely

[@krissy2321]

I love watching your library area grow & seeing how you add shelves. Thanks for sharing your home with us 💛

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@lesliemckinley9615]

Love your upcycled library. My husband and I love to furnish our home with second hand goods. Our favorite is a beautiful glass and walnut china cabinet. I filled it with my great-grandmother's Bavarian china.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

How lovely

[@amandaparadis5069]

That is a very cute way to make a "library"

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It is

[@traceyelliott2902]

I love upcycling good pieces. A fresh coat of paint really makes a big difference. The pink bookshelf looks so pretty!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yes! Thank you!

[@fredalearhinan6693]

What fun to do things like this.. almost no outlay. We are doing that all the time. We also do with our garden using cuttings. So much pleasure.. thankyou for sharing .

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We grow from cuttings too

[@teresaearl5688]

Great project, fun and purposeful ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you! 😊

[@Sally-wm5jh]

Your library looks great. I'm normally not a fan of pink, but it looks great the way you have it decorated. Great video, Mike and Jane.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much!

[@shirley1413]

Love the pink color, and the library! Very thrifty!!!! Came out great.🌸

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you! 🤗

[@johnmelissaziech6207]

Your library looks great! I love to upcycle things for myself and home and to sell.

[@Dianne-ut5vr]

Fabulous, I love your library and the way you have fitted the shelves in is wonderful. I have books from charity shops too and along with the library it is the main place for me to source them. ☺

[@user-vt7fe7po4r]

Very nice work, this little corner of library is like a doll house: charming and cozy!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you so much!

[@cindiblazer8621]

I think your library is perfect. What good use of space. Yes, I up cycled a desk recently. It looked like a piece of junk. My husband reinforced it. I sanded, painted, and clear coated it. It turned out beautiful and sturdy. Just a bit of work

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Oh wow!

[@lisadawson2652]

Brilliant idea 🩷

[@jerrychetty2524]

Wow that is so nice and absolutely awesome work on the book shelves, thanks again Jane

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome

[@lynngudgeon9416]

Hello from Ohio, US. I love your channel! Those shelves out of drawers are so clever! The book nook is very pretty. Thank you both for sharing 😊.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you so much!

[@ppresley9208]

Very clever , Jane ... gives me food for thought about some unused nooks and crannies in my house !

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're welcome.

[@gaylekanak9269]

Make do and mend are my favorite vidoes. Love this one! thanks

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Noted!

[@susansmit307]

What a great use of the shelves. I too live up cycling as too the thrill of the hunt is part of the fun

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thsnksb

[@kace907]

It turned out lovely! :) Nicely done!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you! 😊

[@loriburgess1866]

Bravo on you two! It is cute and inviting.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@user-zl4rr1ic7w]

The book shelves are a practical and fun addition. The decorator in me says consider painting that little cabinet too. Love your indoor workroom. Apt life doesn't allow me to have that. This past couple of days forced me to downsize my books a bit. They are housed in a free standing kitchen cabinet with doors. The back of the cabinet now serves as a headboard after getting rid of a daybed. Small projects that cost so little are uplifting imo.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks. I was in the basement.

[@serenaglister8017]

That’s funny I was thinking the same thing, the little chest underneath the shelves would look nice in pink to match the shelves. Just can’t help myself 😂 Great retro colour btw love it

[@tammybest3760]

Cute! Love that vintage pink! You two are so creative and I enjoy watching all of your video's. I enjoy the variety of your video's as well. Thank you for sharing.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you so much!

[@loriurich2276]

Yes, you did a really nice job.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you!

[@seekingtheminimumlevel1830]

I love these types of projects and books! Very cleverly done. Thank you for sharing.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We love them

[@LadyLocksley]

The shelves look so great. Well done

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@user-ww1jk7gu8i]

Nothing like a good book to read…I pick up secondhand books as well!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@sandrafennell6927]

Very neat. A great use of a small space

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@sharronmahoney3945]

Love this. Now l would a little space or little book nook for my craft books. Now looking at my home to where l could put one. Thanks for sharing.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@katrinadollman7058]

Your little library is very cute 😍

[@maggiedee9284]

So charming. Lots of good ideas here.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you! 😊

[@trishacarlson4122]

i love upcycling! esp when it comes to books! well done :)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yes! Thank you!

[@gretelwhite8088]

One of my sayings is that there's no such thing as too many books, the problem is insufficient bookshelves!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good one!

[@Alicesgardenau]

Love it! You’ve given me inspiration for my place

[@sheila1013]

What a gorgeous shade of pink that is Jane. 😃 Looks lovely against the grey door. 👌 I think books are an easy way to add colour to a space. I have made do and mended many things over the years to save money, including my dining room table and chairs. I have since added a freestanding unit in each alcove which has books on certain shelves, second hand of course. I added some geometric patterned wallpaper to just the chimney breast and then emulsioned over the rest of the room in a warm white. What a difference it's made and at little cost. It's very satisfying when the end result looks good isn't it. You have also reminded me that I need to get one of those sanding tools for another small job. 😆 Thanks to you both for letting us in on your library makeover which looks really nice. 🥰🤗

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are busy but it saves you money

[@rubyred8845]

I like the pink paint.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@michellejennings3232]

Adorable!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@pattimorgan9795]

I love this idea and the color❣️ I’ve been buying lots of books for a quarter each but need more room for them. I’m going to be looking for drawers and book shelves to paint. Thanks so much for sharing❣️😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Please do!

