Looking for a creative way to use books? And no, I’m not talking about their rather obvious use for reading. What I am talking about is their unique ability to provide a fun flair to home decorating.
Perhaps you are a book lover at heart and want a way to be surrounded by the pastime that makes you happiest. Or, perhaps you simply find yourself drowning in old books with limited ideas as to what to do with them. Either way, enjoy a few creative and fun book decor ideas you’ll love!
Where to Find the Books
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It goes without saying that decorating with books is not possible without the books themselves. You may be surprised to find out that many book-themed decorating ideas can actually be achieved with only one to two books, as the focus is more on the book “pages” than it is on the book itself.
If the book “pages” decorating inspiration is more for you, then it is likely that any old book lying around the house will do. (Note: you will want to select a book that has nice thick white to cream colored pages without graphics.) However, if you are hoping to achieve a book display (i.e. on bookshelves), then you will need substantially more books, all with a certain rustic look or color palette.
If you don’t find yourself with a collection of books that can be utilized, chances are you will have great success scouring thrift stores and garage sales. Don’t have the time or desire to go hunting? Vintage books perfect for decorating can be purchased HERE
Book Decor Ideas You’ll Love
Stacked on the floor, strategically placed on bookshelves, hung on the walls, etc. There is no right or wrong way to decorate with book pages. However, keep in mind that book pages can easily either fade or yellow with time and light exposure. With that said, you may find yourself changing out your pages sporadically for a fresh look.
Bookshelves
A rather obvious book decor idea is by displaying them on bookshelves. However, have fun with their display. By laying them sideways, on top of one another, open instead of closed, and in between additional decor… not only does this help create an eclectic look, but it also fills a larger space with fewer books required.
Additionally, if you find yourself with numerous books with colorful spines that don’t exactly fit your design theme, then simply turn them around so that the neutral book pages are displayed in the front. Another fun idea is to cover the spines with a brown grocery bag (similar to when you used to cover your textbooks in school).
Within Decor
After falling in love with these clear lamps, I couldn’t seem to wrap my head around the fact that I could see the wiring inside. While this may have been the overall feel of the lamp, to me it screamed the need for a filler. As a result, I simply tore out a few book pages and layered them inside. Not only did this disguise the wiring, but it also created a warm look for the bedside nightstand.
This same idea can be used within vases (where water isn’t required), bowls, jars, etc. Another creative twist would be to roll up book pages and tie them with a string. Then simply insert a few rolled up pages into an oversized vase or mason jar.
Displayed in Frames
Simply framing a few different book pages at different angles provides for a fun element of wall decor. Looking to take it a step further? You can then paint, draw or digitally design a photo or quote onto the book pages themselves. If you are interested in a step-by-step tutorial on how I turned my photos into digital sketches on my book pages, click HERE.
As a Placemat or Runner
Using the book pages as a placemat or table runner of sorts, simply tear out pages and place them underneath other items (i.e. vases, candle holders, picture frames, etc.). Not only will this creatively incorporate book pages, but it will also help highlight and draw attention to the object above it.
An additional fun twist would be to create a long and skinny display of book pages in the form of a table runner. Simply tape or glue the edges together on the backside and you have a very fun twist to the traditional table runner.
No matter how you decide to decorate, simply have fun with the beauty of the books and the pages within! Have you decorated with books or book pages before? Do you have more fun book decor ideas? Comment below! book decor ideas book decor ideas
I’m still having a hard time thinking about ripping up a book! Making Christmas trees out of Reader’s Digests as a kid was fun–that was a “magazine,” not a book! Your tutoriallooks interesting; I’m one of the technically challenged! I love the dog picture! My current addiction is paperback murder mysteries (hardcovers hurt the arthritis in my thumbs as I read laying down (siesta and relives back pain). Books cover my house; they are furniture! Never mind color groupings (unless it’s my collection of tan and brown Hardy Boys!). I do love the color, texture, and heft of real books; don’t think I’ll ever own a Kindle!
I have to agree with you there, Kathy. Nothing quite compares to the feeling of the book in your hand. From turning the pages to the overall smell. Books make me so happy 🙂
So many good ideas, although I must confess that I would have a hard time taking a book apart to use the pages. 🙂
I thought the same at first. Truthfully I only could bring myself to do it to books that I knew I’d never read again. 🙂
So much fun! 🙂
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🙂
I love the idea of using book pages as framed art. Over-printing an image or words on a book page takes it up a notch. My daughter is a huge bibliophile and this would be great cheap art for her new apartment. Thanks for a fun idea.
Oh my, what a fun theme for her apartment!! Great thinking :). Have fun!
Great ideas! Love the art printed onto the book pages. Visiting from Happy Now party.
Thanks so much, Victoria!
I am both a book lover and am drowning in old books, so I love these tips Lindsay! Visiting from The Happy Now linkup.
Hi, Erin! Sounds like this is the PERFECT project for you then :).
Oh my golly – digital photos oh book pages is genius! Love that idea. BTW – found this on the Thrifty Thursday Link Party
So sweet! Thanks so much, Cindy!
I love these ideas because I love books.
Thanks! I love them too 🙂
I have similar shelves so I’m definitely going to try your idea. I’ve pinned for future reference. Thanks for sharing with us at #BloggersPitStop and have a lovely weekend.
Hi, Sue! So glad you are going to give it a try! Have fun :). Have a lovely weekend as well!
What fun ideas Lindsay. I must admit I’m felt just like you did about the bottle lamps where you can see the cord. Adding book pages makes it sooooo much better
Thanks, Michelle! I’m glad I’m not alone with this feeling 🙂
I started putting books with the pages facing out when doing our bedroom last spring and it was one of the best tips ever. Thanks so much for sharing at the #happynowlinkup!
Exactly! I bet your bedroom looks fantastic 🙂
Great ideas and the bottle lamp…well, adding the book pages is perfect!
Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
Blessings,
Cindy
Thanks so much, Cindy!
Great post. I had a ton of rolled up pages (like scrolls) all scattered through out my house for christmas. I was thinking of doing that again like ornaments this year. Plus I paint thrift store books to match whatever decor I want. Very cheap and great staple in the home.
WOW! I LOVE these ideas, Christine! I may have to incorporate them into my Christmas decor as well! Thanks!
So much great book decor Lindsay, I love The thought of repurposing those old books found at garage sales and saving them from the trash. The book page lamp really caught my eye, a great idea! Thanks for sharing your staging ideas at #fridaysfurniturefix!
Thanks so much, Brenda! I love how you phrased it about “saving books from the trash” that is so true!
Such great ideas. I think book decor and using book pages in projects is timeless. Featuring when my party opens up tonight!
Thanks so much, Carol! I’m honored 🙂
These are really great ideas thank for shares (^_−)☆. Pinned to my board. Pinned for future use.
Thanks, Ari!
I love it when people come together and share opinions. Great site, stick with it!|
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