[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
What’s with the old vintage books obsession, anyway?<\/p>\n
So this obsession goes back a ways.<\/p>\n
Actually, back a loooooong ways.<\/em><\/p>\n I know it\u2019s hard to believe that I ever got in trouble as a child (haha!), but from time to time, it would happen. \u00a0And you know what got me in trouble more than anything else?<\/p>\n My nose in a book. \u00a0Who can relate?! \u00a0Where are my fellow book lovers?!<\/strong><\/p>\n Now it wasn\u2019t that my parents didn\u2019t want me to read. \u00a0In fact, they both still love to read and it was a big part of our family. \u00a0But reading when I was supposed to be doing my chores\u2026that got me in trouble once or twice\u2026or more. \u00a0Who\u2019s counting?<\/p>\n (And you know what\u2019s funny? \u00a0This is our current parenting \u201cproblem\u201d with one of our children now! \u00a0What goes around comes around!!! \u00a0I won’t mention any names, but one child currently has Hardy Boys, a devotional, and a Diary of the Wimpy Kids book all out and open on the desk as I type. ????)<\/p>\n Fast forward to about 4 or 5 years after Robb and I were married. \u00a0We had SO MANY BOOKS! \u00a0Everything from all the books our parents sent with us to college textbooks and beyond. \u00a0Most of our books were on two old bookshelves in our bedroom that I had picked up from a yard sale. \u00a0I distinctly remember when my patient hubby got home from work on this particularly creative day of mine\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cRobyn! \u00a0What in the world????\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n I had turned every single book around so that the lovely, neutral-colored pages were showing, rather than the array of colors and styles of ALL THOSE BOOKS! \u00a0I don\u2019t really know where I got the idea to hide the spine of the book because it wasn\u2019t a trending thing in decorating like it is now. \u00a0But I was just so tired of all those crazy colors and mis-matched spines.<\/p>\n Did I say he\u2019s patient? \u00a0For the most part, yes, and he agreed to give it a try. \u00a0Especially since those neutral color pages were making me so happy!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Book-Styling-15-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Book Styling (15)” admin_label=”Before Image” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”So, why old vintage books for decor?” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Fast forward about 13 years later\u2026and yep! \u00a0I\u2019m still facing the book spine inward!<\/strong><\/p>\n (Except the kids books\u2026I\u2019m not that crazy about my neutral color!!! \u00a0Ha! \u00a0Besides, their books are on the bookshelves in their room, so it\u2019s totally fine.)<\/p>\n If you follow me on Instagram, you are used to seeing me decorate with books all the time! \u00a0In fact, they are a staple in almost every room and definitely for every season.<\/p>\n Well, to me, antique books add so much interest and character to a space. \u00a0They help tell the story of a space that is well-loved and well-lived in. \u00a0Leather-bound books and even thrifted paperback books bring a sense of a room being curated over time, rather than picked up at a big box furniture store.<\/strong><\/p>\n There are so many ways to use old, used, and thrifted books in your home’s beautiful decor. \u00a0Today, we are going to chat about five of my favorite ways to decorate with old books and see how many of these styling ideas you already use plus 27 other ways<\/strong> you can use antique books to decorate your own home!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Book-Styling-3-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Book Styling (3)” admin_label=”Before Image” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro where to buy old books” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Before we launch into styling, let\u2019s talk about where all these books came from!<\/p>\n Every time I go to any thrift store, I always hit up the book section for different types of books.<\/strong><\/p>\n Since I am using these books for d\u00e9cor, I am less concerned with the book content as I am the actual color, style, and patina of the book. \u00a0If I work on a particular color palette for a space, like the light blue I did in the girls room, I browse the shelves for color. \u00a0I love when the titles are color coordinated for quick selection results. \u00a0However, usually, you have to be willing to dig a little!<\/p>\n Pro Tip: If there is a book you like but the paper cover isn’t attractive, make sure to check what kind of hard cover is underneath the dust jacket!<\/strong><\/p>\n Sometimes, I look for books that have a particular size<\/strong> for layering or stacking on a vintage piece. \u00a0Other times, I pay attention to the title. \u00a0<\/strong>For example, I have vintage books that I like to pull out with my summer d\u00e9cor, each title referring to the sea or ocean.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro what to look for” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Organizing-your-home-Decor-20210112-6-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Organizing your home Decor 20210112 (6)” admin_label=”Before Image” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”jays world” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Almost all of my d\u00e9cor books have come from thrift stores!\u00a0 I do have some special ones that I\u2019ve picked up at antique stores or vintage shops, and I have several amazing leather ones from my friend Jamie from @booksbycolor_jaysworld<\/a><\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n I\u2019ll link some amazing vintage options for you at the end of this post!\u00a0 It is very rare that I pay very much at all for an old d\u00e9cor book. \u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0However, investing in some of the larger ones, like a thick dictionary<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0or French books<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0can be well worth the extra!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”WHAT CAN I DO WITH OLD BOOKS FOR DECORATING” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”BLOG TITLE” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”1. Deconstructed” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There may be a few book lovers that would object to this. \u00a0But hear me out\u2026I have taken many a book that would have ended up in the landfill and repurposed it to be fabulous d\u00e9cor! \u00a0I have also salvaged discarded paperback books and turned them into works of art that I\u2019ve been decorating with for years by turning them into vintage book bundles. \u00a0Vintage home books are a great addition to home decor!