Using Old Books In Your Decor

Hi, y'all! As I was dusting my house the other day, I realized I use a lot of books in my decor. I think a lot of you probably do the same. Most of the books I use were purchased at my local library for .25 cents to $1. My library has a little room where they display all the books for sale. I think most of them are donated and you really can't beat those prices. :)

I hate to admit it, but I don't think I've read a single one I've purchased...I usually go in there looking for a specific color hardback. :) My hubby was trying to be helpful once and kept showing me books I might like, but they were all the wrong colors. I finally had to whisper to him (so the library worker wouldn't hear me) that I was choosing books to use solely for decorating purposes and they had to be the right color. Lol!

I mostly use books to add height to certain objects. They're great for creating different "levels" for your vignettes. 

Sometimes if you're lucky, you'll come across a book with a personal message written it it, someone's signature, or little hand written notes. Those are my favorites! I actually have a few that have special things in them that I found and I'll show you those in a minute. :)

Okay, let's start the tour of my "decor books" shall we?

Below is a little vignette I have displayed on the coffee table in my living room. As you can see, I used a few books to add a little height to that gold candle holder. I love having different finishes and textures grouped together. 

At first I just had this mercury glass candle holder flat on the table top, but I liked it much better once I elevated it a little bit. 

Here's a little grouping on a table in my dining room. I propped one of my favorite quotes on that little red book. 

Here's a closer look. That's a quote from the Anne of Green Gables books by the way. :) 

I really like the worn books. I think it gives them a little more character. 

Here's what's inside that book above. "Bert Barber's book store, Fort Worth." 

Sorry about the grainy iPhone pics...I'm still waiting on my new camera. Below is one of my favorites books. I think it was about .50 cents. 

Here's a close up of the front. I love the little illustration. 

Here's another frame being elevated with a book. 

This one is a perfect example of what I love to find in these books...

Looks what's right inside the front cover!

I love all the scribbles and would you look at what it says..."Property of Blairsville Public Schools Jan 9, 1911" !!

When I recently did a Makeover On My Master Bedroom, I added a little blue to the decor in there. Luckily I had these books with a blue hardcover that I could finally use. 

This is my little sitting area in the master. Those flowers didn't seem tall enough, so I set them on top of a book to add a little height. 

Here's a closer look.

Look what's inside this book...

Would you look at those names and dates?? That's the 1930's, people!! How neat is that? 

Here's a close up of the inside cover with the "Central High School" stamp.

These books are on top of the armoire in my bedroom.

Now, these two books below were actually purchased at Barnes and Noble and I can say that I've read most of these. :) 

Now we're in the master bathroom. I love this little tray I picked up at Walmart for $5 a few years ago. It's part of their Better Homes and Garden's collection. That green book just added a little interest to it, I think. 

Here's a close up of the spine...

And here's what's written on the inside...

I love seeing all the dates!

This is a little table in the alcove by the master. This book is extra special because my great grandmother illustrated it. :)

Here's my kitchen tray. The book not only adds height, but also helps to disguise the lamp cord. :)

Here's another book on the bombe chest in the living room.

And one more in the living room.

So, what about y'all? Do you like using books in your decor? 

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lisa

I'm joining these parties: Dwellings, Savvy Southern Style, Imparting Grace, Common Ground, I Should Be Mopping The Floor, It's Overflowing, Cupcakes and Crinoline, A Stroll Thru Life, Our Home Away From Home, Jennifer Rizzo