15 Genius Way to Upcycle Vintage Books

Inspirational Ideas for Upcycling old books

Are you a lover of vintage books? Or, do you simply own old literature that you hate to store, but don’t want to toss?

Me, too.

I often find myself perusing the bookshelves at vintage shops and thrift stores, searching for treasures. I’ve used them to decorate my son’s big kid room…

Big Boy Room Reveal: Decor for the Book Worm. | Five Marigolds #birchlanekids

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my privacy policy and disclosures.

and also as the occasional book prop for my photography hobby.Back To School Countdown Banner with old fashioned library cards | Five Marigolds

However, with no bookshelves to speak of, our vintage book collection has max capacity. So, what does any crafty DIY mom do? Scours the internet for ways to upcycle the books she loves.

These 15 ideas are not only clever, but totally functional. These ideas take the functionality and the beauty of hardcover books and turns them into truly remarkable, functional items.

Which one is your favorite??15 Genius Way to Upcycle Vintage Books

  1. Book Clutch Purse – I’ve been itching to make one of these because they are so adorable. I wonder if I’d be afraid to actually use it? Get the full instructions to make your own at See Kate Sew.15 Genius Way to Upcycle Vintage Books
  2. DIY Notebook – How charming is this scrappy notebook? This would make an excellent quiet book for church, road trips or rest time.  Check out even more of these sweet books over at My So Called Crafty Life. 15 Genius Way to Upcycle Vintage Books
  3. Secret Shelf Storage – This is so clever, and it looks easy enough to make, right?15 Genius Way to Upcycle Vintage Books
  4. DIY Monogram Book – I see these all over home decor boutiques, vintage shops, and even at Anthropologie! It would be super inexpensive to make yourself…with the right equipment. Get the details over at Handmade Mood15 Genius Way to Upcycle Vintage Books
  5. Book shelf – How charming is this for a girly bedroom or study?  Get the full DIY instructions over at A Piece of Rainbow15 Genius Way to Upcycle Vintage Books
  6. Book Flower Vase – While I’m not sure I can get past the lack of practicality here (paper + water = no bueno), I just might be swayed solely by the aesthetic. Wouldn’t this make the most charming centerpiece for a Shower, Book Club, or Women’s Tea? Get the details on this charming and unique book vase at Refab Diaries. 15 Genius Way to Upcycle Vintage Books
  7. Book Keepsake Box – My son and I both have a fascination with hollow books. The idea of keeping a secret in plain site is just so delicious! Store all your memories and secrets inside, presented by a beautiful book exterior. Get the details over at Better Homes and Gardens15 Genius Way to Upcycle Vintage Books
  8. Book Binding Bookmarks – Have a favorite book that’s literally falling apart at the seams? Use the binding to make these one-of-a-kind bookmarks. How beautiful would these be for gift tags?! Learn more at Crafts A La Mode.15 Genius Way to Upcycle Vintage Books
  9. Vintage Book Bunting – You know I just love a good bunting! I use them for birthday parties, room decorations, countdowns, Advent, and I still love the Comic Book Bunting we made for my son’s birthday! I just adore this precious bunting made from a vintage children’s book. Perfect for the nursery! Learn more at My So Called Crafty Life 15 Genius Way to Upcycle Vintage Books
  10. Birdhouse – I love the idea of using vintage book covers for various crafts around the house. How cute is this birdhouse assembled from a Little Golden Book?15 Genius Way to Upcycle Vintage Books
  11. Secret Storage – A sewing book turned sewing storage? Ack! So clever! This would make a darling gift for a beginning seamstress, don’t you think?
  12. Hidden cell phone charger – I’m all for anything that hides the many cords around the house. They kind of just take over, don’t they?
    15 Genius Way to Upcycle Vintage Books
  13. Scrapbook Photo Album – I adore this idea of using a vintage Cinderella book to document a child’s princess themed birthday. Oh my heart! Check out the full reveal over at Lindsay Faye.15 Genius Way to Upcycle Vintage Books
  14. Planner – I love how this project gives new life and usefulness to a vintage book cover by turning it into a beautiful planner cover. It  doesn’t look to hard to pull off, either! Get the instructions at Inspired Barn.15 Genius Way to Upcycle Vintage Books
  15. File Folder – This may be the easiest idea yet! Use your sewing machine or some trusty glue to create pocket folders in your vintage book. Store receipts, photos…anything worth saving inside. Looks like the perfect rainy day activity to do with my kids! Get more details here.15 Genius Way to Upcycle Vintage Books

There you have it – 15 genius ideas for reusing and upcycling old books. Which is your favorite?  Let me know in the comments below!

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like:

15+ GENIUS WAYS TO USE VINTAGE SHEETS

15 Brilliant uses for Vintage Sheets and Linens | Five Marigolds

VINTAGE DOLLHOUSE MAKEOVER SERIES

Vintage Dollhouse Makeover for $50 Final Reveal! | Five Marigolds

WAYS TO USE VINTAGE AFGHANS

How I make an extra $500 per month in my spare time. | Five Marigolds

 

 

6 thoughts on “15 Genius Way to Upcycle Vintage Books

  1. Paige Kline says:

    Oh my goodness! I feel so honored! The first picture under “book clutch purse” of Little Women, Great Romances and the Middesteins is from my feature in Haute Handbags magazine Fall 2015. Check out my newest purses at klinedesignutah.etsy.com

  2. Renée C. Welton says:

    These are adorable ideas! The first one I’m going to try is the book bunting. We have a new grandbaby with a “farm theme” nursery. If I can find a “Little Farm” book, I’m going to make this for him! Every one is as cute as can be. I shared the post with my family and friends. Bravo!

  3. Kristin says:

    These are all the cutest ideas! I shared your post in my Fireside Book Club Group on Facebook today so hopefully everyone will come get lots of inspiration from you!

Comments make my day!