Attention book lovers! Let’s talk about how books can do more than just entertain and educate. They can also add some serious style and meaning to your home decor! Sure, bookcases are classic for displaying your literary collection, but why stop there? Get creative! Books can be used as a decorative accent on coffee tables or shelves, or even as unique risers to elevate your decor game. And let’s not forget about the endless possibilities of displaying them in creative ways on your wall. The best part? There are so many ways to incorporate books into your living space that you may have never even considered. That’s why I’m excited to share some inspiring ideas in this blog post, Books in Decor – Beyond the Bookcase. Trust me, this is a passion of mine and I can’t wait to show you how to spruce up your home decor with your favorite reads!
I’m excited about this post because using books (and empty picture frames) is my thing! Glance in any room in our home and you are bound to find books on display and as a result, I have many. My favorites are old books with either white or green covers since these are the colors I lean toward when decorating. Let me share my favorite ways to display them in our home.
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Creative Ideas for Using Book Spines and Covers in Your Home Decor
If you’re looking for a simple and affordable way to add some personality to your bookshelf, consider sprucing up your book spines and covers. There are plenty of creative ways to decorate your book spines and covers and make them a statement piece in your decor. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Remove the covers for a vintage look: If you have some old vintage books consider removing the covers for a tattered vintage and rustic look. Stack them, using them on shelves or tied them with twine.
Photo credit: Gracefully Restored, Hopkinton, MA
Turn the dust jacket inside out for a white spine: If you have a collection of books with mismatched colors, or you’re looking for a neutral display try turning the book jacket inside out and then place it back on the book to reveal a (now) white spine. Pretty nifty, huh? Almost all book jackets are white on the inside and this will create a cohesive and minimalist look that can help tie together your decor.
Cover the spine and book cover with paper or fabric: For a more colorful and personalized look, try covering your book spines and covers with paper or fabric. For neutral colors use white or beige linen or burlap. You can use patterned scrapbook paper, white craft paper, wrapping paper, or even fabric scraps to create a unique and eye-catching look. Simply measure and cut the paper or fabric to size, and use glue or double-sided tape to attach it to the spine.
Turn your books around and show the fore edge: The fore edge of a book refers to the edge of the book that is opposite the spine and has been trimmed. To create a neutral display, try turning your books around to showcase the fore edge. By mixing both old and new books, you can achieve a beautiful range of colors from white and off-white to cream, beige, and yellow.
This design features our DIY shiplap overmantel
Creative Ideas for Styling Book Stacks in Your Decor: Tied vs. Untied Options
When it comes to styling book stacks in your home decor, there are many options to choose from. One popular decision to make is whether to tie the books together or leave them untied. Tying book stacks with twine, ribbon, or string can add a rustic or vintage touch to your space. It also makes it easier to move the books around without them falling apart. However, leaving the books untied can create a more natural and effortless look, especially if you have books of varying sizes and colors. Ultimately, the decision between tied vs. untied book stacks will depend on the overall style and vibe you want to achieve in your home. Here are some ideas:
DIY Decor: 5 Creative Ideas for Decorating with Book Stacks in Your Home Decor
Book stacks are an easy and fun way to incorporate books into your decor, and they offer plenty of opportunities to get creative. One simple way to jazz up a book stack is to tie it together with a ribbon. Choose a ribbon that complements the color scheme of your decor and tie it around the stack of books, knotting it tightly to hold the books in place.
Another way to add interest to a book stack is to tuck in some faux flowers or greenery. This can be a great way to add a pop of color or texture to your decor, and you can switch out the flowers depending on the season or your mood.
If you’re feeling crafty, you can also try letter stamping on your book stacks. Using a letter stamp set and ink pad, you can stamp meaningful words or phrases onto the spines of the books, creating a personalized and one-of-a-kind display.
You can create book bundles with twine or string. Simply tie a few books together with twine, knotting it tightly to hold the books in place. You can mix and match different sizes and colors of books to create a unique and eye-catching display. Book bundles can be used on their own or as part of a larger book stack or vignette.
Photo credit: Gracefully Restored, Hopkinton, MA
Finally, to create a book tree, begin by opening up books and piling them on top of each other. In my particular arrangement, I started with a pedestal and utilized a mixture of green and white book covers to construct the tree shape. Afterward, I adorned the tree with Christmas greens and berries, as well as a bow, before wrapping the entire display with twinkling lights.
How to Use Books as Risers to Elevate Your Home Decor
If you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to add height and dimension to your decor, look no further than books as risers. Using books as risers is a versatile and creative way to display your favorite decorative items, and it can help you make the most of your space. Whether you’re looking to add visual interest to your coffee table vignette or create a unique display on a tray or shelf, books as risers offer plenty of opportunities for creativity and personalization. So, in this section, we’ll explore some tips and ideas for using books as risers in your decor.