<\/p>\n To deconstruct a book for a farmhouse look, you will simply work the spine completely off, pulling the covers with it. \u00a0Even a newer book has a great look when deconstructed, as you get some of the glue residue remaining, and leaving a texture and patina that makes it look really old\u2026and really loved. \u00a0Fun trick, huh?<\/p>\n Sometimes I tie my deconstructed books together with twine to make a cute book bundle. \u00a0Some, I leave as individuals. \u00a0It is a versatile, nearly fail-proof DIY that literally costs you the price of a cheap paperback at the thrift store! \u00a0And it\u2019s also a great way to recycle an old book that is maybe too tattered to read or one that you may end up tossing!<\/p>\n Warning: \u00a0It\u2019s Addictive!!!<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Book-Styling-14-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Book Styling (14)” admin_label=”Before Image” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”2. Tell a Story” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I did this with my vintage coastal books last year. ( And yes, I even have seasonal books for d\u00e9cor!). With only about 5 or 6 well-chosen old books, I helped set the tone for a casual, vintage coastal look in our family room.<\/p>\n In this case, I left the neutral and light blue book spines facing out so that the book titles could be easily seen. \u00a0Then, they help tell the story of a little seaside cottage. \u00a0Now we aren\u2019t in an actual cottage and the beach is a couple miles away, but these decorative books helped create that look and a focal point to tell that story.<\/strong><\/p>\n I also use old music books to decorate in this way. \u00a0At Christmas, for example, I put a couple of vintage copies of Handel\u2019s Messiah on the top of the stack. \u00a0Subtle, but, specific title and I loved that it helped create that look of a vintage Christmas. \u00a0You can do the same thing with vintage holiday books or a specific title of a classic, like “A Christmas Carol.” \u00a0These small spots in home decor are details that create beautiful and intentional style in a home!<\/strong><\/p>\n I am currently on the hunt for some vintage, neutral-ish books for spring, like a great set of Beatrix Potter books! \u00a0We have the children\u2019s ones, but they are more new looking. \u00a0(Hint: If anyone comes across a great vintage set, message me!!!)<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/How-to-Style-a-Cloche-20210223-2-scaled.jpg” title_text=”How to Style a Cloche 20210223 (2)” admin_label=”Table Image” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”3. Vignettes” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Lean them, stack them, open them, close them, stand them up, lay them down! \u00a0There are so many creative ways to use antique books in your own home!<\/strong><\/p>\n You get the idea!!!<\/strong><\/p>\n Anytime I create a vignette, I look for a variety of height and texture<\/strong>. \u00a0A pair of matching lanterns<\/u><\/a><\/strong>, sitting next to one another, doesn\u2019t really work. \u00a0They are the same height, same color, same everything.<\/p>\n However, add a few vintage books with great character and patina<\/strong> underneath the lanterns? \u00a0All of a sudden, you have an instant vignette that looks like you spent a ton of time on it!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Book-Styling-1-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Book Styling (1)” admin_label=”Table Image” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Vignettes” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I also like to lean a few books against a pot or cloche to add a little extra texture.\u00a0 Like we talked about in the cloche styling post<\/a><\/strong><\/span>, you can even rest a glass cloche<\/u> <\/a><\/strong>on top of a larger book as a base!<\/p>\n Do your candlesticks<\/u><\/a><\/strong> look too short next to your artwork?\u00a0 Add a book stack underneath!<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Book-Styling-6-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Book Styling (6)” admin_label=”Table Image” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Vignettes” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Have a console table<\/a><\/strong><\/span> that is lacking character?\u00a0 Add some large, vintage books and a set of corbels<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0 Incredible character and I promise you\u2019ll use them forever!<\/p>\n Does your plant\/planter<\/a><\/strong><\/span> not fill the space adequately? \u00a0Lean some books to the side to fill the horizontal space!<\/strong> \u00a0You can do the same on a fireplace mantel to add texture and character.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Book-Styling-7-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Book Styling (7)” admin_label=”Table Image” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”4. Tablescape” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Who said books are only for shelves and coffee tables?<\/p>\n I styled this entire tablescape<\/a><\/strong><\/span> around a book theme!\u00a0 I used books to add height and texture to my simple centerpieces.\u00a0 And I used old pages to create a special look for each place setting.<\/p>\n It was a simple craft to do with an old book, but made a nice statement!<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Book-Styling-5-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Book Styling (5)” url=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/home\/how-to-put-together-a-quick-simple-valentines-tablescape\/” url_new_window=”on” admin_label=”Table Image” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Tablescape” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Another time, I used some old music book pages as my placemats. \u00a0I think I paid $2 at the flea market for that old music book, and I\u2019ll have placemats for years to come out of that book!<\/p>\n Try collecting vintage home books or design books to stack as interesting coffee table books<\/strong>. \u00a0Similarly, vintage travel books, old periodicals, or historical books can be the best conversation starter!