Guest post: New uses for old books

I always make it a point to spend some time in the book section of my local Goodwill. Not because I’m an avid reader (I have three small kids–the days of reading for pleasure are out the window. . . ), but because there may be something beautiful just waiting to be hung on my wall.

Framing book pages as art isn’t a new idea, but the possibilities are endless, especially when it comes to using children’s books.

image via Mama Maker

Children’s books are colorful, heavily illustrated and a great way to preserve a favorite childhood story.

Pure Style Home (Lauren Liess Interiors)

Old comic books are another fun alternative, if you’re looking to add some whimsy to a space:

Etsy seller Studio1212

Books don’t necessarily have to be illustrated to look great on your wall. Use a printed page instead of a traditional mat:

Woman’s Day

Lots of people are also using old book pages (dictionaries work great!) to print images over the text:

And, if you want to take it a step farther, this designer “wallpapered” an entire wall with vintage book pages:

A Well Dressed Home

And, finally, book pages don’t even have to be used in a frame to become beautiful art. This is one example of a pretty wreath made out of vintage pages.

French Fleur De Lis Vintage Book Wreath - Shabby Chic Spring Wedding Decor

Etsy seller SimpleJoysPaperie

-Emily A. Clark

Stop by our Contributors page for more about Emily, or or read her other posts here.

5 responses to “Guest post: New uses for old books”

Helena says:

March 29, 2011 at 8:27 am

Love it! I’ve framed old maps as well – it doesn’t always matter where they are from, they look cool in a collection!

Reply
1. goodwillsp says:
  
  March 29, 2011 at 8:32 am
  
  Thanks, Helena! We love it too. 🙂
  
  ~Aleigh at Goodwill
  
  Reply
lakeitha Duncan says:

March 29, 2011 at 8:59 am

Great idea! I have done this with an old bontanicals book. I took out the flowers that worked with my color scheme and framed them. Easy art for sure!

Reply
1. goodwillsp says:
  
  March 29, 2011 at 9:06 am
  
  Great idea, Lakeitha! That sounds lovely.
  
  ~Aleigh at Goodwill
  
  Reply
Carol@TheDesignPages says:

March 29, 2011 at 1:50 pm

I LOVE the idea of printing on old pages from a dictionary. Awesome ideas Emily.

Reply