[@sophiawolthof1238]

👍👍👍beautiful library!!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@muttersmenu2422]

Very clever use of recycled materials for the book nook and the books 📚 good project 😊 Great video ✔️🇦🇺 Thank you Jane, Mike and the doggies for a lovely video

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@monikagausmann897]

Well done! Your library is very unique. Last week we went into a charity shop to find some new glasses. I found three absolutely beautiful mouth-blown glasses for four Euros. I like upcycling a lot but haven‘t done anything lately. But I do love your latest project.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That is awesome!

[@AbidaS0301]

Hi love your libary beatiful colour pink💕can you do a frugal house tour frugal 👸 queen voice of a angle heart of gold .love to se your palace .enjoy bless u ans family 👪 ❤ happy 🐣 🐣 easter 🙏🎂🍨🥂

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZSYnHdpZbeqaKssi=ooeC_gQAEAh0o8fQ

[@annetterobinson5308]

Bravo! The book shelves look great. I love upcyling used items and making beautiful 'new' decor for my home.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you! 😊

[@beckstem9838]

I love your library and am sitting in my 3rd bedroom/home office thinking about what a wonderful library/study it will make after I retire!

[@sandrasotorivera1657]

Greetings from Costa Rica. Happy Easter. Thank you for the wonderful videos you share with us. 😍

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

So nice of you

[@jbulldogmom]

I absolutely love your book nook!! Well done! Happy Easter Jane and Mike from Michigan, USA

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Same to you!

[@cherylindiana]

Turned out nice, love the pink color.

[@justjet]

Very nice. Turned out so cute!! I buy all my books second hand too.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@jeannet9592]

Yes, I love to thrift!

[@misfit7610]

Very nice!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks!

[@dianedoherty5999]

Love your book nook, Books help make a house a home.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@JSD66]

Thank you for that video! That is inspiring :)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@ingridmarsden8866]

Love the pink and green/grey door combo. Such a shame physical letter writing isn't done much nowadays. It's always a nice feeling to get a letter or card out of the letterbox.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I totally agree!

[@jeansmith3367]

I love your library, what a lovely space. Books are my downfall, never buy new books (too expensive) and I can spend hours in charity shops. I'm trying to use the 'one in, one out' approach with books and only keep my absolute favourites. Seems to be working well and Tesco now have a community library so I will happily take my old books there. Happy Easter Jane and Mike

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks and you too

[@Amanda-pv9kz]

Looks great!!

[@Silvergirl70]

It's lovely 😊 also to see you working together on a fun project, using creativity and imagination and not just throwing money at it, that's really special. Thank you both and a very Happy Easter weekend 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

One thing you can be sure of, we never throw money at anything

[@LorettaNance]

Happy Easter

[@mimitadigre4103]

Lovely!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@mariarooney6262]

Looks lovely.❤️

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It is!

[@juliethompson5301]

What a gorgeous, cosy little space .I love it 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you! 😊

[@user-iu2ek5vt7e]

Looks great 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@charlettenitzsche4160]

Love your book nook!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@karo.de.m]

I adore your library corridor! I once thrifted corner shelves that match perfectly my made to measure provencal style kitchen! It’s love to this day!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great idea!!

[@Gigi2five202]

I love your library area and I adore the color that you painted your new-to-you shelves. I must admit that thrift stores are the only place I buy decor and most kitchen items (utensils/bowls/etc) these days. It's simply out of my budget to do it any other way.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you so much!

[@josephhoag2366]

Nice job!....Carla H.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks!

[@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom]

Jane, I love your cozy library. You did such a lovely job. What types of books do you enjoy reading?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Biographical

[@annbeth6730]

I love your library. How do you get to some of the books. The ones on the back wall.?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I Just take the books off the shelf

[@TheReflectivePerspective]

Absolutely love your little book nook library! In case anyone ever needs to, you can add low casters to upcycle drawers into underbed storage as well. However, speaking of letters, is there a postal box or somewhere we can send cards, etc. to you?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks and no for privacy

[@marijkevandeneijnden8971]

Happy easter! Love your videos, sending love from the Netherlands 😘 ps could you please tell me the brand and colorname/number that s on your door to the right of the bookshelves? Tnxxx so much!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Grey from Frenchic

[@marijkevandeneijnden8971]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance ❤️

[@debbieviebranz8100]

I really love this idea! I’m assuming you won’t mind if I steal it!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Go ahead!

[@yvettenj]

Hey Jane Happy Easter to you and Mike 🐣. Can you explain the time change of ur video. Here in US our Daylight Savings Time changed the beginning of March. So ur videos came on an hour later. Now it’s coming on it’s normal time starting today. Forgive my ignorance but does UK have Daylight Savings Time and did it just change?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Our summer time started today.

[@yvettenj]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance Oh okay 👍🏽

[@rachelmolina3995]

Not anymore. My house is full!