We Love These Novel Ways of Turning Book Collections Into Works of Art

Once upon a time, in the not-so-distant past, there were those who thought books – of the paper variety – would go the way of the dodo and make room for all technology, 24/7. Instead, books have continued to thrive even as newspapers and magazines become all-digital outlets. They’re so beloved, in fact, that people continue to find inspired ways to display their book collections on their walls, from the simple to the grandiose. Check out some of the hottest book art wall trends involving the written word.

A DIY creation featuring a framed photo of a book surrounded by a flurry of open books and torn pages that climb up the wall

Erin Kern

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A Little Bit of Whimsy

Oklahoma-based designer Erin Kern turned heads when she featured one of her stunning book wall art displays on her blog, Cotton Stem. Her DIY creation includes a framed photo of a quote from Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice surrounded by a flurry of open books and torn pages that climb up the wall.

An intricate, mounted book sculpture that features a variety of books

Dustin Halleck

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Book Sculpture

We can’t even fathom how many books it took to craft this masterful mounted book sculpture, but we’ll bet it’s almost a library’s worth of reading material. This unique project, created by Inspired Interiors, would easily be the focal point of any living room. It’s the ultimate bookworm’s art fantasy. Find out how to pick art for every room in your home.

An intricate piece of wall art featuring old books and stencil of a horse

Ana Ochoa

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Work of Art

This intricate design by Ana Ochoa of Fiddle Leaf Interiors, features old books that are opened and painted over to resemble the sketch of a horse. There are plenty of ways to incorporate more artwork in your home – start by finding out how this suburban Etobicoke home became an art-filled farmhouse.

Colourful magazines folded into intricate wall art

Amy Gibson

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Recycled Magazines

No need to toss out that stack of old magazines that have been collecting dust in your basement. You can repurpose it all, similar to what Amy Gibson of Color Story Designs did with this vibrant, layered homemade charmer. The beauty of this simple design is that it would look great in any room of the house.

A dark blue wall featuring a layered book wall art display

Peter Frank Edwards

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Wall of Literature

Not all book wall art designs have to be a tough task to tackle. This layered example, by SDCO Partners, can be of your own DIY variety and feature a collection of literary classics and your favourite books opened to specific pages or passages that speak to you.

A wood book ledge beneath the window in a kids' bedroom

Lauren Kolyn

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Book Nook

If the bedrooms in your home are a little on the petit side, opt for a simpler way to display your family’s favourite books on your walls – such as with this gorgeous hand-crafted wood shelf situated beneath a bright window.

A book sculpture hanging on a wall in the shape of the Tree of Life

Malena Valcarcel

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Tree of Life

Reluctant to decorate an entire wall with a book art masterpiece? Opt for something a little more manageable. Malena Valcarcel of Spain opened an Etsy shop to feature her detailed book sculptures, like this Tree of Life-inspired stunner that she created using only a discarded book, glue and wire.

A whimsical white nursery with books displayed on open shelving

Lauren Kolyn

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Floating Shelves

To avoid clutter and clunky bookshelves, opt for a simple floating shelf design that will prop up and proudly display your family’s favourite reads.

A magazine gallery wall in an open-concept dining room space

Lauren Kolyn

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Gallery Wall

You can’t go wrong with a reliable gallery wall, which has been on trend for books and magazines from the beginning. When sorting through old boxes stuffed with back issues of your favourite mags, pick up some budget-friendly frames and proudly display your favourite reads. It’s an easy – and not to mention affordable – way to give any room a quick refresh.

Classical music sheets scattered across a wall as an art piece

Erin Kern

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Play it Again, Maestro

Music fans looking for another way to display their passion (aside from framing their favourite vinyl records) need look no further for inspiration. Erin Kern of Cotton Stem decorated a friend’s music room with an installation of vintage sheet music that beautifully flutters across the white wall space.