Have you wondered how to decorate with the vintage books in your collection?

I always encourage people to keep their eyes open for vintage books when they are out thrifting.   But, finding them at a great price is only half the battle.  Incorporating them into your home in a way that you think is beautiful is a whole other ball game.

There used to be this amazing rummage sale in town that would only be open once a year.  I’d mark my calendar for the last weekend in July and get there 45 mins early to stand in line.  Vintage books were only 50 cents a piece, so as soon as the doors opened, I’d make a beeline for the back wall and buy every single one.

Gasp!  Maybe I shouldn’t have told you that.  If you live in my town, I probably just ticked you off.;)

It’s a rough world out there when it comes to rummage sales, I tell ya!

But, oh, those colorful covers and classic fonts.  All that character in those textures and patinas.  If I could find intriguing titles and rough cut pages- even better!

Now see, you’d make a run for it, too, wouldn’t you?!

So, now that we have established the importance of securing said vintage books, let’s dive into how to decorate with them.

*This post contains affiliate links to products I know &/or love.

3 Ways to Decorate with Vintage Books

Book Styling Tip Number One

Use them as filler pieces- either on shelves, tables, desks, or in baskets.

• This seems to be a controversial decorating move, but you can also turn your spines inward or remove the covers entirely for a more neutral palette.
• Likewise, you can create covers with linen fabric or neutral papers.
• Even painting them can look beautiful- my favorite looks are white or gold.

They can be also be stacked underneath other objects to add needed height, too! This is a trick I use often to help compensate for a slight height difference in our bedroom nightstands!

Book Styling Tip Number Two

Display your books by color; this is especially effective for seasonal decor!

• Other ideas include organizing them in ombre or rainbow patterns, especially in children’s rooms.

Book Styling Tip Number Three

And the most unconventional of all is to use your vintage books as wall decor.

• This could mean book pages taped to the wall as wanna-be wallpaper,
• Thin display shelves with covers facing out like you see in children’s rooms
• Or framed book pages

This is the book page wall decor in my upstairs hallway.

And these horse illustrations were from an art book. We cut them out and used them as faux wallpaper in my daughter’s boho bedroom.

Well, that was actually a few more than 3 ideas;  I got a little carried away!

I hope you got some new inspiration just the same.  And remember, old books are a staple for the vintage DIY decorator.  Always keep your eyes open for them.

If you don’t find ones that suit your style while out thrifting, another place I like to get them when I am in a pinch is Etsy. You can also order them online from a website called “books by the foot“.

Happy Decorating, my dears!

Pin These Tips on how to Decorate with Vintage Books for Later:

Related Posts

• Easy Paper Book Covers
• Book Page Wall Tutorial
• DIY Fabric Covered Books