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Home » DIY Projects » Tips on Buying Books for Decor

DIY Projects

Tips on Buying Books for Decor

Buying books for decor is one of the best things you can do to build your decorating supply stash. Nothing adds vintage charm and character to your home like a stack of lovely old books. Today I am sharing some tips on buying books so that you can get the most bang for your buck and some stylish decor! 

 

I’m so excited to be joining my friend Julie from Redhead Can Decorate for our monthly Thrifty Style Team post. This is where a group of us bring you some amazing ideas for your thrifty decorating heart! You can gather all the tips through the links at the end of this post, you will want to go explore these ladies’ blogs – they are so talented. Adding vintage items to your coffee table décor is the perfect way to add age and interest to your living room. WIth these coffee table styling tips you will have your tabletop vignette rocking a vintage vibe in no time! #vintagestyle #coffeetabledecor #plantlady #mixedmetaldecor #vintagesilver #coffeetable

Let’s get to the good stuff! Here are my tips for buying books to add to your decor – the video has some extra tips as well!

Where to buy old books

  1. The library – See if you library has a free shelf, you can score big there. Friends of the library or inventory sales are a great source.free book decor hunt and host
  2. Estate Sales – Wait until the end, most people don’t want encyclopedias or sets of books that are old and outdated infomration. 
  3. Thrift Stores – Again out of date books don’t sell and you win! 

What to Look For in Old Books

  1. Color Scheme – I stick to my color scheme when purchasing books and book sets. This helps keep my decor cohesive. I also grab holiday colors for fun holiday decor!free book decor hunt and host
  2. Size – Buy different sizes. You never know if you need to fill a huge shelf, small spot or just need some pretty books to stack decor with.
  3. Sets – I like to buy sets of books, it builds your vintage “library” quickly and sets can always used together or broken apart, but I only buy complete sets! 
  4. The Insides – Sometimes I buy old books for the graphics inside. If you come across a beautiful old book full of pictures and prints consider using the pages for wall prints, artwork or as a creative medium. You can always copy the pages if you don’t want to tear the book up. I frequently buy old hymnals, music books, Bibles and educational books for the pages.Mix vintage and dollar store finds for the perfect garden tablescape, feel like you are dining at a gorgeous garden party every night and it's inexpensive! #dollarstorediy #dollarstoretable #99centstoreDIY #99centstore #99centstoredecor #vintagegarden #vintagetablesetting #swandecor
  5. Topic – I am a sucker for a vintage book on a topic I love. This is a great, indiscreet way to add your personality to your decor. Maybe someone in your home is an engineer or accountant, old engineering and accounting books can be beautiful AND a nod to the one you love! I personally love old gardening, craft, sewing and religious books. free book decor hunt and host
  6. Price – Don’t overpay!!! Patience is a virtue in the hunt to fill your decorating library. I RARELY pay over a dollar per book and even less for sets, be willing to walk away and be patient, you will find cheap books if you just keep your eyes peeled. Tips on buying books for your decor. where to find books for your decor, what to look for in books for your decor and how to use books in your decor. These pro tips will help you build a stash of decorating items on a budget to add a cozy, curated feel to your home on any budget. Books are a stylish and affordable way to decorate your home. #budgetdecoridea #thriftytip #homedecortip #vintagestyle

How to Use Books in Your Decor

    1. As A Library – Fill book shelves for a curated vintage feelEasy weekend projects from Crates & Pallet. Try your hand add adding open shelves for gorgeous storage or make a one of a kind table with hairpin legs. Here are five ideas to get you started. #hairpinlegs #openshelving #goldshelfbrackets #weekendwrrior #weekendproject
    2. Stack them  – Use them as a base for your decor in stunning vignettes, coffee table decor or on a nightstand.
    3. Use them as color and texture in your decor – Be sure to mix a variety of textures and materials in your decor for a cozy vibe. Mix glass, metal, wood, paper and cloth to complete your look. Books can add so much to the feel of a room!Eight different farmhouse homes to inspire you this fall. A cozy autumn home tour inspired by books and pages for Fall. Plus a free printable for a friend...You are my favorite book to read.
    4. Use the pages – Just like I said before you can use the pages from within your book finds for a variety of decorating ideas. Print on the pages, stencil on them, paint in them, create a book page wreath, roll up the pages, make a banner – so many ideas to use book pages over plain paper!  This gorgeous deer banner from sheet music is the perfect garland to decorate your mantel for the holidays or year round. #stencil #makerboss #chalkcouture #deerdecor #chalkart #musicsheet #holidaygarland
    1. Book crafts – you can use old books as craft material – the whole thing! Obviously this isn’t for a collectors item type book, but maybe a freebie from the library or a book that is already really damaged. For example you can try this or this book craft idea.This is the cutest cat food bowl made from an old book, full tutorial for a smarty cat food dish.
Redhead Can Decorate – Repurposed Hobnail Milk Glass
The Painted Hinge – A Thrifty Way to Upcycle Old Curtain Rods
DIY Beautify – Easy Wreath Centerpiece
Sweet Pea – Upcycled Shower Curtain DIY Pillow Covers
Postcards From The Ridge – How to Make Flowers from Paper Egg Cartons
The Creek Line House – Making Celebrations Special During Social Distancing
The How To Home – Dollar Tree Hand Stamped Book Stack
The Tattered Pew – How to Upcyle An Old Cutting Board Using Modge Podge
Unskinny Boppy – Free Printable Easter Greeting Card
I Should Be Mopping The Floor – Painting Upholstery without Fabric Medium
2 Bees In A Pod – Vintage Postcard ArtThrifty ideas for decorating your home on a budget using old books. Great decor tips for thrifty style that is on trend. #budgetdecor #affordablestyle #vintagebooks #thriftingtips

Blessings, Kim from Hunt & HostConnect more here:

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18 Comments

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Comments

  1. Julie @ Restyle Relove says

    April 10, 2020 at 7:20 AM

    Great tips! Thanks for sharing. Take care and Happy Easter, Julie

    Reply
    • Kim at Salvaged Living says

      April 13, 2020 at 10:59 AM

      Thanks Julie – all the best to you as well!

      Reply
  2. Janice Wood says

    April 10, 2020 at 8:08 AM

    This is one of my favorite tutorials you have offered! I also love books!

    Reply
    • Kim at Salvaged Living says

      April 13, 2020 at 10:59 AM

      I am so glad you enjoyed it, hope we get to get back out there and hunt soon!

      Reply
  3. Kim Gibson says

    April 10, 2020 at 8:27 AM

    Lol, Kim I rarely need to purchase books for my decor….my husband and I have enough between us to start a library! I admit they aren’y color coordinated, but then, neither am I!

    As to what I have been doing to stay busy, we just moved, and since we are all old and decrepit (!) its taking a while to get things settled. In between I am sewing masks like crazy for my friends, family and local medical/veterinarians. And some not so local. It certainly keeps me busy and out of trouble. Mostly. With ADD it is awfully easy to get into trouble….

    Reply
    • Kim at Salvaged Living says

      April 13, 2020 at 10:58 AM

      Well I hope you do get settled in time, but no rush! How sweet of you to use your skills to help others, that is beautiful. Stay safe and busy friend

      Reply
  4. CAROL ZAK says

    April 10, 2020 at 9:19 AM

    Love all the books——have been collecting old books for years. They are so nostalgic! Also love the banners with sheet music and the screen printed elk——-plan to be making some of these. Thanks for all your great ideas and keeping us grounded during this Time of Crisis—HAPPY EASTER TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!

    Reply
    • Kim at Salvaged Living says

      April 13, 2020 at 10:57 AM

      Happy Easter friend, so glad you gathered some fun ideas here!

      Reply
  5. Paula@SweetPea says

    April 10, 2020 at 11:23 AM

    I love using books when creating vignettes, the older the better! I haven’t thought to look for sets of books like old encyclopedias. Your sets look fabulous displayed together.

    Reply
    • Kim at Salvaged Living says

      April 13, 2020 at 10:57 AM

      thanks Paula – I think sets are so fun to hunt for, hope you find some good ones!

      Reply
  6. Kristi Pawlik Dominguez says

    April 10, 2020 at 4:11 PM

    Such great tips, Kim! And I LOVE decorating with books, too…they’re a staple. Happy Easter, friend! xoxo

    Reply
    • Kim at Salvaged Living says

      April 13, 2020 at 10:56 AM

      Thanks Kristi – hope you had an awesome Easter too and YES – can’t decorate with out a book or two!

      Reply
  7. Cindy says

    April 10, 2020 at 5:26 PM

    So many great ideas here! That cat dish is adorable! ????

    Reply
    • Kim at Salvaged Living says

      April 13, 2020 at 10:56 AM

      thanks it has been on of my favorite things!!

      Reply
  8. Gloria R says

    April 11, 2020 at 5:28 PM

    One of the neatest ideas I have seen is …..using old books for risers on a buffet table! It was in a magazine in a doctors waiting room, cannot remember the name of the magazine !! ……but it was so eye catching!

    Reply
    • Kim at Salvaged Living says

      April 13, 2020 at 10:55 AM

      that would be gorgeous, height variation is so important in a good display!

      Reply
  9. Julie says

    April 13, 2020 at 4:04 PM

    I’m guilty of not using enough books in my home decor! Your room has totally inspired me!! And now I want to read The Tales of Boo & Oob!

    Reply
    • Kim at Salvaged Living says

      April 14, 2020 at 9:50 AM

      It’s a good story 😉

      Reply

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Hi! I'm Kim. I believe getting your hands dirty can be a way to get your heart clean. This blog is a decorating and DIY guide to seeing God in the details of your day, hobby and home. Read more...

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