Totally agree on the sanding—learned that lesson the hard way myself. I skipped it once thinking primer alone would do the trick, and within a couple months, the paint started peeling at the edges. Not fun after all that effort. Did you use regular sandpaper or one of those sanding sponges? I've found the sponges easier to handle, especially on corners and edges.
Also, love your point about matching shelves to walls. It's funny how something subtle like that can make a space feel so much more intentional. I once painted a cheap bookshelf the exact shade of my wall color, and friends kept asking if it was custom-built into the room...little did they know it was just a $30 thrift find and some leftover paint. Those small details really do make all the difference.
I learned the sanding lesson myself too—definitely worth the extra step. I usually go with sanding sponges for tricky spots, but regular sandpaper works better for larger flat surfaces. Matching shelves to walls is a neat trick, though personally I prefer a subtle contrast...makes the shelves pop without overwhelming the room. Funny how small tweaks can totally change the vibe of a space. Your bookshelf story made me laugh—nothing beats impressing friends with a sneaky DIY hack.
I totally get what you're saying about subtle contrast. When we first moved in, I went all-in matching shelves and cabinets to the wall color thinking it'd look sleek and minimalist. But after a week, it felt so flat and lifeless—I couldn't put my finger on it at first. Eventually, I repainted the shelves just a shade darker, and suddenly the whole room felt warmer and more inviting. Funny how such a tiny adjustment can shift the entire mood of a space.
Speaking of sanding lessons, I learned mine refinishing an old coffee table. Thought I'd save time skipping some sanding steps—big mistake. Every little bump and scratch showed through the new finish. Ended up stripping it down completely and starting again from scratch. Lesson definitely learned the hard way...but now it's one of my favorite pieces in the house.
"Thought I'd save time skipping some sanding steps—big mistake."
Skipping sanding steps is tempting, but shortcuts rarely pay off in finishing work. Subtle contrasts do help, though personally I find too much matching can feel staged rather than lived-in...a bit of imperfection adds authenticity.
I get the appeal of imperfections, but honestly, sanding shortcuts aren't always a disaster. A couple years back I refinished an old dresser, and I intentionally skipped some finer sanding steps to keep a bit of texture. It actually turned out pretty charming—felt more like a piece with history rather than something fresh off a showroom floor. Sure, if you're aiming for a polished, professional finish, skipping sanding is risky. But if the goal is a cozy, lived-in vibe, a few sanding shortcuts can sometimes work in your favor. Imperfections can be authentic, but they don't always have to be accidental...sometimes they're best when they're intentional.
