I’ve seen so many creative people successfully create their own book walls in their homes, and it’s been so inspirational.
But I’ve never known for sure if I could pull it off myself. How would it look if I actually tried it? And where would I actually do it? And what kind of books would I feel okay about tearing up?
So I waited… I figured if I had the perfect opportunity come up where a book wall made sense, I’d create my own.
About a year later, guess what happened?
I was staring at this little corner in our guest room. It was full of things we liked enough to not put in the attic, but also things we didn’t love for the space.
I called it my island of misfit toys. There were random signs, baskets, lanterns… you name it… cluttering the small dresser we had in the room.
Then it hit me – I could create a cozy reading nook while still incorporating the furniture we had in the space.
And you know what goes really well with reading nooks?
Book walls!
TIME TO GRAB THE ESSENTIALS
So I ran to a few thrift stores nearby and grabbed a handful of vintage books.
Then I grabbed my hammer, some finishing nails, some larger nails for the books, and some masking tape, and I got started.
I will fully admit that I went into my book wall creation with no plan in mind, but throughout the process, I learned several tips and tricks that I am gladly sharing with you today!
I’m no book wall expert, but hopefully these will help get your creative juices flowing too!
5 TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN CREATING YOUR OWN BOOK WALL
Like I said, I went into my book wall with zero plan, but there are a few things I wish I would have done to start to make my life a little easier!
TIP 1: DEDICATE SOME BOOKS TO KEEP WHOLE AND SOME TO USE FOR PAGES
If you want to ultimately nail a couple of whole books to the wall like I did, make sure to set them aside or be stingy with the pages you rip out of them!
I suggest holding back a couple of the prettier vintage books you have to keep whole and using a couple of books just for their pages! Begin ripping out single pages and chunks of pages to use on your wall.
Consider ripping out full chapters, chunks of 3-5 pages, and single pages so your book wall has some depth.
TIP 2: LAY IT OUT
This might seem obvious to most of you, but maybe consider layout out your book wall idea on the floor before nailing everything to the wall.
Once you have your pages ripped out, begin laying them out in the design you have in mind for your wall. Start by outlining your design with single pages. This will give you a foundation and a template to build on.
Reserve some of your single pages for finishing touches!
Once you have your single pages laid out, add your chunks of pages to help give your design some depth. Think about rolling up some of your pages, folding them, etc. to add a little extra dimension.
Finally, lay out where you want your full books to be. You’ll have more ability to roll up the pages like I did once your books are on the wall. Laying it out on the floor will just give you an idea of where to nail everything!
TIP 3: START WITH TAPE
My husband cringes every time I grab a hammer and nails. I just have no problem putting holes in walls, what can I say!
But in an effort to save your walls, grab the tape first!
I used masking tape to tape all my single pages to the wall. They’re light enough where this will be simple to do, and you’ll likely add nails in overtop many of them as you build your book wall. So don’t worry much about things staying in place!
I mainly used nails when I needed multiple pages to stay in place or to nail the full books to the wall.
Otherwise, I stuffed pages in, taped them in, and tried my best to keep the nail holes to a minimum.
TIP 4: DON’T BE AFRAID TO PLAY AROUND WITH YOUR PAGES
I wasn’t entirely happy with my book wall at first. It seemed flat. So I began rolling up pages and nailing them into the wall that way.
I folded some pages. Rolled up pages in books (like I used to do in my textbooks throughout elementary school – tell me I’m not alone!). I had fun with it! After all, there’s no right or wrong way to nail books to a wall.
TIP 5: START SOMEWHERE THEN ADD FINISHING TOUCHES
If you’re reluctant to get started, just start somewhere! Odds are, you’ll watch your design come to life as you go. Have fun with it, because truthfully you can’t go wrong.
Think about balance as you go. Placement of your thicker pages and books will help with this.
Then focus on adding dimension. I had a lot of fun rolling up pages in a scroll-like fashion and stuffing them behind the larger books to help them pop. I also had a lot of fun stuffing pages here and there to help finish things out.
Start with your initial layout, then build from there. Worst case, you can take the pages out and start over!
I hope this helps you get started on creating your very own book wall! Let me know what your biggest takeaway was from this list, and don’t forget to tag me @farmhouseish on Instagram if you try your own!
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