9 DIY Projects Made From Old Books | Art Of Upcycling

Old books are magical, not to mention they look absolutely fantastic in a rustic home decor scenario!

RELATED: DIY Hidden Storage in Old Books | DIY Storage Ideas

In this article:

1. Make a Book Clutch
2. Make a Book Table Top Lamp
3. Repurposed Book Coat Rack
4. Create a Secret Hiding Place Out of a Book
5. Recycled Book Shelving Unit
6. Make a DIY Quote with Old Book Pages
7. Create a DIY Book Headboard
8. Book Page Covered File Cabinet
9. Book Page Ornaments

How to Upcycle Old Books for Art and Decor

Old Books Craft Ideas

Collecting classic literature has always been a favorite pastime. If you crave the tattered, loved, barely-bound spine to their fragmented pages that smell of decaying cedar, we know this project is for you.

Cancel the “old books disposal.” If your books aren’t being put to good use anymore, you might want to think twice about just chucking them.

There are many beautiful furniture pieces you can make by up-cycling.

Check out these lovely pieces of old books art and decor. We know you’ll just adore the way they fit nicely into your already-chic decor.

You will have a happy little home, indeed. Upcycling is a great DIY project that we just love!

1. Make a Book Clutch

Turn an old book into a clutch. In just a few simple steps you can have your books with you, wherever you go! Whether you’re reading them or not.

Click here for the full book clutch tutorial.

Click to watch: 

2. Make a Book Table Top Lamp

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This idea looks like it may be hard, but fear not! It’s quite simple.

All you need to know is how to rewire a lamp or pick up a Pre Threaded Socket) from Amazon, Ikea, or other places with lighting accessories. Check out many more awesome DIY projects using old books by following this link.

3. Repurposed Book Coat Rack

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Check out this repurposed coat rack made from using books. The writer of this blog describes her love for old books just as we had at the beginning of this round-up.

Learn how to create the look!

4. Create a Secret Hiding Place Out of a Book

Build your own secret hiding space in your bookshelf. Take an old or unneeded book, hollow it out, mod-podge the pages shut, and you’re ready to hide!

TIP: Be sure that YOU remember which one it is. Read the full hollow book tutorial here.

RELATED: 17 Clever DIY Repurposed Furniture Ideas To Try This Summer

5. Recycled Book Shelving Unit

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Okay, this project by far takes the cake for upcycling old books. This is one of the coolest and most interesting projects for home decor.

Look at how the books sit so flush against the wall! This DIY project makes a great weekend endeavor.

6. Make a DIY Quote with Old Book Pages

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While this DIY project has been attempted several times around, this tutorial in particular far exceeds expectations. The outcome of this project is simply magnificent!

Make sure to use your favorite old book for the background text (as it’s surely going to stir conversation).

7. Create a DIY Book Headboard

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Do you dream of books? You most certainly will with this lovely headboard made from old re-purposed books.

Our DIY senses are experiencing an overload of awesome! The turnout is more perfect than watching Breakfast At Tiffany’s on a Sunday morning…followed closely by brunch in Central Park!

8. Book Page Covered File Cabinet

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Spruce up your office space with this easy DIY project made from recycling old book pages. All you need is a little Mod Podge and a little love!

Check out how it’s made by visiting the tutorial.

9. Book Page Ornaments

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Learn how to make these lovely book page ornaments by upcycling your old books. These would make great place settings for a wedding or birthday party!

Here’s a video by Deepika Attrish about interesting crafts out of old books:

That’s it for our re-purposed old books projects. As much as we’d like to think that books are just for reading, we would be sorely mistaken.

“Abused” books are great recyclables and make for great conversation pieces.

Got more recycling ideas for old books yourself? Share them with us in the comments section below!

UP NEXT:

• From Junk To Treasure | 9 DIY Projects To Repurpose Old Stuff
• 9 Superb DIY Light Fixtures From Upcycled Materials
• 8 Genius Ways to Re-purpose Your Old Tires

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on January 27, 2015, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.