Do you enjoy old books? Vintage books can easily be found at the thrift store. Want to learn to create your old books? Let’s look at our full tutorial to DIY antique books in minutes an easy DIY for vintage home decor. Learn a great way to give the edges of new book pages the look of vintage books to decorate your home.

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How Do You Make Book Pages Look Old?

A great way to make book pages look old is to crumple the pages of the book. Another option to make book pages look old is to create folded sections on the pages. This is a great way to create a worn vintage look and make the book look like it has seen better days.

Why Create Your Own Antique Books?

There could be several reasons why someone might want to create the look of old books:

• Easy DIY Books: Some people may prefer the look of older books and want to create their own antique books to add to their home decor. The best thing is it’s an easy DIY full tutorial to achieve this without extra cost.
• Repurposing: DIY antique books allow for customization of your own antique books. This may be important for someone who enjoys repurposing pieces and giving them new life. The best thing it keeps a stack of books from the compost heap.
• Crafts: The best thing about making your own antique books it’s an easy DIY that can be finished quickly with minimal craft supplies. Think about using hardcover books and book pages removed from the book spine. If you remove the book covers and give the book pages a vintage appearance think about adding a ribbon and a little flower. This is a cute idea to add with some of your favorite books in different sizes to create a pretty vignette on a coffee table or console table.

Where To Find Older Books To Add To Home Decor

Where You Can Find Books To Use In Decor

There are many places to find hardcover books in different sizes and different colors. Some of the best places to find older books are yard sales, garage sales, and the thrift store.

NJ isn’t the best area for finding items when thrifting, however, when it comes to books at the local thrift store they are usually filled to the brim. One of my favorite books I found at a thrift store is a thin pretty green color of shorts from Edgar Allen Poe. The spine of the book is worn, definitely seen better days and that’s the best part about finding this gem. Now, that’s a pretty neat book to find, do you agree? I’m sure the book is not worth anything but I think it is a great find.

I have found quite a few older books the best thing is these only cost a little money. I’m not kidding the most I paid for old books is $3 when searching our local thrift store, yard, or garage sales.

Vintage Books I Have In My Collection

Different Size Books We Have In Our Home

I do have one set of books from France, I splurged because I was looking for colorful covers in different sizes in the different colors of pink. So, when I saw these books I snapped them up quickly. I share a few photos below and the different colors of pink and different sizes, are so pretty. 

My favorite books are small Shakespeare sonnets which are very special in our home. The best thing is the old books were my father-in-law’s and date back to 1838. The book covers and the edges on each spine of the book have tattered edges and the book pages have creases and wrinkles that let us know these books were well-loved. I have added these old books to our home decor as a stack of books with trees and greens for different seasons. He was also a big book lover and so is my husband.

The books I’m using to create my own antique books are some of my husband’s favorite books he’s finally read. He was determined to read all the classics. Good thing for me because this easy DIY had no extra cost. I love it when this happens, how about you?

This is why I decided to make vintage books from hardcover books that have no extra cost, can we say FREE, which is the best part. Who doesn’t love saving money, right?

Supplies Needed:

• hardcover books or paperback books (paperback books I suggest removing the book covers)
• 2 stencil brushes or sponge brush
• clear wax and dark
• lint-free rag I use these religiously or paper towel

My Full Tutorial To Make a Book Look Old

Step 1: Give A Book New Life For Vintage Decor

I am using Annie Sloan clear wax and Maison Blanch dark wax to make books that have seen better days. However, Magnolia Home makes dark and clear wax for this easy DIY. Waxes are an easy way to age book pages giving new books a vintage look and it’s available at Lowes.

Normally when waxing furniture, I use a large waxing brush. However, I’m using a soft stencil brush for easier application. You can even use a sponge brush if you have it on hand.

Clear And Dark Wax To The Edge Of The Pages

Step 2: An Easy Way To Age Books Using Furniture Wax

For the first step add clear wax to the books using a stencil brush. When applying the waxes use light strokes and thin coats.

Pro Tip: When using dark wax it’s important to apply clear wax first. This is a great way to keep the darker wax from looking too heavy.

