Cicero, a Roman Philosopher from 106-43 BC once said: “A room without books is like a body without a soul.” (In case you don’t know who he is, click on his name.) I couldn’t agree more. Well said, don’t you think? Pottery Barn was my original inspiration for using books as decor. Then I began to realize that almost every decor book and magazine out there has a book somewhere in a room… in EVERY room, including bathrooms & kitchens! Now I’m in love with books in my home… they give such a lived-in, cozy feel. I am often complimented on how cozy our home is & one of the reasons I think people say that is all my books. Here’s another fabulous quote written in 1855 by Sydney Smith, in A Memoir of the Reverend Sydney Smith by Lady Holland: “[There is] no furniture so charming as books, even if you never open them, or read a single word.” That’s just how I feel! It’s like Sydney Smith took the words right out of my mouth. Below I have some examples for you of subtle ways to add books to your home’s decor – just place them under lamps. Our friend, Janine, gave me her old childhood chair (the white one on the left), she was going to throw it out!!! Of course, I had to adopt it! We now use it as an “end table” next to our sofa. It’s too old & wobbly to sit on, but it holds the pile of books, lamp & the occasional coffee cup just fine. The example on the right is on my dining room buffet – super simple, yet elegant. Hope you’re inspired! (The quotes came from a book called: “House Beautiful – Decorating With Books” by Marie Proeller Hueston.)
I love this article,,,as I am a lover of books,,great pictures..
LOVE your blog and I would most certainly knock over the lamp on the large stack of books on a chair. The others – I love.
I know you have books all over your house and after reading Cicero’s quote…I feel the need to add a few books around. Seriously! How inspiring.
Super YAY! I’m smiling SO big
Love your use of books… we have so many as well, so I will have to start getting creative as to where they can all go.
Books are a wonderful thing….I haven’t used many as decor, but I do like to have them in every room.
Love the idea! Definitely something I can incorporate in my house. Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier.
This is a good idea. I like the two books under the lamp.
Very nice. Our home is full of books, too, but that’s just because I’m a librarian and truly on the bibliophilic side of things. They have crept into our decor less by design and more by necessity…there are just so many of them!
That’s a good problem to have
Man, I had to look up that “bibliophilic” word – you really are a librarian 
great article — love that books allow you to perfect the height of lamps!
Love it!
I have books everywhere too! Holding lamps, phones…even a birdhouse!
Especially love old and well loved books!
Well done
Very cool idea – I’m a fan of books *everywhere* – especially beautiful cardcover ones
Books under lamps, on the table, on the floor, in the closet, on the shelf and in the bath! Love this posting.
LOL… yup, you get the picture!
on etsy you always expect craft-blogs. I’m pleased to find another one, and happy to comment! lovely blog you have!
I recently got rid of both our side tables and simply replaced them with tall stacks of books! Now our lamps and clock sit perched on a pile of literature.
Nice blog!
I really need to get that book!
I’m in love with books, too.
Mine are all currently relegated to my bookshelf with nifty bookends. Time to move some around!
i love this idea! pretty and practical!! love your blog
Fantastic idea. And I agree with Cicero’s estimation.
Oh yes, must have books everywhere!
Amazing he said that since I was under the impression that books were very rare back then!
I don’t have any books under my lamps, but often stack them both horizontally in bookcases for a different effect.
I do this too, books make great lamp stands. I just twittered about your blog.