Vintage Books: Awesome Ways to Display Your Collections
In this post: If you love vintage books but don’t know how to display your collections, check out these awesome ideas for decorating with antique books.⇒
I’ll never forget the first vintage book I bought.
It’s an odd decision buying that first antique book. Do you buy just one? It’s not really the kind of thing that makes an impact by itself. Old books make a statement in numbers.
If you collect old books, you know what I’m talking about. While not terribly expensive, buying a stack can add up quickly.
For years I’d been frequenting antique markets, but inevitably my budget would be allocated to other things, like a beautiful silver piece or something large like a mirror or side table.
(See resource list below.)
Yet I craved the balance in my home that vintage books provide, adding a note of gravitas to my frilly florals and gilding.
So I finally took the plunge.
Some people buy books solely for the way they look, but I love books too much to ignore the titles. This makes the hunt a bit more challenging but all the more triumphant when you find an item you want!
For this reason, I tend to look for books that are both beautifully aged, as well as titles that suit my literary taste and interests.
And if they carry a personal inscription, all the better. I love to imagine what the original owners were like.
So, my first few purchases you can see above. I found them in one of my favorite markets in London, and they include a 2 volume set of works by Molière, written in French, bien sur. How could I not get them? The other, a collection of poems by Longfellow, was technically my first purchase, as the market is made up of various stalls.
I keep the books scattered about my house, on shelves and desks and the odd tabletop. But when styling a mantel with back-to-school in mind, they were an obvious choice to mix in with more feminine bits.
As my collection grows, I’ll be sure to share more, as this is the kind of thing you can collect and display in infinite ways!
Vintage Books Source List
To get the look, click on the items below for direct links to the products. Where actual items were no longer available, I’ve provided many similar options. If an item is out of stock but will be restocked, I left it on the list.
(This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.)
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I love books. I am downsizing to a smaller home. My biggest problem is where to put all my books. My kindle is full but I have always loved holding a book rereading them. Enjoy your ideas on decorating with them.
I agree. I think they have a beauty all their own… 🙂
Just beautiful! Loved how you styled your vignettes with books!
Thanks so much, Brenda!
Oh dear, so beautiful and I will try very hard to forget I saw these photos 🙂 I have a little problem with books, we have so very many. They are everywhere here. The whole lower level is a library. and there are lots in other rooms. I love books so much and have no regrets! (I even wrote one) Still…probably better not to develop another obsession! I do use them as decor as well. Lovely though….and your teapot is pretty too.
Thanks! And good for you that you have books throughout your home!! They’re beautiful… 🙂
The birdcage “library” is beautiful and genius!!
My kindergarten teacher wrote on my report card: “She loves books!” That has been true all of my life and I love your displays of books. They add so much texture and a respect for history and the written word to a home. The books in the bird cage are adorable. That’s the first time I’ve seen a bird cage used in that way. It is delightful.
Thanks, Jolene! I agree a love of books becomes its own reward… 🙂 Why not decorate with them in unusual ways?