Old French Paperbacks – A Unique Decorating Idea!

What can you do with a 1970 paperback titled “Spirit – The Administration”? Instead of throwing it out, remove the front and back cover and turn it into a decorative touch!

Why Repurpose Old Books for Decor?

Have you ever come across an old 1970 paperback titled Spirit – The Administration and wondered what to do with it? Instead of discarding outdated books, consider repurposing them into stylish home decor! By simply removing the front and back covers, you can transform forgotten books into elegant and timeless decorative accents.

A Treasure Trove of Old French Books

One of the neighbors in our Cognac apartment, a retired constitutional lawyer, had an apartment overflowing with dusty books and legal documents from decades past. Though we never stepped inside, we saw the evidence firsthand. Over the past year, she gradually boxed up and discarded thousands of legal texts, leaving them on the common landing for anyone willing to take them.

Last week, two more large boxes appeared, piquing my curiosity. I couldn’t help but wonder: what could one do with outdated parliamentary updates from 1974 onwards when all such information is now digitally accessible? Or books like Divorce Law in the Congo (in French) or Legal Rights Among Minorities in Hungary? These were hardly in demand, yet their physical form still held a certain charm.

Removed the dusty old covers and sorted the piles by size

Step-by-Step: Turning Old Books into Chic Decor

Rather than let them go to waste, I carefully sorted through the boxes, selecting a few that had intriguing typography and well-worn pages. Then, I took a deep breath and did something that felt almost sacrilegious, I tore off their covers. But the result? A beautifully neutral, textured stack of books, tied with twine, perfect for adding a touch of vintage sophistication to shelves and coffee tables.

Here’s how you can do the same:

Select your books – Look for old books with aged, interesting pages.

Remove the covers carefully – This creates a uniform, antique look.

Wrap with twine, ribbon, or lace – Choose a material that complements your decor.

Stack and style creatively – Arrange them in groups of three or mix them with candles and vases.

Wrap with ribbon or twine and voila’ a pretty decoration! These kinds of books are all the rage and are now produced with blank pages. You don’t need to spend the money — simply find old books and make your own.

The Growing Trend of Vintage Book Decor

Books like these have become a sought-after decorative element, often sold with blank pages to mimic the aged aesthetic. But there’s no need to buy them when you can easily create your own! Whether you’re going for a minimalist, shabby chic, or rustic aesthetic, these books add character and charm to any space.

I gifted a set to one of our new owners in Paris, who laughed and said she might even attempt to read them. But mostly, she loved the way they complemented her newly decorated living space.

Give Old Books a Second Life

Next time you come across a forgotten pile of old books, consider giving them a second life as a stylish decorative statement. Who knew that outdated legal texts could become the perfect touch of French-inspired charm?