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Bookends -

To make sure your books don't fall off the ends of the shelves you can create bookends. To do this, coat the outside of the pages in a few layers of PVA glue until there is a clear, thick layer binding all the pages together. Then attach one book to another at a right angle and there you have your own bookend.

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Book wallpaper -

A great way to use up old books is to use the pages as wallpaper. Not only is this great in the bathroom because there will also be something to read, but it also saves you money on normal wallpaper.

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Photo frame -

The outside of old books is pretty robust. You can cut them off and cut out the middle using a utility knife. Stick your photo in and you have a lovely vintage-looking photo frame.

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Fun activity -

If you are a little stuck for activities to do with your kids, you can make a newish book look old. Children love soaking the pages in tea bags and charring the ends. By the end of the activity, they will have their very own antique.

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Wall decoration -

With some markers and steady hands, you could create a decorative piece for your living room or bedroom using old books.

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Homemade paper -

Did you know that you can turn the pages of an old book back into a pulp and create your own paper? It works particularly well as gift card paper.

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Paperweight -

Using the origami technique, you can create a beautiful paperweight. Cut out the pages of your old books and tape them together. Then cut out the right shape for your pattern and get folding!

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Tables -

If you pile up old books, you can make a bedside table with them. You could even make a full-size table using book piles for the legs and putting a wooden or glass top on.

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Plant coaster -

When you have flowers in vases, you will not want them to leak onto the surfaces. For an effortless interior design touch, you could use old books underneath your plants to absorb the moisture.

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Decoration -

The simplest thing to do with old books is just to leave them as old books. They look sophisticated and give any room a touch of character.

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Drying flowers -

With old books, you do not have to worry if the text is smudged or ruined by the dampness. Next time you want to press some flowers, place them in an old book and then put a heavyweight on it. After a few weeks, they'll be ready.

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Book wall -

You will need a lot of old books to pull off this one. If you are doing up your house and have a wall that you just can't be bothered to plaster, or the painting has turned out wrong, the book wall could answer your problems.

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Origami book marks -

Use old books to help you read new books. These cute bookmarks can be made by getting some popsicle sticks and making an origami rose. Kids will love making them.

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Book statue -

You can learn how to make these pretty sculptures online. There are lots of different patterns on sites such as YouTube. It will brighten up any desk.

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Folder -

The bindings of books can often still be used even if the pages are rotten. Take the pages out, reinforce the cover with wood or fabric, and stick in a ring binder. There you have your own personalized folder!

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Coasters -

If you do not want stains on your table, but do not want to be the nagging host, book coasters are a solution. It looks casual and stylish. If you put them in places people would usually put their mugs, you will never have any surface stains again.

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Lavender pods -

It is always nice to have a sweet-smelling wardrobe. Using basic origami you can make these pouches and fill them with lavender, or any scent. They will freshen up your clothing and storage spaces.

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Secret box -

There are those super special things in life that you want to keep hidden. This little contraption can help you do it. Glue your pages together and cut a hole into the book. It will look like any other book on the shelf.

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Bunting -

Bunting is great for decorating for a party, but it is such a waste to buy it. Grab some paint, some pages from an old book, glitter, and some string. Et voilà, you have homemade bunting.

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Plant pot -

Using the pages of a book you can create a mini-plant pot. First, you have to make the shape, then dip it in a glue mixture to make it waterproof. Put your little plant in it with soil, and you're set.

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Alternative plant pot -

You won't be able to pop your plant in exactly like this, however, you can turn your book into a plant pot. Cut out a hole when the book is closed big enough for a little plant pot. Put in your little pot, and it'll look like flowers are sprouting from the book!

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Basket making -

This one is a pretty advanced way of recycling your old pages. Nevertheless, it is possible, it just takes some practice and time.

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Flower wreath -

Get your origami skills going using the pages of old books. Color and decorate them. Then, stick them on the wall or a door in a circle to create your own floral paper wreath.

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Paper jewelry -

If you want to get really creative with your old books, you can turn the paper into jewelry. You have to roll it up, bend it into the shape you want, and coat it in glue. Then, add the metal frames.

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Accordion file -

A cool way to use an old book is to create a little file out of it. On the upper and lower edges of two pages add an extra folded piece and glue it on. It could be a secret file on your shelf.

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Dried flower vase -

It's not conventional, but you could even use your old book as vases–just not for fresh flowers. Place some dried flowers in the folds of the old book, place it on your shelf, and all of a sudden you've added a floral touch to your bookcase.

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Notebook -

Just because you no longer want the text doesn't mean the book cannot still help you learn. You can remove the inside of the book and put in a fresh block of pages. There you have a suave new notebook.

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Book swap -

At the end of the day, the best way to use your old books is to give them to other people who may appreciate them. A great way of doing this is setting up a free library where people can drop their old books and pick up your old ones.

Sources: (Mabey She Made It )(Top Inspired)

See also: Are physical books better than e-books?

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