Personally, there are few activities I love more than wandering through a used bookstore. Not only am I an avid reader (I generally finish at least 60 novels a year!) but also, to say that I greatly enjoy decorating with books is an understatement. The built-in shelves in my apartment are filled to the brim with eye-catching coffee table books of all kinds, ready to access whenever I need an extra dose of inspiration.

That said, we all know that books, particularly over-sized coffee table books, do not come cheap. A brand new coffee table book will run you between $50 to $100 (or higher!) at the bookstore, which can make it difficult to build a collection, let alone decorate your space quickly. Therefore, to save major cash while sourcing books for my home, I try to go the secondhand route as much as possible. 

Expert Tips for Shopping for Secondhand Books Like a Pro

In addition to shopping at used bookstores, I have also picked up books at thrift stores, estate sales, library sales, and the like. I now consider myself a pro in this area and wanted to share some of my top takeaways that you will want to keep in mind as you shop for secondhand books yourself. 

Discover the Hidden Beauty of Book Spines

• Remove the front cover. Think that well-loved book just isn’t pretty enough to earn a spot on your shelves? Think again. Often hiding beneath a beat up or torn sleeve is a beautiful spine just waiting to be displayed in your home. I am partial to spines that feature fun fonts (anything Art Deco is a winner, for example), have colors that complement my design scheme, or simply boast witty titles. Again, what you see on the spine when the cover is on may be different than what is underneath in terms of both hue and style, so it’s always worth taking a second look.

Choose Books That Reflect Your Personality and Interests

• Pay attention to the topic. Even if you are not going to read through every page of the secondhand books you buy, you will want to select titles that represent you in some way. Love galleries and museums? Make a beeline toward the art section. Have a family member who’s wild about sports? Grab some books pertaining to their specific interests. Incorporating books that reflect the personalities of those living in your home will make your space feel more special and welcoming; the books won’t feel like props but will fit right in with your lifestyle. 

Affordable and Unique Gift Ideas from Thrifted Books

• Shop for gifts. I love gathering thrifted books to give to others. Of course, I will never pass along something that is not in at least good condition, but if I spot a book that pertains to a friend or family member’s interests, I will scoop it up. Used books make for affordable yet unique gifts, particularly if they are vintage. And if your recipient does not wish to hold onto the book for the long haul for whatever reason, they can simply re-donate it! 

Think Outside the Living Room: Decorating with Secondhand Books

• Think beyond the living room. Is there a room in your home that could benefit from having a few books on display? A friend of mine has just finished furnishing her basement, which she will rent out via Airbnb, and has been sourcing books for that space. She has enjoyed searching for titles that pertain to her city—the idea is that they will add a homey touch to the room but will also keep visitors entertained and informed. Consider taking a similar approach in your guest room! Additionally, why not scoop up some vintage cookbooks that you can display on the open shelves in your kitchen? Little touches like these will add charm and character to your home without costing you much money. 

Shopping for secondhand books is not only a budget-friendly way to build your collection, but it also allows you to add unique character and style to the rooms and spaces inside your home. Whether you are hunting for the perfect vintage coffee table book, sourcing thoughtful gifts, or looking to style a room with literary charm, thrifted books are an excellent choice. With these expert tips, you will be able to shop with confidence and find treasures that reflect your personality and make your space feel truly special. Start exploring your local used bookstores and thrift shops for one-of-a-kind books.

Written by:

Sarah Lyon

February 19, 2025     Updated 11:02 AM

Sarah Lyon is a Washington, DC, native living in New York City. As a freelancer, she frequently covers pieces pertaining to interior design, travel, and other lifestyle topics. Her pieces have appeared in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, the Washington Post, the New York Times, and more. When she isn't writing, Sarah works with designers to help them style spaces for photo shoots (and can't stop rearranging and redecorating her own apartment, either!). She has a penchant for shopping secondhand and loves giving preloved pieces new life. Sarah’s own spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz, and Washingtonian.com. Her Dupont Circle apartment was featured in both the spring 2019 print edition of Small Space Decorating and the January 2019 print edition of Washingtonian Magazine.

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