Those who love to read often find
their homes overrun with old books. Rather than toss the books or give
them away, some people continue to pack and stack books in closets,
corners, boxes and in every inch of free space. The good news is that
book lovers can turn books into gifts and even useful household
accessories that become showpieces or conversation starters. These
newfound treasures can be used in the home, office or dorm.
Uses for poetry and picture books
Books that contain black and white or color photos can be recycled into gifts or accessories. For example, pages can be removed from a book of poetry and framed to create keepsakes for friends. Poems can also be framed and grouped to make an interesting wall accessory for an office or other room. Likewise, both color and black-and-white photo pages can be removed from books, framed and used as pictures.
Turn books into home furnishings
Books that are no longer used can be stacked to create interesting home furnishings. The key is to decide whether the pieces will be permanent or temporary. If the structure is to be permanent, a sturdy glue can be placed between books to hold the stacks together. They can also be stacked to create a base for a coffee table. Once the stacks are even, a piece of plexiglass or glass with smooth rounded edges can be placed on top of the books to create a see through tabletop. Of course this type of table would work best in a home where there are not small children since the top would not be attached to the book base.
Another use for books is to stack them on top of one another to create a sofa "table," or "table" that can be placed against a wall or in front of a window. This application involves stacking the books horizontally one on top of the other so that they resemble flat stones or bricks. Once the top of the structure is even, a piece of plywood, cut to fit could be laid across the top to create a surface that could hold plants, lamps, framed photos or other items.
Individual books can also be used to create small shelves to hold decorative items. Purchase two wood or metal shelf brackets sturdy enough to hold each one. For each book that will be used, fasten two brackets to the wall with enough distance between them to balance and balance them in place. Place the book on top of the brackets and the result is a shelf that can hold a vase, framed photo or other item. If larger books are used, choose larger brackets.
Use books to add height to a buffet table
Books may be used in a variety of ways to add height to other items. Big thick, sturdy ones such as coffee table-style books can be stacked under a lamp to add height. They can also be stacked at different heights to give a buffet table interest. This can work well for serving lighter fare like finger foods. Wide, thick, books work best or smaller ones can be pushed together and stacked to create a sturdy base. Drape and shape tablecloths over stacked books and place serving trays on top.
Use books to refinish furniture and other items
Decoupage is always in style. Using book pages and decoupage medium is an inexpensive and easy way to give new life to tired looking furniture. A beat up tabletop can be covered with decoupaged book pages and sealed with polyurethane and given new life.
Uses for poetry and picture books
Books that contain black and white or color photos can be recycled into gifts or accessories. For example, pages can be removed from a book of poetry and framed to create keepsakes for friends. Poems can also be framed and grouped to make an interesting wall accessory for an office or other room. Likewise, both color and black-and-white photo pages can be removed from books, framed and used as pictures.
Turn books into home furnishings
Books that are no longer used can be stacked to create interesting home furnishings. The key is to decide whether the pieces will be permanent or temporary. If the structure is to be permanent, a sturdy glue can be placed between books to hold the stacks together. They can also be stacked to create a base for a coffee table. Once the stacks are even, a piece of plexiglass or glass with smooth rounded edges can be placed on top of the books to create a see through tabletop. Of course this type of table would work best in a home where there are not small children since the top would not be attached to the book base.
Another use for books is to stack them on top of one another to create a sofa "table," or "table" that can be placed against a wall or in front of a window. This application involves stacking the books horizontally one on top of the other so that they resemble flat stones or bricks. Once the top of the structure is even, a piece of plywood, cut to fit could be laid across the top to create a surface that could hold plants, lamps, framed photos or other items.
Individual books can also be used to create small shelves to hold decorative items. Purchase two wood or metal shelf brackets sturdy enough to hold each one. For each book that will be used, fasten two brackets to the wall with enough distance between them to balance and balance them in place. Place the book on top of the brackets and the result is a shelf that can hold a vase, framed photo or other item. If larger books are used, choose larger brackets.
Use books to add height to a buffet table
Books may be used in a variety of ways to add height to other items. Big thick, sturdy ones such as coffee table-style books can be stacked under a lamp to add height. They can also be stacked at different heights to give a buffet table interest. This can work well for serving lighter fare like finger foods. Wide, thick, books work best or smaller ones can be pushed together and stacked to create a sturdy base. Drape and shape tablecloths over stacked books and place serving trays on top.
Use books to refinish furniture and other items
Decoupage is always in style. Using book pages and decoupage medium is an inexpensive and easy way to give new life to tired looking furniture. A beat up tabletop can be covered with decoupaged book pages and sealed with polyurethane and given new life.
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