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If you’re like most people, you have a few old books laying around your house that you’re not quite sure what to do with. Here are 10 creative ideas for what to do with those old books!
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Repurpose them as home decor
One of the most popular things to do with old books is to repurpose them as home decor. There are a number of ways to do this, from using them as bookends to creating a coffee table display. If you’re feeling really creative, you can even turn them into a piece of art.
Here are 10 ideas for repurposing old books as home decor:
1. Use them as bookends.
2. Create a coffee table display.
3. Turn them into a piece of art.
4. Make a lampshade.
5. Decorate a picture frame.
6. Cover a bulletin board.
7. Line drawers or shelves.
8. Wrap gifts in them.
9. Make coasters or trivets.
10. Use them as paperweights
Donate them to a local library or school
One great way to get rid of old books is to donate them to a local library or school. This is a great option if you have a lot of gently used books that you no longer want. Most libraries and schools are always happy to receive book donations.
Use them as a photo prop
One of the simplest ways to make use of an old book is to prop it open and use it as a decoration. This is especially effective if the book is particularly large or has an intricate binding. You can place it on a coffee table, shelf, or mantlepiece. If you have a collection of old books, you can display them all together for even more impact.
Create a coffee table book
If you have a large coffee table or an unused bookshelf, consider turning old books into a coffee table book. You can stack them horizontally or vertically, depending on the look you’re going for. If you want to add some color to the room, consider painting the spines of the books before stacking them.
Make a book wreath
Make a book wreath for your front door for some old-school holiday cheer. You can cover the entire wreath in pages from an old book, or use other materials like wrapping paper or ribbon to add some color and pattern. Either way, it’s a unique way to decorate your home for the holidays.
Turn them into a lamp
Have an old book that’s seen better days? Instead of throwing it away or leaving it to gather dust on a shelf, repurpose it into something new and unique! Here are ten creative ideas for what to do with old books.
One popular idea is to turn them into a lamp. All you need is a book, a lamp kit, and some basic tools. Simply remove the pages from the book (being careful not to damage the spine), then use the cover and binding to create a base for your lampshade.attach the lamp kit according to the instructions, and you’re finished!
Another fun idea is to make a secret hidden compartment inside an old book. This can be great for hiding small valuables or mementos that you want to keep safe. First, choose a book that’s big enough to accommodate whatever you want to hide. Then, using a sharp knife or razor blade, carefully cut out a rectangular section from the center of the pages. Be sure not to cut too deeply or you could damage the binding! Once you’ve created your hidden compartment, simply replace the cover and enjoy your new secret spot.
Make a paperweight
If you have a heavy book that you’re no longer reading, consider repurposing it as a paperweight! This is a great way to add some character to your office or workspace. To make a paperweight, simply open the book to any page in the middle and place a piece of tape over the center. Then, use a sharp knife to cut along the edge of the book, being careful not to cut yourself. Once you’ve cut all the way around, remove the tape and voila! You have a unique paperweight that will keep your papers from blowing away on windy days.
Make a book purse
One way to recycle an old book is to make a book purse. All you need is a book, scissors, and a hot glue gun. First, cut two rectangles out of the front and back covers of the book. These will be the sides of your purse. Then, cut a strip off the spine of the book. This will be the bottom of your purse. Hot glue the three pieces together so that you have a rectangular shaped purse with an open top. If you want, you can paint or decorate your purse with other materials.
Make a book mobile
One of the most popular things to do with old books is to create a book mobile. This is a very creative way to repurpose old books and add some character to your home. To make a book mobile, you will need:
-5-10 old books
-Scissors
-String or twine
-A hanger
Instructions:
1. Start by cutting out the covers of the books. You can also remove the pages if you want, but this is not necessary.
2. Make a hole in the center of each book cover.
3. String the covers onto the hanger, spacing them out evenly.
4. Hang your book mobile from the ceiling or in a window.
Use them as a plant stand
One great way to breathe new life into old books is to use them as a plant stand. This can work especially well for hardcover books with large spines. Simply stack a few books of varying sizes and heights to create a sturdy base, then place your potted plant on top. You can even use vintage book pages as wrapping paper for your plants!
