8 Easy Ways to Decorate with Books
I said I’d never do it. Never. But I did. Last year I stopped buying and borrowing books and switched to e-books. Sad but necessary. But I still love books! Real books. Colorful spines, dusty pages, dog eared, deckled edged. Even though I’m not reading “real” books I’m still decorating with them more than ever.
Repurposed books make beautiful decor! It’s a very simple idea that can have big impact when stacked or grouped with other decorating items. Tuck them in baskets as fillers or use them as risers to give other decorating items height. No matter where you use books — on your mantel or shelves, in a bedroom, tucked into small spots or a focal point in a vignette — you’ll love the look!
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There are so many easy ways to decorate with books!
1. FIND VINTAGE BOOKS
I love antique books for their muted colors, aged pages, deckled edges, and even their musty smell. Stack them, place them with spine or deckled edges out, group by color, wrap with twine or ribbon. Tie the books together with unique items like old ribbon, lace, belts, scarves and family heirlooms like jewelry, keys, photos, buttons, etc. If you need inspiration read Things you can do with old books
When looking for books look for “deckle-edge” books … pages with rough-cut edges. The pages are usually thicker and have an awesome texture. We tore the covers off these books to add height to smaller pieces on my mantel (see How to Decorate a Mantel for ideas). They can be displayed backward or staggered to show off the deckle. The books below were purchased at Goodwill (yes, I went through many shelves of books looking for deckled edges!) then my sister dyed them with coffee grinds and tied them with craft twine.
2. ADD COLOR TO YOUR DECOR
Adding a pop of color to an all-neutral decor will freshen up your decor! Choose books to work with the accent colors in your room. Not sure you have a vision for your room? Read Buffy’s suggestions on Choosing Inspiration Fabric. Having an inspiration fabric will tie your furniture, wall paint, rugs, pillows, and decorations together.
3. REMOVE COVERS
If you have some books that just don’t fit your decorating needs why not remove the covers? Naked books are farmhouse perfect for layering, stacking, and tucking into empty spaces.
4. WRAP THEM UP
One thing I learned way back in middle school was how to cover my textbooks to protect them. Who knew it would be such a trendy decorating concept today? One I can’t resist! You can create something unique to your style for next to no cost. Try brown paper, wrapping paper, scrapbook paper, drawer liner, fabric, atlas pages, sheet music, burlap. And don’t feel like you need to cover the entire book. Maybe you just do some wide stripes and add some ribbon or string. This is the perfect way to add color!
Just love setting the stage for Christmas or Halloween with printed covers. Little House on the Corner shares Halloween Book Covers
The best wrapping paper is thick and two-sided like the stuff the kids sell door-to-door as fundraisers.
5. PAINT BOOKS
Instead of spending hours searching for books that match your color scheme consider painting books instead. It’s a little time consuming but the outcome is so worth it. Our library sells hardbound books for $1 and you can find them at yard sales for less. One of my favorite decorating blogs “So Much Better with Age” teaches How to paint books.
6. STAMP THEM
Make a statement with stamped words or sayings. One thing I’m trying this fall is stamped books with autumn words. Sarah, self-described craftaholic shares a quick DIY tutorial on stamping books.
7. UNIQUE BOOKS WITH UNIQUE LOOKS
Some very interesting books can be found and when grouped together create a wonderful look. Floral covered Reader’s Digest books, books with thumb tabs, leather books, books on the same topic, books by the same author, etc.
Lora Bloomquist – Reader’s Digest
8. CLEVER IDEAS THAT WORK
I saw a book headboard at a model home in Huntersville, NC. Loved it. I’ll have to go back to get a photo!
Book Art Instructions by Instructables
Country Living shares a simple yet beautiful way to display holiday cards. Wouldn’t it be perfect for photos and old postcards, too?
I love all the titles of Christmas classics stamped on the book spines!
SUPPLIES YOU MAY NEED
1/2″ clear stamps, archival black ink, acrylic stamp block, holiday stamps, twine,
