Vintage Book Decor with Lace

It’s hard to believe I once decorated without risers, because now I use them all the time. Over the years, I’ve made wooden risers, bought a few fancier ones, and so forth, but my favorite way to add height to decor arrangements is still with books. This DIY vintage book stack is one of my favorite ways to create height while adding soft character to a display.

I have a collection of vintage books that I use often, but for this project, I wanted a softer, more shabby look. These shabby book bundles add a lighter, softer, feminine touch that pairs well with vintage pieces. For this DIY vintage book stack, I used inexpensive Dollar Tree hardcover books, although vintage book pairs work well if you already have them. When using Dollar Tree books, look for non shiny pages and paper that is a darker cream rather than bright white. They tend to look more vintage once the covers are removed.

Supplies Used

DIY Vintage Book Stack

Step 1 – Remove the Book Covers

Begin by opening the book and using a utility knife to carefully cut along the inside binding to remove the front cover. Once the front cover is removed, the back cover can usually be torn off by hand.

This leaves the binding edge exposed and gives the book a softly worn look that works well with feminine, shabby, and vintage styling.

Step 2 – Distress the Page Edges

After removing the covers, use a sanding block with 120-grit sandpaper to lightly roughen the outer edges of the paper.

This step gives the paper a slightly timeworn look and helps soften the clean finish of new books. There is no need to overdo it. A light touch is enough.

Once finished, stack the books and adjust them until they feel aligned.

Once the books are prepared, there are two ways to bind them, depending on the look you prefer. Both use the same basic process, with materials and finishing details create slightly different looks.

Project One – Ribbon and Twine Book Stack

Step 3 – Bind the Stack With Ribbon and Twine

For the first book stack, I wanted a soft, pretty, wispy look that felt deliberate and elegant. Because shabby projects can sometimes drift into looking thrown together, I began by ironing my vintage ribbon so it would lie flat and keep the finished stack looking neat and intentional.

A four inch wide vintage ribbon works especially well for this project, adding softness, texture, and a quiet vintage charm to the book stack. I inserted one end of the ribbon between the stacked books, wrapped it around the stack, and tucked the other end back between the books so the ribbon became part of the structure rather than an added layer.

Because my ribbon had small openings running through the center, I used cotton twine and a wide eyed threader to weave a double layer of twine through those openings. If your ribbon does not have holes through the center, simply wrap cording around the stack and tie it securely instead.

Step 4 – Secure and Finish the Stack

Once the twine reached the edge where the ribbon ends were tucked between the books, I carried it across the opening to hold the stack together. When I returned to the front, I adjusted the twine so it lay flat with no twists and made sure there was enough length to wrap around to the back.

At the back of the stack, I tied the twine with a secure knot, lifting the ribbon slightly and tying underneath so the knot stayed hidden. To finish, I used a ruler to gently push the edges of the ribbon down between the books so everything sat straight and even.

As a final touch, I cut about two feet of cotton twine and tied a simple double bow on the front. I tucked pressed dried flowers underneath the bow for a soft bit of color. To protect the vintage lace and ribbon, nothing was glued in place.

Project Two – Brocade Ribbon Book Stack

Step 5 – Create the Brocade Ribbon Stack

For the second stack, I wanted a look that felt similar to the first, but not identical. I chose slightly smaller books and a thrifted wide cream brocade ribbon I had been saving for the right project. It has a beautiful texture, but it is also quite heavy.

Because of its weight, the ribbon looked too bulky when tied into a knot. Instead of tying it, I wrapped the ribbon around the books, overlapped the ends, and sewed them together to hold the stack securely without adding extra bulk.

Step 6 – Add a Soft Accent Ribbon

To add a bit of softness and color, I used a muted pink mauve ribbon. I cut about four feet, folded it in half, and tied a simple overhand bow over the brocade ribbon, which helped soften where the ribbon was joined.

Step 7 – Add the Final Details

As a final touch, I tucked two wispy pressed dried flowers underneath the brocade ribbon. The ribbon holds them gently in place, adding a soft bit of texture and color. To protect the vintage lace and ribbon, nothing was glued in place.

How I Use These Book Stacks

I like to use book stacks for height and interest, and to fill in spots where I don’t have enough decor. They sit nicely against dark or painted wood and can even be used in place of a tray. I also use them to add height beneath a frame or a too small ornament.

They also work well for styled displays. The only thing to keep in mind is moisture. I wouldn’t place them directly on a kitchen counter. They work best on a shelf or tucked into a tray where they can stay dry.

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