Creative ways to decorate with books

A collection of books has the ability to transform a house into a home by adding a lived-in feel to a space.

Here are some creative and unique book display ideas to inspire you, whether you're an avid reader running out of space to store your never-ending book collection, or just need a practical solution to display a few loved titles.

Start small

A few books by your bedside table, together with candles and a night lamp create a cosy feel in your bedroom. It's also a gentle reminder to unwind with books, rather than in front of a screen before bed.

Character display

Interspersed with plants and knick knacks, a few favourite reads are a great way of showing off your personality. Play around with quirky titles and covers.

Make a statement

A stack of vintage titles, such as this beautiful Shakespeare collection, don't just fit in with the decor of an opulent home; they become a focal point.

Bright idea

A variety of books in different colours may look messy if you have a neutral decor palette, so why not embrace the colour? Paint the back of a shelf bright pink (or green or blue or yellow!) for a bold look.

Read up

Not every home can accommodate floor to ceiling bookshelves. Create extra space for your book collection by adding floating shelves above couches and beds.

Stack 'em up

If you don't have a shelf, create an attractive book pile and leave to stand, or use as a makeshift side table. This works better with larger books.

Hidden away

Use a display of books to hide away an unsightly decoder or router. Place the decoder in-between a stack of similarly sized books and tie up with a thick ribbon. Search second-hand stores for large, hardcover books in similar colours.

Display extremes

Create a library nook which can be concealed with sliding doors painted to match your decor. Alternatively, let your books take centre stage by turning an entire wall into a bookshelf.

Part of the furniture

Instead of a screen or standard display cabinet, use a bookshelf as a room divider. Take the books-as-furniture concept one step further and use a stack of books to support a table in place of legs.

Unexpected spaces

Instead of bed legs, one Home reader used old books instead. He also made a staircase from wood pallets that doubles up as an attractive bookshelf.

Literary kitchen

Hand write your favourite recipe and display it above a stack of your most-used cookbooks. For smaller spaces, stack books in a wooden crate together with a pot of herbs.