<\/strong><\/p>\n In a home office, take a trick from interior designers and used book sets or a collection of books to fill large bookshelves<\/strong>. \u00a0You’ll look like one of the most intelligent book lovers out there!<\/p>\n For $2, I was pretty happy for these disposable placemats and a fun table theme!<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Book-Styling-11.jpg” title_text=”Book Styling (11)” admin_label=”Table Image” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”5. Undesirable Space” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Say what?<\/p>\n Well, supposed you have a TV cord or entertainment center wires that are hanging down. \u00a0A well-positioned stack of books could be the perfect trick to hide those cords!<\/strong><\/p>\n We have our entertainment cords hidden in the wall in our current home; that was a huge must-do when we were renovating. \u00a0But at our old house, I had book stacks everywhere to hid those cords!<\/p>\n Decorating with books is also a great way to fill a desired spot in your home.<\/strong> \u00a0A favorite basket, dough bowl, or tray could be on display but need a little filler to create cozy vibes.<\/p>\n Old vintage books are a perfect way to visually fill your piece without taking away from its charm<\/strong> or \u201cstealing the spotlight\u201d, so to speak!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Book-Styling-9.jpg” title_text=”Book Styling (9)” admin_label=”Table Image” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Undesirable Space” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Basically, you can see that I use books\u2026old, new, tired, tattered, vintage, and antique<\/strong>\u2026everywhere! \u00a0While you can spend thousands on a rare antique book, you don\u2019t need to spend more than a dollar at the thrift store to get you started on adding books to your d\u00e9cor.<\/p>\n Or take a look around your home<\/strong>\u2026you might be surprised what books you have around that you could actually use, rather than collecting dust on a top shelf!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Book-Styling-8-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Book Styling (8)” admin_label=”Table Image” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”wrap up” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Admittedly, I’m a little crazy about using old books in my vintage-style decor. \u00a0However, I know all the times when I’ve been trying to figure out how to decorate a space and just adding a few vintage books has been the key to getting the look I want.<\/p>\n You can shop my Amazon storefront HERE for cozy accents and accessories, as well as vintage-style favorites, for home decorating!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n You can add so much character, texture, color, pattern, and interest to your home decor with vintage books.<\/strong> \u00a0At the same time, using old vintage books can be a really budget-friendly option for decorating as well!<\/strong><\/p>\n Keep your eyes open at thrift stores, yard sales, antique malls, flea markets, estate sales,<\/strong> and anywhere else that you may come across old books. \u00a0You might even be surprised with what you have stashed in the back corner of a bookshelf somewhere that can become valuable decor for you.<\/p>\n (Then again…it may be time to declutter some of those spots and drop off a bag of books to a thrift store yourself, if they aren’t meeting your functional or aesthetic needs!)<\/em><\/p>\n Regardless, I hope you’re inspired to think a little differently about your decor and try experimenting with old vintage books during this coming season! \u00a0Most of all, I hope you have FUN with your decor!<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Closing” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I hope this inspires you to try something different in your d\u00e9cor this week.\u00a0 The exciting thing is that there is no right or wrong.\u00a0 You aren\u2019t going to waste money or resources to play around with these d\u00e9cor ideas!<\/p>\n Let me know what you decide to do with old books in your d\u00e9cor!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”other posts to enjoy” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Follow Me” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I’d love for you to follow me on social media! \u00a0You can find my home decor inspiration on Instagram<\/strong><\/a>, Pinterest<\/a>,\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Facebook<\/a>! \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Closing” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Blessings,<\/strong><\/p>\nThen the obsession took a turn as I started decorating our home…<\/em><\/h3>\n
So, why old vintage books for decor?<\/em><\/h3>\n
Where can I buy old vintage books to use in home decorating?<\/em><\/h3>\n
Here is a list of things I keep in mind when hunting for used books to decorate my home with:<\/em><\/h3>\n
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So Let\u2019s Get to Styling!<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
What can I do with old books for decorating?<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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What can I do with old vintage books? \u00a0Here are MORE ideas!<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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5 More Easy Ways Use Thrifted Vintage Books in Home Decor<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How to Decorate with Old, Deconstructed Books<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n
How do you make a book look worn out?<\/em><\/h3>\n
How do you make an old book look vintage?<\/em><\/h3>\n
Use Old Vintage Books to Tell a Story in Your D\u00e9cor<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Use Old Books to Give Dimension to Your Vignette<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n
What can I do with old vintage books?<\/em><\/h3>\n
Use Vintage Books in Your Tablescapes<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n
How can I use old books for decor?<\/em><\/h3>\n
Use Thrifted Books to Camouflage An Undesired View or Fill a Desired Space<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n
How do you place books for decorating?<\/em><\/h3>\n
Are you ready to start decorating?<\/em><\/h3>\n
You may also enjoy these posts with thrifting finds and decor ideas:<\/em><\/h3>\n
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