Old books can be surprisingly hard to get rid of, even when they’re outdated, falling apart, or haven’t been opened in decades. And while donating is usually the first thought, not every dusty novel, old textbook, or worn-out book is something another reader wants.
Before tossing them in the trash, consider giving them an entirely different purpose. Here are 12 ways to put old unwanted books to use.
Turn Them Into Hidden Storage
You can hollow out a thick hardcover book to create a small hidden compartment for cash, spare keys, jewelry, or other small items. Place it back among other books on a shelf, and you’d hardly know there’s storage hiding inside.
Use the Pages as Gift Wrap
Pages from books that are already falling apart can make surprisingly pretty wrapping paper for smaller gifts. Add twine, ribbon, or a simple gift tag, and you have wrapping that costs practically nothing.
Make Book Page Christmas Ornaments
Old pages can be folded, rolled, or cut into stars, trees, snowflakes, and other Christmas ornaments. This is especially good for books with yellowed pages because the aging gives the decorations a naturally vintage look.
Create a Book Page Wreath
Instead of spending money on a decorative wreath, roll or fold pages and attach them around a cardboard or foam wreath form. Leave the pages as-is for a neutral look, or add ribbon and seasonal decorations.
Frame Interesting Pages
Before tossing an old book, flip through it for illustrations, maps, botanical drawings, recipes, sheet music, or typography worth saving. A few inexpensive thrifted frames can turn those forgotten pages into inexpensive wall art.
Use Books to Add Height to Decor
You don’t actually have to cut up a book to repurpose it. Stack a few attractive hardcovers underneath a lamp, plant, candle, vase, or decorative object when you need a little extra height on a shelf or table.
Make a DIY Book Planter
You can hollow out a thick book and fit it with a small container for a succulent or faux plant. Just make sure there’s a waterproof barrier between a live plant and the pages so moisture doesn’t immediately ruin your project.
Turn Them Into a Side Table
If you have a large collection of sturdy books nobody wants, stack them to create the base of a small side table or plant stand. Secure the books if needed, and add a sturdy top instead of buying another small piece of furniture.
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Make Gift Tags
Those leftover book pages can also become gift tags, so you don’t have to buy a new package every holiday season. Cut them into simple tag shapes, punch a hole at the top, and add string or ribbon.
Use Them for Craft Projects
Book pages are incredibly versatile craft supplies, especially when the books themselves are too damaged to donate. Use the paper for decoupage, scrapbooking, paper flowers, garlands, collages, bookmarks, or homemade cards.
Create a Junk Journal
Old book covers and pages are perfect starting materials for a junk journal. Combine them with scraps of wrapping paper, envelopes, postcards, receipts, fabric, photographs, and other odds and ends you’d otherwise throw away.
Check Whether They’re Worth Something First
This is one time when I’d check before reaching for the scissors. First editions, signed copies, certain textbooks, collectible children’s books, vintage cookbooks, limited editions, and older books with unusual illustrations can sometimes have resale value, so look up the title and edition before permanently repurposing it.