Also, try to keep the book covers away from book pages when applying the clear and dark wax.

After adding the clear wax to the top of the books add it to the sides of the book pages. Now add a small amount of dark wax to the book pages using another stencil brush using light strokes. This is a great way to avoid applying too much wax.

Now, begin blending the dark wax. This is the fun part and makes these hardcover books look like vintage-looking books you discovered while thrifting or visiting yard sales that have seen better days.

Rub In Wax

Step 3: Rub Wax With Paper Towel

Next, use a rag or paper towel and rub the dark wax. This step is important to avoid having sticky wax. That’s it, and you have DIY antique books in minutes to add to your home decor. If you want to take your vintage looking books a step further, feel free to add the wax to the inside of the cover. Make sure to rub the wax well to avoid the wax from becoming sticky.   

Pro Tip: Raw umber craft paint will also work to add age to book pages. However, for this process, I recommend using a drybrush technique or adding a little bit of water to keep the paint moving. Also, too much water may wrinkle the book pages The good thing about raw umber is it’s a good color to use when applying an aging process to anything because it has a little bit of a green undertone.

Books For Vintage Decor

Stagger Books Or Stacked Books In Home Decorating

A great way to use vintage books use a single book or book stacks as pedestals. This gives pieces different heights and the books immediately add a vintage look to any vignette.

Another great idea is adding these old books to bookcases and bookshelves. When I add vintage books to shelves I like to stagger the direction of the books. Sometimes I show the pages instead of the spine of the book. I also, like to have some books stand while others are a stack of books. This adds dimension and interest. Also, when adding old books, I will use a book underneath dishes or pitchers that are often filled with dried lavender or another little flower this makes these pieces feel grounded. Doing this adds instant charm to the smallest vignette in any room.

For another cute idea how about adding a stack of books to a tray on a coffee table? Adding older books with a small vase or pitcher filled with fresh or fake flowers is a great idea.

Below are some of my favorite pieces found thrifting including the large urn. Can you believe this resin urn was broken? I share an easy way to fix pieces like this with an easy full tutorial. So, if you see a great resin urn at garage sales, yard, estate sales, or your thrift store don’t leave it. Pin this in case you need an easy way to fix it you have it at your fingertips.

Aging Paperback Books

Pro Tip: If you are going to tea stain book pages to have a vintage look, remove the book pages from the book covers. This is a great way to add a vintage look to any paperback books you may find at your local thrift store, garage, yard, or estate sales.

Supplies List:

• paperback books (book covers removed)
• a bowl of strong dark tea or dark coffee (completely cool)
• sponge brush
• parchment paper
• paper towel
• baking sheet

Create This Easy DIY Today!

Transform Your Space with DIY Antique Books! 

• Want to give your home a touch of vintage charm? Dive into our easy DIY tutorial and learn how to transform ordinary books into stunning antique books in just minutes. Elevate your home decor effortlessly! 

Join the DIY Fun – Create Your Own Antique Books! 

• Whether you love the rustic look of old books or enjoy crafting for your decor, our full tutorial is perfect for you. Discover an easy way to repurpose, and customize your own antique books, and breathe new life into your space. Start your DIY adventure now! 

Decorate with Distinctive Style: DIY Antique Books Unleashed! 

• Unleash your creativity and add charm to your home decor with this easy DIY. Learn the art of aging book pages, and a waxing technique, and turn your favorite books into vintage treasures. Dive into our tutorial and craft your way to a charming living space! 

Conclusion:

I share a full tutorial on tea staining fabric. To tea stain book pages make sure the tea or coffee is completely cool. For a full tutorial to stain book pages The Crowned Goat shares great details to add a vintage look to book pages from paperback books. These look beautiful tied with twine or ribbon. Add a dried little flower for an instant whimsical and romantic look.

I hope you enjoyed this easy DIY to create your own antique books in minutes and use them to add a vintage look to your home decor. Do you enjoy decorating with books? Do you use books in your home? I’d enjoy reading if you add books to your home in the comments. Pinning this is a great idea for when you visit a thrift store, garage, or yard sale and for books you can add to your home. This easy DIY will be at your fingertips to help you accomplish the look with ease!

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