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| HOW TO DECORATE WITH YOUR BOOKS |
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When I walk into a home that contains many books, I always get a cozy, comfortable feeling. I'm not sure what it is about books, exactly, that makes a space a little warmer, a little more "homey," but they always seem to do it. Book collections also tell a lot about their owners. In keeping with my antique-inspired cottage theme, my book collection consists of battered old (but not valuable) volumes of Shakespeare and Dickens' tales. Not only are they wonderful to read, but they're wonderful to look at. So if you have books in your home, why not take them off the bookshelves, dust them off, and put them to good use? Here are some ways to use books to decorate: Stack up large books on the floor and place a piece of glass or wood on top to create a small side table. Place small book stacks of varying heights on a table. Place framed photos, candlesticks, or other items on top of and around the books and you can achieve perfect height and balance. On an ottoman or coffee table, set out trays or baskets holding books so visitors can browse through them. This is especially nice if you have antique volumes, art books, or rare editions to share with your guests. Warning: If you're a devout bibliophile, my next suggestion might turn your stomach. If not, try this project: Hit a flea market or some yard sales. Pick a variety of books, preferably some with pictures. Get out your trusty utility knife and try the following: Cut out pages and use them to "wallpaper walls" or sections of walls by applying spray adhesive to the back of each page. If this is just too daring for you, try wallpapering an inexpensive section of wood (such as paneling) and propping it behind a desk. Remove pages and "wallpaper" the back of a bookcase. Use pages to decorate picture frames and bulletin boards. Decorate an old desk by gluing and decoupaging print and graphics pages; then add a polyurethane finish or a glass top to protect it and make it more usable. |
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