Easy ways to decorate with antique and vintage books
Antique books go beyond mere decoration—they’re small treasures that embody beauty, charm, and a little bit of magic. From stacking beloved classics in cozy corners to displaying stunning spines in rooms of a home or at special events, antique books are an easy way to add depth and warmth to a space.
In my last blog post, we explored the joy of gifting antique books. Now, let’s dive into a few creative ways to make these treasures shine as timeless decor.
First, here is some inspiration from one of my favorite booksellers, Pattie at @honeybeemillbooks. This is her reading room filled with old books. If you have a faux fireplace or one that doesn’t work, I highly recommend displaying books inside of it like this—love it!
If you don’t quite have that kind of space to display books, there are many other ways to make a statement throughout your home or special event.
"A room without books is like a body without a soul." -Marcus Tullius Cicero
First decide if you want to collect books based on title, theme, and/or color. I personally collect and display books related to flowers, love letters, or travel. And any book with a gorgeous floral or gold gilt spine. Here are a few of them.
Next decide where in your home you’d like to display books. Do you have space for bookshelves, floating shelves, a fireplace mantel, windowsill, buffet table, or coffee table?
I added a shelf to the wall behind my bed in my bedroom so I could display some of my antique books. I always joke that if the weight becomes too heavy, death by books wouldn’t be so bad, right? :-)
I also have books displayed in my office, hallway, dining room, and living room. If you have a fireplace mantel, antique books look great mixed with flowers, framed art, and other keepsakes, similar to how Lory from Designthusiasm displays her books here. Be sure your books aren't too close to any flames, and only put something on top of your books if you're okay with a ring or imprint.
Books also look lovely stacked on a windowsill like this one from @honeybeemillbooks.
You can also emphasize the beauty of your antique books by adding some fun and unique bookends to your shelves. I love finding cool bookends at antique shops, or you can use something that you already collect. I also collect small oil lamps which make charming bookends.
I also love this narrow bookshelf I have in my office with vibrant floral bookends. This one displays books I have for sale in my shop.
Or look at these cool dog bookends I found! I have these books sitting on top of my little electric fireplace in my office. Once you start browsing thrift or antique shops, you’ll find many options to spruce up your book decor.
If you don’t care about the titles of your books or want something with a neutral palette, another great way to display old books is to remove the spines or turn them around. I love how Karen from @pieandpicketfences displays her books next to my word art in her guest bedroom. You can usually find cheap old books like this at a flea market, thrift shop, or garage sale.
Seasonal displays are also fun. Look for spaces to stack holiday-themed books.
Or showcase a special piece of art like this quote print from my shop—perfect for fall and winter!
In addition to an antique book being a great engagement, wedding, or anniversary gift, they also make stunning table centerpieces or photo props for events.
For a wedding reception, you could make table centerpieces using antique books. Pick titles related to things you and your fiancé love or places you’ve traveled. Add some candles and flowers and you have a beautiful focal point for your tables.
Antique books also look great in stylized wedding photos. Just look at the book Amy from @amyhuang.photos bought from my shop and used in one of her photoshoots.
Experiment with different displays in your home or at your event until you find a look that feels personal and inspiring. If you’re looking for the latest treasure to add to your collection, browse my shop for beautiful antique and vintage books.
With love,
Alison Rose
Social media: @alisonrosevintage
Shop: alisonrosevintage.com
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