Book Page Table Runner

Vintage Home
by Vintage Home
3 Materials
$5
30 Minutes
Easy


This is such a cute and easy table runner project! I made this last year for a baby shower for someone who loves to read. We did a book theme for the shower and this table runner worked perfectly down my kitchen island.


It's super simple and quick to make!

You will need tome type of paper for your runner. I used white freezer paper that I already had, but you could use brown kraft paper or even wrapping paper you have on hand. It doesn't really matter because it won't show. You will also need a spray adhesive (you could use a glue stick, but it would take quite a while), and an old book you don't mind tearing the pages out of. And before anyone gets upset that I destroyed a book, let me explain that these were free from the library and were headed to the book graveyard, so basically, I gave them a new life.

I cut my paper the length and width that I wanted and spread it out on my front sidewalk. The spray glue can get messy and I didn't want to get the overspray on anything in the house.

Tear some pages out of your book, spray your paper with spray adhesive and start laying the book pages out, and overlapping them.

Keep layering the pages and working your way down the paper until it is completely covered.

You will notice, at this point, that a few of the edges and corners aren't stuck down because of the overlapping so you will need to use a little spray glue or a glue stick in those places. This will make more sense as you do the project.

This was my finished table runner.

You can also use sheet music, a child's coloring book (for a kids event), etc.

Just use your imagination.

This was the table runner on my back patio table set up for Easter lunch.

I set the table with off white plates and layered them with my bunny salad plates that were purchased at Hobby Lobby several years ago (they have been carrying them the past few years as well). I used off white linen napkins purchased on clearance a couple of years ago at Arhaus. After they are washed and dried they're wrinkled looking and I love the relaxed look it adds to my place settings, so I leave them that way instead of ironing.


Next, it was time to decide on a centerpiece.

The first picture in this post was one option I tried. It's a cute little greenhouse made from reclaimed windows and I love to decorate it seasonally and use it on my breakfast table.

This photo is what I put in it this year for Spring. A few small weathered flower pots, a sweet little chamomile plant, some neutral seed packets and a little sheet moss.

Next up was my "real touch" tulip arrangement in a vignette of a few other spring like things. I collect birds nests, so I added one of those and used some scrabble tiles to spell out "spring". I added a small white cake stand for a little height and threw in one of my vintage brown transferware pitchers just for a little interest and anchored it all together on a seagrass tray.

My final option was a moss bunny and a few of the "real touch" tulips out of my arrangement. I left the tray, small cake stand and "spring" scrabble tiles.

I had a hard time deciding, but I went with the bunny centerpiece for Easter Sunday, and have now changed it out to the tulip arrangement for the remainder of Spring. My little greenhouse will take its place on my breakfast table.


Obviously, this book page table runner can be used for any event or holiday. I have used it several times for different gatherings in my home.

I hope you found this inspirational and try one of your own. I would love to hear about it if you do.


DIY home decor using old books

Check out more ideas for how to decorate with old books here.

Resources for this project:
Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Hometalk may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.More info
Vintage Home
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Go
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  2 questions
  • Jana Jana on Apr 18, 2020

    If I wanted to put something on that would protect it from stains, what would I use?


    I'm an English teacher and think this a beautiful way to use old books!!!

  • Brenda Hogden Brenda Hogden on Apr 19, 2021

    How do you store it?

Comments
Join the conversation
4 of 16 comments
  • Jeannie Herman Jeannie Herman on Apr 19, 2020

    Love this idea! I was also wondering what to put on it to keep it from getting stained, or for using it over and over! I also love the map idea too!!


    • Vintage Home Vintage Home on Apr 22, 2020

      I haven't put anything over mine. The first one I made did get stained so I just made a new one since they are pretty simple and inexpensive. I suppose you could 'laminate' it with clear contact paper, and just trim around the edges so it isn't noticeable. Then it could be wiped off.

      Hope that helps!

  • Jennifer Thompson Jennifer Thompson on Apr 20, 2020

    This runner is stunning. Your entire decorating motif is gorgeous. You have such incredible talent!

    • Vintage Home Vintage Home on Apr 22, 2020

      Thank you so much Jennifer!! So nice of you to say. Thank you so much for following along.

Next