There’s just something charming about a stack of well-worn hardback books that can add character to a room like nothing else. Perhaps you have some stashed away in your closet because we don’t throw them away… ever! Books can add so much to your decor and home with some outside-the-box thinking and purposeful placement. Today I’m sharing 6 ways I like to decorate with books.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
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9 Charming Ways To Decorate With Books
Not everyone may have old hardback books lying around to decorate their home with, and they are getting more and more difficult to find these days. They’ve become super trendy! Who would have thought? But hitting up garage sales, thrift stores, and flea markets are a few places where you can find them. Vintage books can be a smart and budget-friendly way to add so much character to your home.
STYLE #1 SYMMETRICAL DESIGN WITH BOOKS
This style is one of my favorite ways to decorate inside a narrow bookshelf, or a missing drawer turned into a shelf like this vintage dresser. While I love symmetry, I also like to mix things up a bit to give the eyes a place to travel. This makes for an interesting pattern when decorating with books. Also, notice that the pages of the books are facing forward. This is a good way to use books with binders in different colors, and it gives a more cohesive look. Can you imagine what a full shelf of books styled in this manner would look like? I’m going to need more books! 🙂
STYLE #2 PAINTED BOOKS
Try this fun DIY and paint the cover of a hardback book with your favorite paint color or add a catchy phrase to compliment the room you’re decorating. Some of you may be thinking that painting the book damages it in some way. This is a cookbook, so it serves two purposes. It looks great as decor, and it’s easy to access for my favorite recipes. No pages were damaged.
STYLE #3 BOOKS IN A BASKET
Books, books, book! Another stylish way to use books in your home decorating is to add them to baskets with another décor item. Adding a simple vase and some greenery will give you texture and warmth in those small spaces. The baskets are perfect for holding the books in place without bookends. So trendy!
STYLE # 4 STACKING OF BOOKS
Stacking books is another beautiful way to display these vintage beauties, whether it be 2, 3, or 4 books—stack as many as you want to create visual interest and a book smart-looking home.
STYLE #5 DECORATIVE TRIANGLE WITH BOOKS
For many people styling their home with decor can be challenging. Try this… Use a tall decor object and then stack books in this fashion against it. This will create a visual triangle that allows the eyes to travel. Can you see the triangle?
STYLE #6 BOOKS ON A PEDESTAL – CREATIVE
Here’s a fun design to create! Try stacking a few books on a candle stand and top with your favorite decor. But if you have pups inside your home as I do… this might not be a great option, But isn’t it pretty?
STYLE #7 USE BOOKS AS RISERS
The visual triangle design is also found here using books. Try using books as a riser for the vase to give it more height, and then add a small item beside it. Simple and not overdone; classy, clean lines.
STYLE #8 SIGN DISPLAY ON BOOKS
Display your favorite sign or quote on a stack of books for a stylish design element. I like the playfulness and the reminder to be brave, take risks, and allow the unexpected in home decorating. I have a lot of that! It keeps things interesting when decorating with books.
STYLE #9 LEANING BOOKS
When in a pinch for something to decorate your home with, grab three books and lean them up against a heavy item. Never be afraid to try different patterns and directions when decorating with books. Sometimes it the most unusual items that go well together.
I’m so glad you decided to join me today, and I hope that I have inspired you to decorate with books in your home. Maybe you already do! If so, please comment and let me know how you use them… or say hello. That makes me happy too. 🙂
Until the next project… xo, Do
Love love love books and that look they give a home. Great post. Thank you so much. Take care and stay safe. You are in our thoughts and prayers
I appreciate that, Maryanne. Have a great weekend. 🙂 xo
All great tips. Thank you!
Thank you, Sabrina. 🙂
So good to hear all is well with you and family! Wishing a speedy
Recovery to all fellow Texan’s❤️😎
Thank you kindly, K Lee. It’s been a little rough but we’re on the mend. One of the many bumps in life. 🙂 xo
Love this post of books. Another idea is to paint a book cover that has the pages folded using a pattern. I have one and the pages are made into a patterned heart and then the book cover was painted with chalk paint and then finished with wax. The pages took a while to do and extreme patience is required. Book folding and chalk painting, my two favourite passions come together.
Hi Marion!
You had me intrigued, so I did some research on folding book art. Wow! What an incredible talent, and you’re right about time-consuming. That’s a great passion, and I can imagine it would also be good therapy. Thank you for sharing with me.:) xo
I absolutely love your furniture painting. Of all the blogs I read and emails I’ve signed up for, hands down yours is the most informative and the easiest to follow. And for sure the most beautiful. The furniture in Black is gorgeous.
Thank you for doing what you do.
Awe… thank you so much for sharing that, Sherry. My blogs are simply written because that’s how I learn. It’s the way I teach furniture painting too. Blessings to you. 🙂 xo