Turn Old Books into Sophisticated Home Decor

Made of worn leather and gilded edges, old books are ideal for home decor. And though old books can be expensive, you can give new books the look of old ones. Simply shop for cheap new hardcover books with a removable jacket. Sand the corners of the new covers to give them an aged appeal, and use gold spray paint to form a gilded edge. Then turn your newly aged books into sophisticated decor.

Why not turn a boring plastic planter into book decor? Start with a cheap square planter. Next find four old books of identical size, which can cover the sides of the planter. Glue the backs of the books to the planter to form a square of books around the pot. Then use a length of rough twine to tie the books closed.

Conceal your mess

Turn an old book into a secret chest for hiding your TV remotes on your living room table, or office supply mess on your desk. Using a utility knife, cut a square in the middle of the pages of the book. Repeat the step until the cavity you hollow out is deep enough. Then display your old book chest for a sophisticated addition to your decor.

Raise your bedside lamp in style

Glue two old books together, a larger one below and smaller one on top. Place this pedestal beneath your bedside lamp to create a decorative elevation. Repeat this step for the bedside table opposite. Then keep your reading glasses or nightstand medications on the pedestal where you won't lose them.

Grace a table by an armchair

Place a pile of four old books on a small wooden table beside an arm chair. Make sure the table is high enough to leave the books visible above the arms of the chair. Create a pyramid with the books, starting with the larger one and ending with the smallest. And curve each of the books to create disarray in your stack.

Create book chests

Start with an old cardboard shoe box, then cover its exterior with old books. Just make sure the books are about half as wide as each side of the box. Spread each book open in its mid-way point with the cover facing up. Glue the book in this way to the side of the box and repeat the step all around. Finally, tie a silk ribbon around the middle of your book chest to keep the books from opening. And store old photographs, letters, greeting cards or recipes in your sophisticated decor.

Build a giant book table

Look for a series of giant old books that you can stack one on top of another. Tie them together with twine to capture the look of a stack of books. Then use these charming creations as side tables or plant pedestals.

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