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How to Thrift for Vintage Books

Share this post. Share the Journey!

Learn how to thrift for vintage books with these easy pointers!

Over the past few years, I’ve gained knowledge in many areas related to thrifting. When I feel like I have enough experience in a certain area, I like to share it with you in hopes of passing along helpful advice. Thrifting for vintage, especially books, is such a thrill!

I used to have a super difficult time navigating stores, trying to find vintage and hardcover books. However, through practice, I’ve been able to successfully find old books in ways that others might not know about. I’ve done the hard part for you and am sharing my tips and tricks on how to thrift for vintage books!

Posts on theantiquedjourney.com may contain affiliate links. You can read my full privacy policy and disclosures here

Pricing for Vintage Books

First, let’s talk briefly about fair prices to pay for old books.

This is going to vary from person to person depending on the location, where you are shopping and how popular vintage books are in a given area. An average price for vintage books in my part of the country is around $6.00.

a vintage book used in a thrifted basket display

Personally, I don’t like to spend more than $5.00 for any one book. Most of the vintage books in my collection have been purchased for between $2-3.00. If a book is on the larger side, I feel okay about paying a little more for that, say around $8.00.

When it really comes down to, though, is what a book is worth to you. If you love it and is going to add joy to your home, buy it!

How to Thrift for Vintage Books

Below are some easy tips and tricks that I use when hunting for vintage books at thrift stores or vintage shops. If you don’t find any the first time around, try again another day. Patience is the key when thrifting for any type of decor item. I do hope you find them practical and handy. Let’s get into it!

1) Peel Back the Dust Cover.

The first tip I have for you is to see what is underneath the paper. Many times old books have a paper cover that wraps around the whole book and it’s usually either 1) NOT pretty or 2) Super ripped and torn in many places, or both.

Look past that cover and see what the actual book looks like.

vintage books styled on a shelf with a vintage lower frog

In my experience, the books that are covered with a dust cover are so pretty, sometimes having a linen texture to them or containing lovely old graphics.

So, take a few minutes to peruse the book section at the thrift store. Peek under a few of the dust covers and see what there is…I have found many of my favorite books in this way!

Patriotic colored vintage books for Summer

2) Check Unexpected Areas.

Another thing to do when hunting for old books is to look in places that you wouldn’t expect books to be. Sometimes people will grab a book, carry it around with them but then decide not to purchase it. They set it down wherever they are in the store, leaving it for someone else!

I have found vintage books thrown in random boxes at the back of the store and in the kitchen section with dishes.

two vintage books stacked on a hearth with a blue glass jug

Another spot where I’ve found vintage books is in a styled vignette. This happens more at vintage shops or antique malls where the booth owner has created a themed display. They will sometimes stack them under a vase or flower pot or have a few books corralled with some candle sticks.

Always keep your eyes peeled in any area. You never know where a pretty old book might be!

vintage blue books in a hutch with milk glass

3) Browse Each Bookshelf Carefully.

When searching for vintage books, one cannot be in a hurry. If I’m going thrifting and looking for something very particular, especially old books, I make sure I have at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted time to spend looking around.

I have learned that, if I’m in a rush, I don’t enjoy the process of browsing through all the books. I’m sure I’ve missed some pretty spectacular books in my day because I go in only having 10 minutes.

a row of vintage green books on a shelf with milk glass

Go in with an open mind and take your time looking through the book sections that interest you.

For example, I gravitate towards the home and gardening books as well as design and travel. In my experience, when I look through books where the content interests me, I am more apt to find one that I love.

a vintage green book on a mantel with milk glass

4) Get Down and Dig.

The last tip that I have for you is to simply roll up your sleeves and dig. I’ve done this many times in the novel section of the thrift store.

You know those shelves with novel after novel and they are all piled on top of each other? Those are the places to look, guys! I’ve pulled so many beautiful old books out from under stacks of other books.

a vintage blue book styled with a vintage bowl

When you find books that speak to you, grab them and start a pile next to you. Once you have looked through the shelves, then you can go back and weed through your stack, choosing which ones you want to purchase.

