Judging books by the covers: Embrace literature as decor
Books: They’re worth more than a good story.
Long considered treasured household items that are passed among generations, books can serve as valuable testaments of time. Even so, many homeowners may not also realize books can also be decorative elements that can dress shelves, create an interesting tableau and add a pop of color to any space.
The beauty of books is they come in all different shapes, sizes and colors at an affordable price and can help glam up your home.
Try these interesting ways to display books in your space:
1. Always select hardbound books as opposed to paperbacks. Hardbound books won’t damage as easily and will feel more luxurious.
2. Consider purchasing books on fashion. Fashion books are often reasonably priced and display festive, fun colors as part of their cover art.
3. Shop at flea markets. They are a great source of interesting books and publications.
4. Consider a monochromatic theme. Books that are all one color can make a bold statement.
5. Wrap it up! Don’t like a book’s cover or looking to incorporate a specific pattern or design? Covering books with wrapping or craft paper can be a quick fix.
6. Consider vintage. Vintage books, perhaps even from different decades or in various languages, can be fun conversation pieces.
7. Use plenty of books to dress your shelves. Shelf dressing is a popular technique in interior design that involves placing items on shelves through the creative use of vignettes. Books are an affordable, colorful and appropriate way to dress one’s shelves in a den or living room.
8. Treat books as you would any other accessory. Books can be showpieces in virtually any room of the home, from the living room to a bedroom, den or entry area.
9. Embrace color. While black and white can be an interesting color combination, bold colors can also create an edgy design element.