Books affect each and every one of us in so many ways.
Whether they be of a source of learning, vast resources,
or a wonderful source of entertaining.
I find books enhance our lives and also our decor, especially in my home.
I love searching for great antique or vintage books
of a great author or just ones that are just beautiful in appearance.
Like the antique Charles Dickens books above or the vintage atlas books that
I love to collect. I find them fascinating and beautiful.
You will find books tucked into many things in my home,
such as this sweet vintage wooden case with the French chicken stickers.
Or tucked into a basket, like this vintage French wine bottle picnic basket.
How about tucking in some books into a vintage ironstone foot bath?
I, like many of you, use great books to elevate items
for a more interesting effect of varying heights, integral for a great table vignette.
Need to make a lamp taller?
Put it on a stack of pretty books that coordinate with the lamp.
A book can set the tone, like these vintage French books.
Books can be positioned in many different ways.
Like the traditional way of standing upright.
Or laid flat on a surface with its beautiful cover front and center,
helping to showcase an item.
Speaking of showcasing, I leave you with one of my favorite pitchers
filled with flowers sitting on top of some of my favorite books!
A favorite combination.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Hope it is a great one for you!
Have you read any great books lately?


I love decorating with books and looking at the pictures in design books, but I am not a reader like my mom and daughter. That gene skipped me.
Kim’s recent post…Oh, Yes I Did
I wish I had more time to read a great book. My son works 24/7 and still manages to read a few books a month.
Shirley’s recent post…Books – An Integral Part of Our Lives and Decor
Books add so much to any home, they make it seem welcoming, they make it cosy and they say so much about the people who live there. Living in France, I was so happy to see so many books about French design on your shelves! Despite our near dependence on Internet and everything digital books will never go out of style. Have a lovely weekend
Great inspiration! You have created a lot of nice displays with the use of books. I should do more of this! Have a wonderful weekend!
Liz @ Infuse With Liz’s recent post…A Cottage-like St. Patrick’s Day Setting
Just finished “The Nightingalr”… A great book. Put it on your must read list.
These are all beautiful examples of using your books! I love those pears; and that picture of your husband and granddaughter is just darling:) Thank you for the inspiration!
cindy’s recent post…Her Last Stampede…
Hi Shirley, Your vignettes using books is beautiful. I love them too and use them throughout our home. Vintage and new add so much charm. I have many of the same books you are showing here in your photos. I also love to use certain book colors when displaying. Your home is so filled with charm and a welcoming inspiration. Thanks for sharing, xo
I love books and am always looking for new titles both fiction and non-fiction. You have given me more ideas for decorating with them – all are great ideas. Thank you
I agree with you Shirley, books are wonderful to use in decorating. All of your vignettes are just lovely. Have a great weekend. Sheila
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Just beautiful…as always!
I LOVE that filigree, white pear!
gorgeous ways to display special books, and that bouquet of flowers is magnificent.
I love the way you display your books in pretty vignettes…..
I love using books in my décor too. We have many of the same books!
Penny at the Comforts of Home’s recent post…New Kitchen Back Splash Reveal
You have some very unique ways of using books. I normally only use them for height, but you have me thinking now 🙂 Have a great weekend.
Dawn’s recent post…Kitchen Nook
What is that gorgeous plant in a footed bowl/vase? I love books to read and to decorate with too.
Hi Shirley, I really enjoyed your post today about books. They are near and dear to my heart and I especially love vintage books. How many people have read this book and what did they learn from it. They stand the test of time. xx Jo
I am a reader but have not read a book in months. I need to get back to it. I will in the summer. I love how you use books in your decor. I have used a few but not many. Have a beautiful weekend. I think ours will be quiet.
Pinky at designs by pinky’s recent post…Spring/Easter Mantle and Hearth
PS, forgot to tell you, for some reason you are not showing up on my blogroll. Don’t know what happened….
Pinky at designs by pinky’s recent post…Spring/Easter Mantle and Hearth
Pretty Shirley! I’ve always admired the handsome bindings of your Dickens books and I’m smitten with your sweet vintage wooden case with the French chicken stickers! Enjoy your weekend. ♥
Mary’s recent post…In the Potting Shed: Growing a Vintage Seed Box!
I really liked this post and all the ways you’ve used books. Wonderful examples.
Very nice use of books… I should try it some time… Looks pretty…
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You are so right! Books are wonderful! I wish I had more time to read!
Happy day!
karianne
I love the creative ways you decorate with books. Especially the chicken wire case and the foot bath! We have the same decorating books! I just wish I could be as inspired by them as you! LOVE your designs!
Yvonne @ StoneGable’s recent post…EGGS AND BLOOMS EASTER TABLE
Shirley, I share your love for books! I am an avid reader, so my collection continues to grow! I use them all over my house, just like you do! Each vignette was perfect, and I spotted many books that I also have!
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