books with covers torn off stacked as decorative element

When we first saw this stack of books-stripped-bare of their covers to reveal neutral color and graphic texture, we thought: what a cool material for doing all sorts of things. Stack em to make stools, displays and ad hoc tables, or supports for low shelves. Books as bricks. Then we wondered: Could we really justify dismantling books in such a way?

Well yeah, maybe. There are all sorts of books that we’d feel justified in taking the covers off: falling apart ones, water-damaged ones, cheap ones, and especially fat catalogues. We tried it with the huge Outwater Hardware catalogue and found it made a lovely “brick” (we might glue a neutral top page on to the printed one).

…though for sure, old sewn hardbacks make the most beautiful bricks.

via Vosgesparis

Related posts: stacked-book display cases and other great ideas via scott newkirk
sighting: shelves made of stacked books (books as bricks)
stylish, graphic furniture from stacked vintage boxes
birch logs for book cases and other household accents
the unexpected stylishness of walls of stacked logs

If you’ve found illumination, joy, or inspiration in this post, please consider supporting Improvised Life. It only takes a minute to make a secure donation that helps pay our many costs. A little goes a long way towards helping Improvised Life continue to live ad-free in the world.

Support Improvised Life ♥

2 replies on “naked and defiled: book bricks as decorating element?

  1. “Could we really justify dismantling books in such a way?” you ask. Absolutely. I work at a library and we are getting rid of copious amounts of hardcover books mainly because the information they contain is no longer relevant, such as technology related and medical books. They are sent to the recycling bin.

  2. Yaye, Dorothy Parker, thanks for this great info. Now we can recycle books into bricks with a clear conscience.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *