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. 
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
- 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.
- Estate Sales – Wait until the end, most people don’t want encyclopedias or sets of books that are old and outdated infomration.
- Thrift Stores – Again out of date books don’t sell and you win!
What to Look For in Old Books
- 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!
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
How to Use Books in Your Decor
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- As A Library – Fill book shelves for a curated vintage feel
- Stack them – Use them as a base for your decor in stunning vignettes, coffee table decor or on a nightstand.
- 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!
- 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!
- As A Library – Fill book shelves for a curated vintage feel
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- 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.
- 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.
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 Art
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Great tips! Thanks for sharing. Take care and Happy Easter, Julie
Thanks Julie – all the best to you as well!
This is one of my favorite tutorials you have offered! I also love books!
I am so glad you enjoyed it, hope we get to get back out there and hunt soon!
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….
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
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!!
Happy Easter friend, so glad you gathered some fun ideas here!
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.
thanks Paula – I think sets are so fun to hunt for, hope you find some good ones!
Such great tips, Kim! And I LOVE decorating with books, too…they’re a staple. Happy Easter, friend! xoxo
Thanks Kristi – hope you had an awesome Easter too and YES – can’t decorate with out a book or two!
So many great ideas here! That cat dish is adorable! 😉
thanks it has been on of my favorite things!!
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!
that would be gorgeous, height variation is so important in a good display!
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!
It’s a good story 😉