If you’ve ever wanted to add a stylish touch to your living space without breaking the bank, then making decor books is an excellent way to do just that. Decor books are quick and easy DIY projects that let you use old books from your shelves – or garage sales – to give any room in your home a unique look and feel.
Not only can you upgrade an existing bookcase or shelf, but you also cover up any flaws, brighten up specific areas of the room, provide extra organization for trinkets or framed photos and instantly turn any place into something much warmer!
In this blog post, we will show you how to make decor books with simple materials and offer plenty of creative ideas for customizing each piece. Read on if you want to learn all about adding whimsical charm with style!
The Benefits of Making Decor Books
Making decor books offers many advantages. Not only are these projects fun and easy to make, but they’re also incredibly affordable – you can find old books at garage sales, thrift stores, or even online! And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try making your own paper-matched book covers as well.
Also, since the books can be used to cover up any flaws or imperfections in your space, you can instantly upgrade a room without having to do a lot of work. Plus, these projects let you express your creativity by adding decorative elements and choosing colors and patterns that fit perfectly with the existing decor.
Finally, making decor books is an ideal way to add organization and structure to a room, allowing small trinkets or framed photos to stand out in any setting.
Needed Tools and Materials
To make decor books, you’ll need a few basic supplies:
- Books of any size or shape (preferably hardcover)
- Cloth fabric or paper in various colors and patterns
- Glue/tape gun and glue sticks/tape
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Exacto knife
- scrapbook paper
- Optional: Ribbon, buttons, or other embellishments
10 Steps on How to Make Decor Books
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies and Books
The first step is to gather your supplies and books. Make sure to choose books that are either hardcover or at least have a sturdy spine, as this will help ensure the durability of your project. Also, select fabrics and paper that match the color scheme of the room where you’ll be displaying them.
Step 2: Measure Your Book
Next, measure your book with a ruler and mark the dimensions on your fabric or paper. You’ll want to make sure that the fabric/ paper is slightly larger than the book itself so that it covers all edges and leaves a bit of overlap.
Step 3: Cut Out Your Fabric/Paper
Using scissors, cut out the fabric or paper to the dimensions you marked out. Make sure to use sharp scissors so that you get a clean cut. It will prevent fraying or uneven edges on the fabric.
Step 4: Apply Glue/Tape to Cover
Once your fabric/paper is cut out, apply a thin layer of glue or tape along the edges of the book. Be sure not to use too much so that you don’t end up with messy creases and wrinkles.
Step 5: Place Fabric/Paper on the Book
Now it’s time to place the fabric or paper onto your book. Start by placing one edge of the fabric/paper on the spine, then slowly work around each side, pressing down firmly as you go. Make sure that all of the edges are flush and even.
Step 6: Trim Off Excess Fabric/paper
Using an exacto knife, trim the excess fabric or paper away from the edges of the book. This will help create a cleaner look and prevent any bunching or wrinkling. Trimming off excess fabric/paper will also make it easier to attach embellishments.
Step 7: Add Embellishments
Once you’ve trimmed off the excess fabric/paper, you can now add any embellishments such as ribbon, buttons, or scrapbook paper. This is an optional step, but it will give your book a more polished and finished look.
Step 8: Glue Down Embellishments
If you’re adding any embellishments, be sure to glue them down with a glue gun or tape. This will help keep them in place for years to come. Glue down the embellishments in the same way that you applied the fabric/paper – start at one edge and slowly work around each side.
Step 9: Let Dry
Once you’ve applied glue or tape to all of your embellishments, let them dry completely before moving on. This could take a few hours. Wait until your book is completely dry before attempting to move it.
Step 10: Display Your Books
Finally, you can now display your newly made decor books in any room of the house. Place them on shelves, counters, or even tables to add a personal touch and make a statement. They’re also great for covering up any flaws or imperfections in a room and adding organization and structure.
Creating decor books is a simple and budget-friendly way to personalize any room.
With the right supplies, you can easily make your own unique book covers that are sure to add a personal touch to any living space. Plus, they’re an easy project that won’t take up too much of your time and effort. Now, you can have stylish and decorative bookshelves in any room of the house.
8 Maintenance Tips
- Always keep your decor books away from direct sunlight. Too much light can cause fading of the colors, and in extreme cases, the paper may warp.
- Don’t store them in damp or humid places because this can cause mold and mildew growth. Humidity can also cause the edges of the book to become discolored.
- Store your decor books in a cool, dry place away from sources of heat. The extreme temperature will damage the covers and pages over time.
- Avoid storing your decor books in plastic bags as this can trap moisture inside and cause mold growth.
- 5. Dust your decor books regularly to prevent the accumulation of dirt and dust. Dirt damages the pages and can cause discoloration.
- If your decor books become wet, gently blot them with a dry cloth to absorb the moisture. Do not rub or wipe the wet book because it will only spread the liquid further.
- Periodically check your decor books for signs of insect infestation, such as small holes in the spine or pages. If you find any, treat them with an insecticide.
- Handle your decor books carefully to avoid tearing the pages or covers. Be especially mindful when turning the pages of antique or delicate books.
Follow these maintenance tips, and your decor books will stay in excellent condition for years to come!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Will It Cost to Make Decor Books?
The cost of making decor books will vary depending on the materials and tools you use. For example, some materials, such as paper or fabric, may be more expensive than others. Additionally, some tools, such as a binding machine, may also increase the overall cost of your project. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide how much you want to spend on making decor books.
How Long Does It Take to Make Decor Books?
The time it takes to make decor books will depend on the complexity of your project and the materials you use. If you are making a simple book, it could take as little as an hour or two.
However, if you are creating something more complex such as an intricate binding, it could take several hours or even days to complete. The more decorative elements you include, the longer it will take to finish. So, if it takes longer than expected, don’t worry! You will have a beautiful and unique decor book to show for it.
How Should I Store Decor Books?
You should store decor books in a cool, dry place away from sources of heat or moisture. Additionally, you should dust them regularly and avoid storing them in plastic bags.
If your books become wet, gently blot them with a dry cloth to absorb the moisture. Finally, if you find signs of insect infestation, treat them with an insecticide. Following these steps can help keep your decor books in excellent condition for many years to come.
Conclusion
Decor books are a great way to get ideas for your home. They can also be a source of inspiration when you’re feeling stuck. Making your own decor book is easy and only takes a few minutes. Follow this guide on how to make decor books have a smooth going.
All you need is a stack of magazines, some scissors, and a glue stick. Once you’ve gathered your supplies, simply flip through the pages of the magazine and cut out any images that catch your eye. Then, glue the images onto blank pages in another notebook or binder.
Give your decor book a title and keep it somewhere safe so you can refer to it whenever you need some inspiration.