Upcycle Old Books with These Creative Book Decor Ideas - Home & Texture
Decorate Book Decor

Repurpose Old Books and Magazines with These Creative Book Decor Ideas

Transform your dusty reads into eco-friendly decor.

October 9, 2024 at 4:06 AM PST
Decorate Book Decor

Repurpose Old Books and Magazines with These Creative Book Decor Ideas

Transform your dusty reads into eco-friendly decor.

October 9, 2024 at 4:06 AM PST

Let’s face it: We all have a dusty stack of old books and magazines lurking in our homes. Whether they are relics from college days, comfort reads from long ago, sentimental keepsakes, or impulse buys from yard sales, they take up valuable space. Today, explore a world of creativity by turning those old pages into something fabulous and functional.

Related: 5 Essential Coffee Table Books for the Fashion Enthusiast

woman sorting through books
Photo credit: JGI Tom Grill

Create Stunning Artwork

Why settle for generic wall art when you can create something truly unique? Old book pages and magazine covers are a goldmine for DIY artwork. Turn them into collages, decoupage them onto canvases, or frame a few select pages or covers for a chic, literary twist on wall decor. Your guests will be so impressed they might think you have a secret art degree.

Craft Unique Gift Wrap

Forget overpriced gift wrap that will only end up in the trash. Use book pages and magazine spreads to wrap your presents with a personal touch. It’s eco-friendly, stylish, and guaranteed to be a conversation starter on any gift-giving occasion. Who knew old issues of Vogue could be so versatile?

Design a Literary Headboard

Books in bed? Yes, please! Give your bedroom a whimsical makeover by creating a headboard from old book covers. Simply attach them to a sturdy piece of plywood, and voila—instant intellectual chic. It’s like sleeping with a library, minus the overdue fines.

Make a Bookish Planter

Bring a bit of greenery into your reading nook by hollowing out an old hardcover book to create a quirky planter for succulents. It’s a win-win: your plants have a new home, and your book gets a second life. Plus, it’s a great way to simultaneously showcase your green thumb and literary prowess.

Fashion Fabulous Bookends

Transform old, heavy hardcovers into stylish bookends. Fasten two books together at a right angle with wood glue to create bespoke bookends that keep your collection upright and add vintage charm to your shelves.

stacked books
Photo credit: Praiwan Wasanruk

Build a Retro Magazine Side Table

Channel your inner carpenter by stacking old magazines to create a one-of-a-kind side table. Secure them with adhesive, top with a plexiglass sheet, and you’ve got yourself a trendy conversation piece.

Design Custom Bookmarks

Old book covers and magazine pages make delightful DIY bookmarks. Cut them into interesting shapes, laminate them if you’re feeling fancy, and never lose your place in a book again. Bonus points if you gift them to fellow book lovers—they’re sure to appreciate the thoughtful gesture.

Upcycle Into a Literary Lampshade

Brighten your space with a literary lampshade made from old book pages or magazine clippings. Simply decoupage the pages onto an existing lampshade and let the light shine through your favorite quotes or vibrant images. It’s the perfect project for adding a cozy, bookish glow to any room.

Create a Whimsical Wreath

Add literary elegance to your front door with a wreath made from rolled magazine pages or book paper roses. It’s an eye-catching way to greet your guests and a subtle nod to your love of reading.

Assemble Book Page Wallpaper

For those who truly love the written word, consider covering an accent wall with book pages. Apply them with wallpaper paste for a textured display that adds character to any room. Perfect for a home office or reading nook, it’s a bold statement that says, “Yes, I am that dedicated to literature.”

Related: Don’t Just Shelf It: Elevate Your Bookshelf With These 5 Styling Ideas



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