Good place for Decorative Used Books? (big house, live, floor)

[earlyretirement]

Originally Posted by katnip kid

I am a flea market addict, and used to sell used books. Go to just about anyplace used stuff is sold and you will find books. Flea markets are good for this. Even Victorian books can be had for about $1 to $5. One market I go to the vendors toss the stuff if it doesn't sell. Books, even 19th century ones, were often in the trash. Very sad, but folks were not thinking about recycling or decorating, or crafts.

You don't say exactly how old the book must be. What are you looking for? Any particular age, topic, etc? One recent mag on flea market decor featured a decorator in Fullerton. There was one photo of books all in mostly blue or green covers. Very dramatic.

Hi Katnip kid,

Yeah, that is what I was in the market for. I guess I just wanted to get some input on some good regular flea markets that people knew about. One poster mentioned one of them.

As mentioned, many times these beautiful books can be had for as little as $1 to $5 a book. I've decorated apartments in many cities and typically there is always a special place for these books to be purchased.

When I decorate, I usually try to find a few colors for striking design for contrast so on a dark bookshelf I might place some red, blue, green and white books together in a section. I look for hardcover, older books. It looks really amazing!

I'll try some of these places along with some that people emailed me or PM'ed me about but if anyone knows of any other places that would work, I'd love to hear about it.

I had a big book collection but recently moved from another country and rather than ship everything, we got rid of everything to buy new here. But to put together a new book collection from new books would cost a fortune, plus in my office I'm just looking to decorate so these older antique books will look great.

Also, Estate sales wouldn't work for me as I don't have the time to go around to them. I'm looking for a one stop shop type of place where I can pick out large amounts of books all at once.

[katnip kid]

For one-stop shopping, I'd try a large thrift shop. Goodwill or Salvation Army stores are good for this.
To locate flea markets, if you do a search for flea markets on a popular search engine, there is/was a site that listed flea markets by state. I couldn't find it when I looked,but it is late.
Your idea for using books sounds very interesting!

[katnip kid]

Originally Posted by kettlepot

This might take more work, but it could be cheaper. Be on the look out for Estate Sales. When an 80+ year old gets his wings, his collection of books he bought back in the 1930s and 40s goes onto the market. And given that the actual contents of the book don't matter, you can get them for cheap, very cheap.

A good way to find books for re-sale, too! That is when you can find some with a nice resale value! Hoo Wee, what some books can be worth!

[oddstray]

Originally Posted by jeff68

you'd have to redecorate every few weeks.

How long has it been since you've been to the public library?

They *sell* old books.

[earlyretirement]

Originally Posted by katnip kid

For one-stop shopping, I'd try a large thrift shop. Goodwill or Salvation Army stores are good for this.
To locate flea markets, if you do a search for flea markets on a popular search engine, there is/was a site that listed flea markets by state. I couldn't find it when I looked,but it is late.
Your idea for using books sounds very interesting!

Ah that's a great idea about Goodwill. I totally forgot about that option. I'll try that. Thanks.

[jacobwilliam77]

Check out...

Goodwill
Salvation Army
Libraries

[katnip kid]

Just curious, exactly how do you decorate using books? Do you have pics to post? What types of books do you use? Do they have to have the dustjacket? Do you mean really old books with a darkened hardcover?

I have seen lamps made from old books. Now there's a good use for Reader's Digest Condensed Versions!

[shmoov_groovzsd]

Originally Posted by katnip kid

Just curious, exactly how do you decorate using books? Do you have pics to post? What types of books do you use? Do they have to have the dustjacket? Do you mean really old books with a darkened hardcover?

I have seen lamps made from old books. Now there's a good use for Reader's Digest Condensed Versions!

I didnt know if you were asking in general or earlyretirement.

However, I have seen books like these used to help either fill a library room or study. Typically a wall sized book shelf that is floor to ceiling. It helps fill in some of the empty spots and it give it some aesthetics.

I have also seem the used as interior desk lamp stands or placing them under a globe etc.

They really are a great way to help with room decor to give a 'lived in' feeling

[jeff68]

Originally Posted by oddstray

How long has it been since you've been to the public library?

They *sell* old books.

I was just kidding. I've actually purchased books from the library and read them.

[oddstray]

Originally Posted by jeff68

I was just kidding. I've actually purchased books from the library and read them.

Doggone invisible smilies! I always miss those ....