Rockin’ Around the Book Tree: A Roundup of Festive Ideas for Decorating with Books

The holidays are upon us—I am listening to Mariah Carey as I type—and you’re probably planning your decor. Are you using books? Why not? If you need some inspiration, here’s a roundup of cute ideas for decorating with books this holiday season.

Book Trees

This book tree from National Bookstore is huge and amazing. The inclusion of snowpeople, garlands, and flowers is what makes it so eye-catching!

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Christmas is in the air – and in the shelves. Shop for the Books of the Year in our branches nationwide today, and take a picture with the #NBSChristmasBookTree! #NBSBooksOfTheYear #NBSMeaningfulGifts

A post shared by National Book Store (@nationalbookstore) on Nov 29, 2018 at 8:58pm PST

I also love this smaller, slightly different take on a book tree because it’s something you can easily make at home, even in a small space. As long as you don’t mind sacrificing a few hardcovers. I love the use of twinkle lights!

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My Christmas book tree ?? #mymerrylittlebooktree #booktree #ochristmastree #farmhousechristmas #oldbooks #bookdecor #vintagebooks #vintagedecor #antiquebooks #decoratingwithbooks #vintagechristmas #rusticchristmas #rusticdecor #katecodchristmas #fiveandunderfriday #fabulousfarmhousefriday

A post shared by Katie ? honeybeesandpeonies_ (@honeybeesandpeonies_) on Nov 30, 2018 at 7:24am PST

Here is a more conceptual, minimalist take on a book tree.

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#booktree #sapulpajrhighschool #library #usedbookpaperchain

A post shared by @ dkrmwiz on Nov 29, 2018 at 9:10am PST

And here is a very lovely small book tree, complete with a star.

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“Books are uniquely portable magic.”- Stephen King Recycled book Christmas tree. By 18 Moods. . . . . . #christmas #christmasdecorations #booktree #recycled #recycledbooks #books #art #reuse #upcycle #instagood #instalike #beautiful #recycledart #christmasgift #ilovebooks #18moods #holiday #booktree #decor #giftforreaders #bookdecor

A post shared by Lisa (@18moods) on Nov 28, 2018 at 1:55pm PST

Bookstore And Library Displays

Romance bookstore The Ripped Bodice in Los Angeles always has wonderful window displays. This year, they’ve created an entire fireplace and chimney from books!

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And to all a goodnight! ❄️❄️❄️ Leah’s winter wonderland window features a fireplace, chimney and cabin exterior all made out of books! ❄️❄️❄️ The inside of the store is decorated to the hilt and we’ve got all kinds of gifts for everyone on your list! ❄️❄️❄️ If you’re shopping with us online be sure to use code FITZMAS for 18% off until midnight tomorrow!

A post shared by Bea and Leah (@therippedbodice) on Nov 25, 2018 at 9:05pm PST

This is an extreme and amazing way to decorate with books from Starfield Library in Seoul!

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Christmas book tree! ?? . . . #coexmall #starfieldlibrary #christmastree #booktree #tripkoreamurah #jalanjalankorea #visitkorea #koreatour #liburanmurahkorea #paketwisatakoreamurah #wisatamurahkorea #explorekorea #jasatripkorea #tripkorea #privatetourkorea #goblintour #kpoptour #backpackerkorea #liburanserukorea #paketmurahkorea #korea #turkoreamurah

A post shared by Private & Backpacker Tour (@adventureskorea) on Nov 7, 2018 at 10:00pm PST

This book Grinch at Denali Elementary Library is DELIGHTFUL.

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Holiday book decorations! #librarylife #denalielementary #bookstacking #thegrinch #Christmastree #booktree #reindeer #reindeerbookstacking #alaskalibrary

A post shared by Mrs. Donald (@denali_elementary_library) on Nov 29, 2018 at 1:40pm PST

As is this wonderfully cheery snowperson at Andover Public Library.

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Ready for winter weather this weekend? Stop by and check out a cozy audiobook! We have audiobooks for the whole family: adult, teen, children’s, fiction and non-fiction too! #AndoverLib #audiobook #shelfie #bookstagram #winter #⛄ #snowman #snow #librarygram #librarylife #librariesofinstagram #❄

A post shared by Andover Public Library (@andoverpubliclibrary) on Nov 23, 2018 at 9:21am PST

This snowperson has a reindeer friend!

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What a creative way to use books (besides reading them, of course) and a couple of old VHS cases. #bartlett_tn_library #bookdecor #recycled books #Christmasbooks #bookcraft #craftproject

A post shared by Friends of Bartlett Library (@friends_bartlett_library) on Nov 28, 2018 at 11:46am PST

This Barnes and Noble location has made a wreath out of books.

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NA thanks for sending. Can’t wait to visit NYC next week. Union Square looking good! Your favorite @barnesandnoble in #unionsquare is preparing for the holidays! @bnunionsquareny looking classy and festive. #bookwreath #bncafe @natalieatkinsonbncafe

A post shared by Bill Gargiulo (@billgargiulobn) on Nov 6, 2018 at 4:20pm PST

Type Books in Toronto has a lovely banner made from the pages of books.

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First Christmas window at @typebooksjunction! Inspired by my favourite, @elise_gravel’s MUSHROOM FANCLUB. Swipe through to see them glow at night ?????

A post shared by Kalpna Patel (@ghostfaceknitta) on Nov 22, 2018 at 5:33am PST

Bookish Holiday Crafts

How adorable is this book ornament? It looks like little hearts cut from the pages of a book. I want it. (P.S. If you do, too, it’s available on Etsy along with lots of other lovely book ornaments from the same seller.)

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12 H O U R S ?? 12 hours left to shop the sale! 30% off EVERYTHING! Link in bio! Here’s my new ornament design! 3D sewn book page hearts inside a glass ball. You choose the book! My VIPs get an additional AMAZING deal that’s not to be missed! Not a VIP? Sign up in bio! Sales end at midnight tonight, not to return for another 365 days! Get the holiday shopping done early. ? ✅

A post shared by Upcycled Library • H?A (@upcycledlibrary) on Nov 26, 2018 at 9:15am PST

I ALSO love these wee little ornaments crafted out of books—they look like presents! Good news, they are also for sale on Etsy.

Perhaps you’re crafty enough to make a wreath out of pages from a book?

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Books are amazing because they can be anything they want to be; including home decor. Here are 2 book wreaths I handmade a few years back. One is Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone and the other is the complete works of Edgar Allan Poe. #bookwreath #homedecor #harrypotter #edgarallanpoe #wordpress #wordpressblogger #novel #writing #EllyV #new #picoftheday #writingcommunity #author #writersofinstagram #authorsofinstagram #blog #book #vintage #usedbooks #rarebooks #linkinbio #reading #currentlyreading #goodreads #literary #novels #writing #pictureoftheday #bookoftheday #bookstagram

A post shared by Elly V (@oh_sweet_sweet_word_addiction_) on Oct 17, 2018 at 11:56am PDT

There is also the option of decorating with books—as in literally hanging up teeny tiny books—which I am 100% in favor of.

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Y’all I’m in love with these #bookornaments from @kerberskreations -can’t wait to get them! ??? #bookstagram

A post shared by Author Angie Ellington (@angienellington) on Sep 15, 2018 at 2:26pm PDT

Or perhaps sending a nice holiday message through a book? This is made by folding pages.

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Book folding class is full! Boom! #andoverlibraryohio

A post shared by Andover Public Library (@andoverlibraryohio) on Nov 26, 2018 at 6:24pm PST

If you’re going to create your own folded message, might I suggest “Happy Bookmas”? And find more tips for decorating with books for the holiday season right here.