The Cheap Thrift Store Find Everyone Overlooks—but It Makes The Best Wall Art

Those of us who love thrift shopping typically have favorite aisles to explore. If the book section isn't on your list, get ready to start looking at it with new eyes. A thrift store can be a wonderland of treasures, including books. However, many of those books can be ripped, damaged, or missing pages. Some simply get ignored because no one has interest in the contents. Because of how beautiful books are, from their stories to their pictures — they certainly deserve to be appreciated. One unique way to do so is by turning them into DIY wall art.

Books — including large coffee table books — are usually inexpensive at thrift stores, and there's always a wide variety to choose from. You might even find a few classics that stir up nostalgia, or a travel book filled with images from your favorite places. With a little creativity, you can honor those books by hanging their pages or covers up for display. It's a topic that has people divided, though. Not everyone agrees with the idea of using books as art, believing it's disrespectful. On the other hand, some look at it as a way to give them new life instead of collecting dust or being tossed out due to their poor condition.

They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but some of their covers are really charming! You can upcycle old books by hanging their dust jackets on the wall. If one has an image you like, cut it out and frame it. For larger artwork, look for coffee table books with jackets that fit your home's style. Or, you might be able to find frameable pictures tucked inside. Hang a couple up, or fill an entire wall with your favorites. 

Another way to upcycle a damaged book is to turn some of its pages into wall art. If you find a book that's special to you, but it's unreadable — frame a page that contains the most memorable scene. Or, create a giant collage of book pages, using various colors and sizes. For added decoration, paint on small colorful details to make it even more whimsical. You can also creatively fold the pages into objects like flowers and hearts and hang them on the wall.

It's possible to turn an entire book into a piece of art by hanging it up. Open a thrifted paperback and put clear tape over the edges to hold the two sections of pages together. Then, attach the book to the wall using Command Strips. Repeat the steps with multiple books and it'll become a book lover's paradise. Surround the display with fairy lights and glue flowers to some of the pages. It would be the perfect way to decorate a DIY reading nook on a budget.