Decorating with Books: 21 Creative Ways to Use Old Books for Decoration
How can i use old books for decor? what can you do with old books? there are so many ways to decorate with old books. These ideas for decorating with books are sure to find you picking up a cartload the next time you’re thrift Shopping!
If there’s a home decor item you can never have enough of, it’s hardcover books! They are the backbone and workhorse of decorating. Bonus…they’re totally inexpensive to find secondhand. There are so many ideas for using books for decoration in your home decor. These creative book displays and book crafts are sure to make you decide you need more! Enjoy “Decorating with Books: 21 Creative Ways to Use Books for Decoration.”
Decorating with Books: 21 Creative Ways to Use Books for Decoration
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Display a Single Book on a Stand
If you’ve got a favorite book with illustrations you love, display it open on a stand. This watercolor, nature-inspired book features beautiful images for each month of the year. It’s the first vignette I switch up for the new month, choosing which page I want to enjoy. (Find a vintage version HERE, or a new version HERE).
Display Old Books for Decor and Group by Color
Timeworn, subtle-covered old books are beautiful for decoration themselves. You can stack them on their sides, stand them, lean them, or leave them open.
Display them by color for a striking presentation and seasonal interest. You can add accessories on top, in between or underneath. Old vintage books add textural beauty to any vignette.
Use Old Books as a Riser or a Filler
When you’re styling a vignette, you want to vary the heights of your accessories. Books can be used singly or in multiples to get the right height. Old books are also the perfect filler for centerpieces and container displays. No worries if they show; they add texture to the arrangement, too.
What Books to Use as Decor?
Newer coffee table hardcover books can also be used for creative book displays. Coordinate the cover’s colors or theme to your decorating. You can stack them in neat piles on side or coffee tables, or group them on a lower shelf for impact. Set a fun accessory or plant on top. These types of books are inexpensive at thrift stores and can make a big decorative statement.
Display Photos on Old Books
Combine an open book with a family photo and a clip for a unique picture display. Add to a family photo wall display for fun texture.
Craft Old Books
The pages and bindings of old books can be used for many crafts. The texture of old paper makes it perfect to decoupage inside of drawers, suitcases…even upcycled instrument cases! (Simply brush THIS on to adhere)
Old book pages can be rolled, cut into shapes, made into garlands, or shredded for decorative filler.
Upcycle Old Books
Old books can be repurposed into all kinds of fun things. I combined a few of them to create whimsical book trees.
Use Old Books for Decorating En Masse
If you’ve got a lot of vintage books, fill a bookshelf or cupboard with them. The bindings or the pages can face out, or do a combo. Some can stand, some can be stacked. You can add decorative accessories, or just display books every which way.
You can do a mixture of colors, or use books that coordinate with your seasonal decor. You could color block books, or create a rainbow of colors. Such a fun, eclectic way to fill shelves!
Where Do You Find Old Books?
Old books and newer versions can be found inexpensively at thrift stores. They’re also plentiful at estate sales and flea markets. I’ve found most of mine at church sales for a dollar a piece. (Probably why I have so many;)
Online, old books can be purchased on Etsy, Ebay and even Facebook marketplace. There’s plenty out there to be found!
To learn more about what vintage books to collect for decorating:
“Decorating with Old Books: The Different Types You Should Collect”
Hopefully I’ve proved to you that decorating with books is a great way to style your home, inexpensively! Using old books for decor and even newer coffee table books can be used as decoration any season of the year.
Thanks for reading “Decorating with Books: 21 Creative Ways to Use Old Books for Decoration”. If you enjoyed your visit, be sure to become an Insider to keep the ideas coming!
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Home Imagined
WOW!! So many great ideas and I love them all!! Thanks for sharing!!
HUgs,
Deb
Glad you enjoyed them, Debbie! Thanks:)
Hi!
I’m featuring this post at the next Home Imagined link party which will be Feb 7! Yay 🙂 Happy weekend!
Thanks, Rachel; wonderful!
I love this post! I consider myself a book hoarder. 😂 This gives me lots of ideas.
Right there with you, Susan! Glad you got some ideas!
Lora, This post is great! Who does not like a pile of vintage books? I love all the great ideas you shared. I think I must have pinned at least 3 pictures as I was reading. Thanks for stopping by the Home Imagined Link party and sharing with us. Have a great week. -Meagan
BRAVO J’ADORE VOTRE CREATIVITE ;
Thank you!
Loved seeing all of your ideas! I tend to collect paperback mysteries–my current fave! But I do have several collections, i.e. old Hardy Boys in the tan with brown print covers. Years ago, my dollhouse club took old Reader’s Digest Condensed books, cut the book part out and made little roombox frames with foamcore; the OLD RDCB have the most beautiful end papers that doubled as wallpaper! Imagine pulling a book off a shelf and finding a little scene inside! It was so much fun! I did one for my daughter with flatback Nutcracker ornaments and a Christmas tree scene.
I love to hear about your dollhouse creativity, Kathy! Yes, I love the patterned papers on the old RDCB; my faves!
I love old books, I found old books for children and old math book and of course dictionaries. They are full of wonders, thanks you have given me a few ideas I didn’t think of.
Yes, old childrens books and school books are wonderful!
Wonderful ideas! Especially like the more creative uses, like the book trees!
Thanks, Diane!
I LOVE THIS!!! So many amazing ideas…your photos are beautiful, Lora!! I’m on the hunt this year for MORE BOOKS…in greens, tans, whites, and grey. If you see any, let me know…you are way better at finding them than me!! Such a fun post…this was a great way to start the day!
Sooo glad you found some free ones, Rachel! Have fun decorating with them!
Love these ideas! I’m in love with everything to do with books as well and have several book displays in my home. I made a great display of holding a stack together with an old leather belt- worked like a charm and looks fantastic in the corner of our library. Can’t wait to try out some of these ideas myself; loving displays of pages removed from books! Beautiful!
So glad you enjoyed all the ideas, Rachel! I can’t help myself from picking up beautiful old books at sales, even thought I have plenty already. They can just be used in so many ways!
Love the books with spools in a bowl! I’m heading to the library later today to see if they have a copy of that Junk Genius book… Thanks.
Arlene,
Good Luck! I should look back through that one myself…