15 Creative DIY Projects Featuring Recycled Old Books

Many people have old books in their homes. They are usually books that you either bought a long time ago and that got outdated or that you needed at some point for college for example and became useless after that. Those books do nothing but take space which you could use for something else. But what to do with those books? Well, you could just throw them out or you could use them for a fun and creative projects. We have lots of ideas for you to choose from.

Make a chandelier from book pages.

Books headboard

For example, you could make a book page chandelier. To make it you’ll need lots of paper circles. You can make them using a circle punch and you can do 5 or more pages at a time. If you want, you can also use other shapes as well. Then you’ll have to attach the paper circles to strings with glue. Then use strings to make the actual chandelier.{found on makethebestofthings}.

A simple necklace.

Books headboard

A page from an old book can also be turned into a lovely necklace. You’ll need a chain, one or two pages from an old book, a piece of poster board, glue, scissors, varnish, matches, pearls, jump rings and lobster claps. Cut two pieces of chain and attach them at both ends. Then glue one page to each side of the poster board. Trace a quarter on the page and cut out the shape. Paint it with varnish and use a match to burn the edges. Punch a hole in it and attach a jump ring. Do the same thing for the rest of the pieces and then attach the pearls to the rings. Put them on the necklace and you’re done.{found on mandipidy}.

Desk.

Books headboard
Books headboard

If you have lots and lots of old books that you no longer need, then you can make a more elaborate project. For example, you could make yourself a desk from those books. You can stack them up and make a beautiful and original desk. It can be an awesome idea for a library and you can use the books from an old collection that got replaced by new ones.{images by Ellen Forsyth}.

Wall of book pages.

Books headboard

Old books have a unique vintage charm. You can transfer that charm onto your bedroom’s walls if you want. All you have to do is attach pages from the books to the walls. You’ll need three or four books. Tear out the pages and mix them up. Then get a can of spray adhesive and spray he center of the back of the book page and press it to the wall. Do the same thing for the rest of the pages.{found on awelldressedhome}.

Banner.

Books headboard

Valentine’s Day has passed but this doesn’t mean love has to disappear from our lives. You can celebrate love every day. For example, today you could make a nice love banner. You’ll need four pages from an old book, red paper, scissors, a glue stick, a permanent marker and twine. Fold the pages in half and cut off the raw edge and the bottom at an angle. Cut out four hearts and write the letter on them. Glue the hearts to the book pages and attach them to the twine.{found on creativegreenliving}.

Accessories.

Books headboard
Books headboard

You can make all sorts of decorations for your home using old books. For example, you could make a monogram to display on a shelf. You should first find a metal letter which you can then cover with pieces of paper from an old book.You could also wrap a photo frame in paper to give it a nice vintage look. You just need an old book and some glue. It’s easy and it’s fun.{found on site}.

Turn you phone book into a pen organizer.

Books headboard

Phone books used to be a must-have but now nobody uses them anymore. So why not turn your old phone book into something useful? You can turn it into an organizer for your desk. First cut the book down to size. Then start forming the loops. Separate the pages of the book evenly into 5 sections. Then roll the spine up tightly in the middle. Place a pencil the center and use plenty of glue. You’ll also have to cut out the ends of the pages so they form a straight line. Do the same thing for the other loops.{found on site}.

Book Page Bunting.

Books headboard

Here’s how you can make book page bunting without using any glue. You’ll need a reclaimed book, a 1’’ round hole punch, a standard size hole punch and yarn or string. First punch out 30 circled from old book pages. Punch two small holes on each of the circled. Then feed the string through one of the small holes and then through the other one. Repeat for the other circles.{found on craftingagreenworld}.

Hardback Book Lamp.

Books headboard

If you want to make a special gift for a friend then this is a wonderful project. It’s a book lamp. Simple, easy to make, unique and perfect for any room. To make it you’ll need an old book and a filament bulb which will give it a nice vintage loo. You’ll have to cut out a portion of the book in order to install the wires and everything else.{found on etsy}.

Book Charging Dock.

Books headboard

For those that prefer something a little more modern, we have a similar idea. You can use a book to make an original iPhone charging station. You’ll just have to feed the cord through the book and to make sure it’s secure. It’s a very fun project, perfect as a gift for a friend.{found on etsy}.

Invisible shelf.

Books headboard

You’re probably familiar with those sleek transparent shelves that make the books you store on them seem like they’re floating. But what if there was no shelf and the books were not sitting on anything? In other words, what if the book was actually the shelf? Here’s how you can achieve that effect: you’ll need an L-bracket, a carpet knife, a pen, small wood screws, large wood screws, glue and a stack of books. Use a book that you’re certain you’ll never want to read again.{found on instructables}.

Planters.

Books headboard

Another interesting idea would be to turn an old book into a tiny planter. You’ll have to cut out a hole in the book first. Then you can put wire screen near the bottom to allow water to drain out. After that, put some soil and a plant and allow it to enjoy its new home.{found on etsy}.

Floor lamp.

Books headboard

Another nice idea would be to give your floor lamp and a makeover. You can make the base look unique by using old books. The idea is to cut a hole in the center of each book and to run the pole that supports the lamp through those holes. It’s like wrapping the base in old books.{found on iamfishermansdaughter}.

Hollow Book Safe.

Books headboard

You’re probably familiar with those books that have all sorts of things hidden in them. They’re like tiny secret safes in which you can keep precious items. You can make one of those for yourself if you have a book you no longer need. You’ll have to cut out the interior, keeping the cover intact, you can use magnetic closure to keep everything secure.{found on etsy}.

Headboard from old books.

Books headboard

If you want your bedroom to have an eye-catching and original headboard, then this would be a great way of doing it. You’ll have to start with a simple wooden headboard and a bunch of books, after you’ve arranged them the way you like it, start putting nails into the books to attach them to the headboard and to keep them open. Cover the whole headboard with books.{found on designeverydayblog}.