Decorating with Old Books

Collection of Old Books, Great Decor find them at RetroChalet

I just love the way old books can add a statement to a room. Here is what I did with a stack of old blue books in my country home.  I have these for sale now, on Etsy, as a five piece lot here.  The books are comprised of old books that I found in my travels. They are imperfect, and I liked their messed up look. Each has it's own character, more so, from loss of original dust jackets.

Buy these old books at RetroChalet

The books don't have to be in great shape to show decor ability. In fact, I think the best thing about old books is how many hands they have been in, and how often they have been read.  How many eyes have they seen?

Pretty Poppies Vintage stack of Old Books here $36.50

Pretty Poppies Vintage on Etsy has a slew of old books that would make for great book displays.  Above, the lot that matches yet has very distinct vintage looking spines would look great on the mantle or in a stack on your table!  Sometimes, just one book will make a great focal point.  I simply love this shop run by Amy from St. Paul, Minnesota!

Pretty Poppies Vintage Cutco Cookbook $9.50

This cute little Cookbook above, is rare indeed.  Most likely a premium or mail away for Cutco Cutlery.  These knives are still in use in my kitchen today, and let me tell you, stay sharp forever!  The above book would look adorable sitting on the counter as a display item or conversation piece, standing up in a napkin holder! Sometimes even single books are a great statement piece.

How to Display Your Books:

This milk crate can be used to hold various books! $42 at PrettyPoppiesVintage

I am all about repuposing and perhaps things that you would not normally consider to hold books would be perfect to display books in your home. Above, an old wire milk crate would show off a few favorite books just fine!   Directly below, an old wire basket wrapped with rope could work in with a cottage or lakefront home, showing your favorite summer reads.   Below that,  a vintage magazine rack can hold taller books and magazines.

Hold books and more in here, $36 at PrettyPoppiesVintage

Magazine Rack $36.50 to hold books & magazines PrettyPoppiesVintage

Crafting with Old Books: 

Folded Book Art Patterns at CindysPaperDesigns on Etsy.

Here's another interesting thing to do with old books, Cindy Fisher on Etsy sells Folded Book Art Patterns for only $5. You can download the pattern and make your decorating books into something great by cutting or folding the pages into a functional work or art!

Read more about this: on iramency blog

Pretty Poppies Vintage on Etsy Vintage Everything

Black Rotary Phone , $38.50 on Etsy here. 

Pretty Poppies Vintage 

As a vintage seller, junkie and collector I think there's one thing that most antique lovers will tell you. They adore other seller's shops.  Pretty Poppies Vintage is one of those shops I adore. Started by Amy over a year ago curated from St. Paul, Minnesota, you never know what you may find! Great prices and must-have item photos just lure you in.  Here are some of my favorite things...

Metal Lap Trays: Quilting Trays for Breakfast or Computer....Set $26 here

Editors Pick:  Metal Quilt Lap Trays above are a Great gift idea for the Quilting Queen in your life, these metal trays can hold your book, drink, laptop, or crafting supplies not to mention breakfast or lunch!  Love them and in my travels I have never quite seen anything like this pattern before!

Vintage Washing Machine Part Great Decor Idea $62 here

A sold-by-Sears gadget looks like a giant plunger but was made for agitating your washing machine back in the turn of the century. Would make for great conversation piece in a rustic or cottage home.

Cute shelf kitty, $7.00 here.

This shop has everything from shabby to cute, antique to chic, boho to retro, and a wide selection will keep customers coming back to check new offerings.  I hope you enjoyed some of my favorite things and that you will check our Pretty Poppies Vintage for more great finds!

Canoe Lovers Keychain , $7.00 here.

Find more at PrettyPoppiesVintage.etsy.com