

Story + Unique = Vintage
And one of the most beautiful things about decorating with vintage items is that it doesn't need to be expensive. That doesn't mean that there aren't plenty expensive items out there, but that is not necessary Have you ever walked into a vintage shop, yard sale or estate sale and there is SO much to look at, you just don't even know where to start? Sometimes, certain things will jump right out at you, but most of the time I find my eyes glazing over and I see nothing. It helps to have a wish list, either in writing or in your head. So then, when you see something you can think, "oh, wait, I would love to find a...." Yard sale, garage sale and estate sale season is officially in full swing, so I thought today I would start a new series.My Favorite Vintage Decorating Ideas
And the first thing I am starting with today is... decorating with vintage books. Recognizing that books, in their physical sense are being read less and less and being replaced with a host of digital counterparts, I think filling a room with hard covered, beautiful books brings so much character to a space. Whether it be mid-century cocktail table books, beautifully illustrated jackets or even some great craft ideas from vintage books, you can always add character to a room with books. So lets start with the expected - in a book case. I recently took a whole new approach to styling a bookcase and I super happy with the results.
Tip #1 - Use Books to Prop Accessories at Different Heights

Tip #2 - Mix in vintage books with new ones.
Mixing vintage and new books can be easy on your budget as new decorative books can be very expensive. It also makes for a more interesting display when they are mixed.
Tip #3 - Look for Interesting Titles
I like to have a mild sense of humor in my decorating style. The titles below are some of my favorites. But my all time favorite, which seems to be missing at the moment, was to given to me by my good friend right after my first daughter was born. The title of the book was "Rx for Slimming". Luckily, I did actually think it was funny and didn't throw the book at her.
Tip #4 - Go for Color!
I tend to judge a book by its cover when decorating. It is not okay in most situations, but when decorating with books, it is. I love to have an assortment of colors to work with. This orange one on my Sharpie art coffee table is one of my favorites - amazing color and fun title.