Have you ever walked through a Restoration Hardware store and just enjoyed the clean, open simplicity of it all? Talk about a peaceful, relaxing, rich space. Oh my! I literally like everything in there!
Anyway, my budget doesn’t allow for me to buy everything I see, so after being inspired, I set out to try to duplicate some of the things I thought I could do.
One of those things was their decorative display books. I also appreciate the harmony of their clean monotone colors. Everything coordinates.
Additionally, I like how they use books to add some visual interest, texture, and height to their displays.
Some of their books are large coffee table sized books, hidden box style, and some are with the covers removed and tied in a bundle.
Although I like all of these styles, I decided for this occasion, that I wanted to just paint the books white.
Where To Find Books
One could simply use existing books you already own or hit up a thrift store and see what you can find that’s suitable.
I wanted to have clothbound books to give it more of an older classic vibe. I also wanted the books to be a little thicker. Picking out the style of books to use is definitely an important step.
Well, the day I got this bug in my button, I went to my local library, in the pouring rain no less, as they have a little area where they sell discontinued books.
I went through the shelves looking for the biggest books that also had cloth binding. Many of these books were covered in paper dust covers, so take a peek underneath when you’re looking.
I wasn’t as particular about the titles of the books, but I did look at them to see if when they were painted, they would still look good.
I ended up getting a bag of books for $13. The price of the books at my library were a dollar or two each, for hardcovers.
Anyway, I didn’t want to paint any of my current book collection as I still found value in picking them up every so often. This was the perfect win-win for me to have books for decorations and still keep my collection of books intact.
Where To Begin
After I brought these books home, I had to wait for a day with nice weather. I removed all of the dust covers and set up an area outside for painting. I have a little table that’s quick to set up, and works perfect for this type of thing. I then covered it with plastic to protect the surface area and made sure I wasn’t close to anything that could be damaged from overspray. Cardboard or a tarp work equally as well.
My hubby is actually a really good spray painter so I asked him to do the job. Thankfully, he’s a pretty good sport, so he obliged.
Speaking of weather, It’s a good idea to pick a day that has no wind, with the temperature between 60 and 90 degrees and not a lot of debris flying or falling through the air.
We’ve had a few things like leaves or sticks fall on our items that are in the process of being painted and it can cause a blemish.
We chose to use a spray paint, but this can be done with almost any kind of paint including chalk paint or latex. Spray paint also comes in a variety of sheens so pick according to your desired look: flat or shiny. Adding a little finishing wax after they are dry can give more depth and an aged appearance, if you’re going after that look.
Sometimes using a paint brush can leave brush marks but if you’re using cloth binding it doesn’t show that much anyway, we just chose to use spray paint, hence, no streaks.
Of course with painting you have to do each side and allow it to dry before you flip it over. You also need to make sure you’re looking at it from different angles so that you have good coverage in every direction.
If you flip the books over before they are fully dry they can stick to the protective surface and leave a blemish too. Note: I learned this from experience.
At the end of the day, these don’t need to be painted perfectly. Displaying them can be adjusted to hide any blemishes. You can add an object on top or near to hide any imperfections.
Once they were done drying I decided where I wanted to put them, and how I wanted to use them.
Placement
Determining where to put them and how to layer them, is the fun part. I personally like to use them stacked on top of each other, to give some height, for displaying other decorative things.
I also like to use them on bookshelves and buffets for visual interest and texture.
I like to keep the colors harmonious in the surrounding areas or so that they are not distracting but more complementary to each other. Notice I matched up the silver frame with the decorations.
Versatility
Not only can these be used in a variety of places and for years to come, you can change things up seasonally, or as the mood dictates.
If you end up moving to a new home, they are so versatile, they work and bring beauty almost anywhere.
I have seen these displayed with just two books together, or with an entire bookshelf. Both methods and everything in between always look nice.
Displaying
When I am displaying these, I do try to face the bindings out, as well as having the lettering right side up.
Sometimes the backside of the finished book looks nicer, so I’m tempted to put the book facing in that direction. Having the page side out looks nice too, as long as it’s done consistently with that portion of the vignette.
When I am setting my books up, sometimes I like to have them stacked directly on top of each other, sometimes I like to have them a little cockeyed from one another. I think both ways look nice.
When I’m setting objects on top of them, I prefer to not have too much overhang. I prefer it to be like a stand or platform for the item of interest.
Library Style
In a living room, having a bunch of multicolored books can look cluttered, unless it’s in a library style room, of course.
My dad had a library room and his bookshelves were displayed somewhat messy, but in a very creative way. To this day it is my most favorite library display I have ever seen!
I wished I had taken photos of it but I have none, so I have to go by memory.
I have a little library area in my office. I have tried to style it in this way, throwing in little trinkets and eye catching things along the way. I like to lay some books on their side, lean them, or just display them in different directions. Plus, I have too many books to fit in perfectly.
Some people like to display books by color or size. I still tend to place the books in a way where I know how to find them. I separate them into categories like a library would: Cooking, Inspirational, Series, Dictionaries, Writing, etc.
This is a completely different look, but still serves a useful purpose. I love having this as a separate space.
Purchasing
If you are not into doing your own crafts and repurposing your own things, you can always purchase books with this look. There are many crafters who sell things like this on Etsy.
Sometimes we’re not personally ready to take on a big project, but have the time to take on a small or rewarding upgrade. This is one of those things.
Pretty quick, easy, and low cost. If it doesn’t turn out perfectly, no big deal. It was fun anyway!
I hope you’re ready to go dig around, find some books to repurpose, or rearrange your current bookshelves. Hoping you have been inspired for a restyling of your space!
An added benefit: this is a great, low cost, method if you are ever staging your house to sell. Keeping it simple, clean, and non-distracting. Happy decorating!
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