10 Stylish Ways for Using Books for Decorating
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I am sharing 10 Stylish Ways for Using Books for Decorating in the home that will give you a different approach to adding a timeless feel to your space.
Suppose you have an extensive collection of books like I do. In that case, you are probably trying to find creative ways to display your books without cramming them into a bookcase or having a stack of books everywhere. I have an extensive book collection as an avid reader and book lover. Quite a few of my favorite books just lying around in the living room. Still, there is an easy way to make them look pretty and add visual interest to any space. These 10 Stylish Ways for Using Books for Decorating are a great way to add your personal style to a room, whether you have a small library in your home office or dining room.
Nothing like a good book and a cup of coffee on a quiet morning. I find myself doing that quite often lately as I take in the peace & quiet. When you need to unwind from the day, this is the best way to get away from it all, even if it’s just for a little bit.
Although new books can be a bit pricey, you would be surprised how inexpensive use books are in a thrift store. I always check out the thrift stores first before I go to books stores to purchase them. This is one of my favorite ways to look for books. Whether I am looking for an interior design book, travel book, or new reading material, you will surely save a few bucks.
Whether you want the minimalist look or the collected look, these 10 Stylish Ways for Using Books for Decorating will help you get started!
1. Create stacks of books on the coffee table
Books don’t have to be in a bookcase necessarily. Why not create a stack of books on your coffee table? This is a perfect opportunity for your guest to browse through a good coffee table book while visiting. Display books in different ways to create a variety of home decor or old books is a lovely coffee table idea for styling books.
2. Add decorative items to a stack of books.
Adding decorative objects such as a photo frame, small vase, vintage camera, antique magnifying glass, or even a house plant for more of a vintage aesthetic appeal. This is also a lovely way to add architectural quality to your stack of books.
3. Store large books at the bottom of the bookcase.
Placing larger books at the bottom is a good idea, so that bookcase has a nice visual balance. In addition, it would look odd to have large books at the top.
4. Add a few vintage books on a piece of antique furniture.
Add a few vintage books, a small lamp, and a few picture frames to make a beautiful vignette if you have a home filled with antique furniture such as a secretary desk or a dresser.
5. Create a tower of books.
Book towers can sit on a stool or under a desk, adding height to any living space. Creating a book tower are unique ways to make a pedestal.
6. Fill your console table with a stack of books of different heights.
There are so many ways you can do this. For example, you can stand the books up and use stylish bookends or fill the entire top of the console table with books.
7. Create a reading nook.
Want your book at arm’s reach? Creating a little reading nook is a good reason where you can go to enjoy a good book & get cozy.
8. Book storage is a necessity when creating a home library.
Storage is a must if you have many books as I do. I use a large wooden bookshelf that has become my personal library.
9. Using decorative elements is a great way to display them on top of your books.
Stacking a couple of books on the end tables, whether one of your favorite novels or the Joanna Gaines book, display family heirlooms or photos for interest.
10. Love traveling?
This is a great place to fill your coffee table with travel books with beautiful covers, enhancing the space while adding a pop of color.
Remove the dust jackets.
If your books have less appealing covers, remove them if you can. It will give your books a whole new look with the book spines not looking so busy.
How do you protect a collectible book?
- If your book is very old or delicate, shelve them upright, as they would be in any bookstore.
- Keep Books Away From Direct Sunlight.
- Try to Regulate the Humidity.
- Prevent your books from Dust Buildup.
- Store Books in an area away from Smoke & Cooking.
- Keep books away from food & beverages.
- Plastic Covers for Protection.
What are the best books to decorate with for 10 Stylish Ways for Using Books for Decorating?
Look for hardcover books that will add personality to the space. Start with something you are interested in, for example, Photography, Traveling, Art, Home Decor, Cooking, Floral Arrangement, Garden, and so on. Whatever you fancy, start there!
Where can I get books inexpensively?
First, I always check the thrift stores, and you can find some gorgeous books cheap. Another one that I have had great success at is eBay. Most times, you can get books for cheap with free shipping. However, I have spent quite a fortune on some books from Amazon when I couldn’t find certain ones I had on my list on eBay or at the thrift stores. Usually, I only do this when I have some birthday money or gift cards to use, as they tend to be a bit pricey. Lastly, check out Bookoutlet.com, I have never ordered from there, but I have heard they are pretty reasonable.
How do you use books as risers?
Place them on a few stacked books to give them height and visual weight. Elevating the item gives it more visual weight.
Should books be pushed to the back of a bookcase?
It can go either way. If you don’t want a large amount of space, bring your books up to the edge of the shelf instead of pushing them against the back. This will also add dimension and creates a hierarchy between the books and objects. Also, with the book’s front and center, the accessories become supplemental players, offering touches of character and personality.
Should I keep the jacket on a hardcover book?
It depends on the book. The point of a dust jacket itself helps protect against damage. However, they tend to get in the way when reading, so if they become bothersome, just set them aside until you are done reading your book. For some books that are collector items, you should always keep the dust jacket on to prevent any damage to the collectors’ edition. Personally, I always find the flap of the dust jacket to be a good bookmark.
How to store dust jackets when not on books?
Remove your dust jacket from your book and lay it flat. Then carefully wrap the book cover in acid & lignin-free paper and store it in a safe place such as a box.
Tip: Using different sizes of hardcover books works best for displaying on your tables.
Until next time y’all,
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Great ideas, thanks for sharing! I love books and I find they make a house so much more homey 🙂
I couldn’t agree more!
We have so many books in our house and we never know where to put them, these are some great ideas!
I am glad to help!
Music to my ears as using them for decorations is the best way to keep my wife from donating my old books. I’ll definitely use these as more excuses to keep some of them! 🙂
lol, my husband would say the same thing!
You know I love books. They’re like the main theme in my household haha. I am the first in line when our local library has its annual book sales because that is the BEST place to find antique and vintage books for really pennies on the dollar. Even sometimes in comparison to thrift stores. Our local thrift stores have started to wise up and know that many people purchase old books just for decorating. So, I’ve been seeing the prices increase. Great tips!