10 Creative Ways to Turn Old Encyclopedias into Stylish Home Decor

Old encyclopedias often sit on shelves gathering dust, forgotten in the age of digital knowledge. But these sturdy, beautifully bound books can bring character and charm into your home. Instead of throwing them away or letting them fade into storage, give them a fresh role in your living space.

Their vintage covers, thick pages, and classic fonts offer endless possibilities for stylish and meaningful decor. From rustic table centerpieces to unique wall art, these old volumes can add both history and personality to your interiors.

Each piece tells a story not just from its pages but through its new life in your design. You don’t need expensive materials or complicated tools. Just a little creativity and the willingness to see beauty in the forgotten.

These ten ideas will help you reimagine encyclopedias as beautiful, functional accents that spark conversation and make your home feel special. Let’s dive into the world of book-inspired design.

Table of Contents

10 Home Decor Ideas with Old Encyclopedies

Old encyclopedias can do more than gather dust on a shelf. Their thick pages and strong covers make them perfect for many DIY home decor projects.

Instead of throwing them away, give them a second life. You can turn them into art, storage, or furniture. Each idea below is easy, low-cost, and adds personality to your space.

1. Stack Them to Make a Side Table

Thick encyclopedias are strong and heavy. This makes them perfect for creating a small side table. Just stack them neatly one on top of another. Place a tray or a piece of glass on top to hold items like a lamp or books.

Choose books with similar sizes for balance. If you want color, pick books with covers that match your room. This table works great next to a sofa or bed. You don’t need tools or glue. Just stack and style.

2. Turn Them into Wall Art

Old pages can look beautiful as wall decor. Rip out a few pages with maps, drawings, or old fonts. Frame them and hang them in a grid or line. You can also use the covers if they have gold or classic designs.

Mix small and large frames for variety. This idea adds a vintage look to your walls. It’s also cheap and simple. Use it in the hallway, study, or reading corner.

3. Create Book Page Wallpaper

You can cover a wall with pages from old encyclopedias. Glue the pages directly onto the wall, one by one. Let the corners stick out a little for a raw, antique look. You can use all text pages or mix with pages that have pictures.

Try this on one small wall. It works well in a study, home office, or craft room. The aged paper gives the wall a warm, cozy feel. Use white glue or wallpaper paste to keep it in place.

4. Make a Hidden Storage Box

Use one large encyclopedia to make a secret storage box. Cut out the inside of the book with a craft knife. Leave the outer pages and cover in place. Glue the pages together so the box stays firm.

This makes a great spot to hide keys, money, or small things. Place it on a shelf and no one will notice. It looks like a regular book but holds hidden treasures.

5. Build a Book Planter

You can turn a thick encyclopedia into a small plant pot. Use a knife to carve out a square in the middle. Line the hole with plastic to protect the paper. Then add soil and a small plant.

This works best with succulents or air plants. They don’t need much water, so the book lasts longer. Place the book planter on a windowsill or desk. It brings green into your space with a fun twist.

6. Design a Book Clock

Make a clock from an old encyclopedia cover. Buy a clock kit from a craft store. Drill a hole through the center of the front cover. Fix the clock parts through the hole.

You now have a working clock with a vintage book look. Hang it on the wall or place it on a stand. Choose a book with a bold or simple cover, depending on your style.

7. Use Books as Floating Shelves

Turn encyclopedias into floating wall shelves. Screw L-shaped brackets into the wall. Then fix the book onto the brackets from underneath. The book becomes the shelf itself.

Use strong encyclopedias so they hold weight. This idea saves space and looks smart. Place a few in a row or make one statement shelf. Great for displaying plants, photos, or decor.

8. Create a Lampshade Base

Stack a few encyclopedias together and drill a hole through the center. Insert a lamp rod and attach a light fixture on top. Add a shade and plug it in.

This lamp makes a strong visual piece. It’s perfect for a study, library, or bedside. Use matching book colors for a clean look, or mix for a quirky style.

9. Fold Pages into Sculptures

You can fold the pages of an encyclopedia into different shapes. Try simple folds first, like hearts or fans. With time, you can shape words, animals, or even 3D art.

Use a pencil to draw the shape, then fold each page to match the lines. This takes time but makes beautiful paper art. Display it on a shelf or table for a wow effect.

10. Craft Book Page Wreaths

Cut old pages into leaf shapes. Roll and glue them around a circular base made from cardboard. Keep adding layers until you have a full wreath.

Hang the wreath on your door or wall. It adds charm to any room. You can leave it natural or add color with paint or ribbons. It’s a great way to reuse pages and decorate for all seasons.

FAQs

What kind of glue should I use for these projects?
White glue or craft glue works best. For heavier parts, try hot glue for a stronger hold.

Can I use any old book, or only encyclopedias?
Encyclopedias are heavier and sturdier. That’s why they work best for furniture and decor. But some projects can work with any hardcover book.

Will these ideas damage the book?
Yes, most of these ideas change the book. So only use books you no longer read or need.

Are these projects safe for kids?
Some ideas, like page folding or wreath making, are safe for older kids. But projects that need knives or drills should be done by adults.

How do I keep the books clean or dust-free?
Wipe the covers with a dry cloth. Keep them in dry spots away from moisture and bugs.