Why Books as Risers are the Affordable and Creative Solution to Elevate Your Home Decor
Books can add height and dimension to your decor, allowing you to display decorative objects at different levels. Secondly, using books as risers is an easy and affordable way to create a unique and personalized display. Additionally, books can be easily stacked and rearranged, allowing you to change up your decor and refresh your space whenever you like.
How to Use Books as Risers for a Creative and Personalized Home Decor Display
Using books as risers in decor is an easy and versatile way to create a unique display. Here are some steps you can follow:
- Choose the right books: Select books of different sizes and colors that will complement your decor. You can choose books that match your color scheme or go for a mix of colorful covers to add visual interest.
- Stack the books: Start by stacking your books on top of each other, placing the larger books at the bottom and the smaller ones on top. You can also stack them in a diagonal or zig-zag pattern for a more dynamic display.
- Place the objects on top: Once you have your book stack, place your decorative objects on top of the books. You can use anything from candles and vases to picture frames and figurines.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different arrangements and heights. You can also try using books as risers on your coffee table, side table, or even on your bookshelf.
Remember, using books as risers is an affordable and easy way to add height and dimension to your decor. So, get creative and have fun with it!
Hanging Books for a Unique and Whimsical Decor Display
Hanging books as decor can add a unique and whimsical touch to your space. There are several ways to achieve this look, including hanging books from hooks with a ribbon running through the book. To do this, simply tie a ribbon around the book spine and attach it to a hook on the wall. This can create a charming and unexpected display, especially if you mix in some vintage or decorative books.
Visit my baking station for more information on this space.
Another option is to hang books from the ceiling for a truly unique display. You can use a fishing line or string to suspend the books at varying heights, creating a floating effect. This can be particularly effective in a child’s room using kids’ books or a playful, eclectic space. Hanging books as decor is a fun and creative way to incorporate your love of literature into your home decor.
These books were hung from a pergola at my vintage booth.
Wall Art with a Twist: Displaying Books and Natural Accents
Hanging books on a wall can transform your space and give your books a new purpose. It’s a creative way to display your favorite books, turning them into an art piece that can be admired by anyone who enters the room. The addition of little bunches of flowers or springs of greenery can further elevate the display and add a touch of nature to your wall. This type of display not only looks beautiful, but it can also be a conversation starter, as people are naturally drawn to interesting and unique pieces of decor. It’s a way to express your personality and style, as well as your love for literature and nature.
Photo credit: Gracefully Restored, Hopkinton, MA
Using books in decor can be a beautiful and creative way to add personality and charm to your living space. From antique stores and estate sales to flea markets and online affiliate links, there are plenty of ways to find beautiful books to incorporate into your home decor. So next time you’re looking for decorative objects, consider incorporating books into your design. They’re a great way to add character and create a cozy, inviting atmosphere in any room.
This photo features our DIY brick fireplace makeover
Frequently Asked Questions about Using Books in Decor
You can use old, worn, and antique books in your decor, especially if you’re going for a vintage or antique look. Worn covers can add character and charm to your decor, while old books can be used to create unique displays. You can also remove the covers for a great vintage look.
One of my favorite places to find old books is at antique malls. You can also find books to use in your decor at thrift stores, flea markets, estate sales, and online. Used books are often for sale at local libraries as well.
To make sure your book display looks organized and intentional, use books of similar sizes and remove the dust jackets for a clean, cohesive look. You can also arrange books by color or use books to match your decor.
Some popular coffee table books for decor include photography books, travel books, fashion books, art books, and other books with beautiful images. Choose a book that reflects your interests and style to add a personal touch to your decor. Shop some great books below.
Shop Coffee Table Books:
Books can add a stylish and meaningful touch to your home decor. From using them as decorative accents on coffee tables and shelves to incorporating them as risers or creating book stacks, the possibilities are endless. You can remove the covers of old books for a vintage look, cover the spine with fabric for a personalized touch, or simply stack them untied for a relaxed vibe. Moreover, using books as risers is an affordable and creative solution to add height and dimension to your decor. and is often the “fixer” when something looks off in a vignette. So go ahead and experiment with the different ways to incorporate books into your home decor, and have fun expressing your unique style!
For more book inspiration please visit:
How To Make DIY Decorative Book Stacks: This blog post describes how to make DIY decorative book stacks in a few simple steps. Although these stacks were originally made for Valentine’s Day, they can be customized for any season by changing the books and florals. The post also discusses how books can serve as great decor elements, especially when used as risers, and showcases different styles of book stacks. Finally, the post provides step-by-step instructions for creating a set of decorative book stacks for Valentine’s Day, including painting the spines of the books, stacking and gluing the books, adding lace and flowers, and creating a bow.
Thank you for visiting the blog today for Books in Decor – Beyond the Bookcase! I truly appreciate it when you do! For more “book-spiration” visit my Books in Decor Pinterest board!
Keep creating friends!
