One of my all-time favourite ways to decorate a surface is with a simple stack of books and an accessory on top (or book ‘topper’).
Like trays or risers, a stack of books is a great way to put a spotlight on a decorative object that has yet to find a home in your space. And like trays or risers, books can be placed just about anywhere in your home from consoles to sideboards, buffet tables to side- or bedside tables. By freeing your books from your bookshelves, you open up a whole new world of home decorating. Not to mention that a chic accessory placed atop a stack of books makes a space look elegant, but without being too stuffy.
To show you my favourite book topper ideas, I simply shopped my home. You probably have similar accessories and may be looking for a way to change things up (or pull some favourite finds out of the closet). Here are some fresh ways to display those items:
1. Flowers
2. Geometric Accessory Holder
3. Spiky Gold Urchin
4. Vase
5. Unique Sculpture
6. Geode
7. Shed Antlers
8. Candle
9. Decorative Bowl
10. Snow Globe
11. Oversized Jack
12. Framed Photo or Print
Some final tips:
1. Keep your book toppers proportional to the size of the books you’ve used.
2. Toppers look best when they are not too tall.
3. If the colours of your books are competing with your topper or surrounding decor, try making matching neutral book jackets using craft paper or linen.
I hope this post has inspired you to free your books from your bookshelves and start decorating!
For more creative decor, craft and DIY ideas from around the web check out the following link parties: The Creative Corner, Best Friday Features, Snickerdoodle Create-Bake-Make, Inspiration Spotlight and Sweet Inspiration.
14 Comments
STEPHANIE ABBOTT
February 10, 2017 at 4:09 pmYou have such cute stuff. Great ideas too. Thanks!
Jelica
February 10, 2017 at 6:16 pmThanks Stephanie!
Debrashoppeno5
February 10, 2017 at 9:19 pmDepending on what you use really changes the look. Very interestig. You have some great accessories.
Jelica
February 11, 2017 at 10:47 amAbsolutely it does – on the same stack of books you could create a rustic look, a glam look, a boho vibe, an artisanal feel and everything in between. It’s really quite remarkable how a single accessory can inspire an entire look. And then it’s great fun to layer or build things from there 🙂
Nadia
February 10, 2017 at 10:05 pmGreat ideas, Jelica! Thank you for sharing!
Jelica
February 11, 2017 at 2:48 pmThanks Nadia 🙂
Theresa @DearCreatives
February 15, 2017 at 2:57 pmYes please! 1 of each. Thanks for sharing your post at the Inspiration Spotlight party. Pinned and shared.
Jelica
February 15, 2017 at 7:37 pmThanks for stopping by Theresa. Love your link party 🙂
Michelle
February 16, 2017 at 5:47 amLove these ideas Jelica. Your style is impeccable and you always put things together so beautifully
Jelica
February 16, 2017 at 10:22 pmWow, thank you Michelle! Coming from you, I take that as a real compliment 🙂
Carol ("Mimi")
February 17, 2017 at 6:32 pmGreat ideas! I often use books in vignettes. You’ve given me some useful ideas for book toppers. Thanks.
Jelica
February 19, 2017 at 1:43 pmWith so many beautiful books out there nowadays, it’s hard to resist adding them in decorative ways around the home 🙂
Celeste
February 27, 2017 at 5:36 pmThese are some great book toppers,, Jelica! We use quite a few of the geometric shapes for book toppers in our home. I really love the idea of using flowers–they add such color and life to the home! The antlers are really neat as well. Though I’m not sure our pups would be able to stay away… they get antlers for chew toys haha.
Jelica
March 1, 2017 at 11:40 amGeometric shapes are also one of my favourites – I have a few scattered around the house and some in storage that I pull out from time to time. I love creating balance between soft and hard edges in the home. It generates a lot of visual interest, including those antlers! Of course, it’s always a negotiation with pets – what to keep, what to throw out, and what to keep away from their chompers 😉