This ensures that no one else grabs a book out from in front of you while you are still searching. Many people go to thrift stores and antique shops to do just the same thing as you!

a vintage blue book in a patriotic hutch display

How to Style Vintage Books

Below is a brief list of ways that you can use and decorate with old books in your home.

For more in-depth and detailed ideas on how to style and decorate with vintage books, you can read this post, 3 Ways to Decorate with Vintage Books.

  • stack a few underneath a vase or jar
  • line them up across a shelf
  • style them into a seasonal vignette
  • use them for height in a display
  • open them up and use as background decor

a vintage milk glass lamp styled on some books

Closing Tidbits

I hope you learned something new about how to thrift for vintage books! Most of the time thrifting is pure luck but, at times, there can be an art to finding the items that you are looking for. Through practice and patience, you will be able to discover hidden treasures that are meant specifically for you! Be encouraged to search for pretty old things, books or otherwise, finding joy along the way.

signature from The Antiqued Journey

Leave me a comment! Do you like to use vintage books in your decor? How would you use them? I love hearing from you!

an image for pinning

Just click on the red button in the left corner!

a blue glass jar with yellow flowers on top of two vintage books

If you are new here, I’m Rachel, the writer and content creator here at The Antiqued Journey. I’m so happy to have you! I encourage you to stop by the ‘about me’ page to get to know me a little more. Here on the blog, you will find loads of inspiration for decorating with vintage and antique decor, simple DIY crafts and many thrifting adventures. If that interests you, I invite you to sign up for my e-mail. You will receive a free digital download as a thank you!

Follow Along with The Antiqued Journey

Shop Similar Looks on Amazon

Other Thrifting Posts to Enjoy

a thrifted copper cheese shaker on a peg rack
Displaying Thrifted Vintage Copper

a vintage milk glass banana stand with faux yellow stems on a Summer mantel
Decorating for Summer with Thrifted Milk Glass

a Summer basket vignette with vintage milk glass
Thrifted Home Decor for Summer

29 Comments. Leave new

  • I am interested in collecting children’s old books. Do you read them? Do you worry about bugs or worms I’ve heard are in old books. Do you wear special gloves when touching them? If so where did you get them. What makes an old book valuable? I see so many with loose binding, stains, tears does this impact the value. I once knew someone who got rid of all his books because he thought the bugs in some were able to transfer to new books. Is this true?

    Reply
    • Rachel Granholm
      July 13, 2023 9:20 am

      Hi Carm! I will do my best to answer all your questions.
      1) I do not personally collect old children’s books but they are quite popular. There is a lady on YouTube, Her channel is called Nicole Northgarden Thrifter, and she collects children’s books.
      2) I have never worried about bugs or worms…I’ve never heard of worms in old books before actually. I have never had an issue with bugs being in my house from an old book. However, I have heard that if you put your books in the freezer for a few days, it will kill anything that might be in them. I do not wear gloves, either!
      3) For me personally, I don’t really look at the value of books, or anything vintage really. I just buy things to decorate my home. If I love something and it speaks to me, I buy it, regardless of value. But yes…If you are looking at value, the stains and tears and everything will probably affect the value of the book as a whole.
      4) I have no idea if bugs will transfer to other books or not…like I said earlier I’ve never had an issue with bugs in my books. I’ve got a collection of about 20 maybe now and still haven’t had any problems
      I hope this helps…thanks so much for stopping by today and for your thoughtful questions! Have a great day ahead!

      Reply
  • Give me all the vintage books! Love that you collect these Rachel and that you’ve been able to find so many at reasonable prices too. Your vignettes are always so lovely and make me want to run to the store to try and find some goodies! Hope your summer is filled with happy shopping, CoCo

    Reply
  • Tanya Derrey Bingham
    July 13, 2023 1:56 pm

    You have such great tips for finding these beauties! I have been looking but I am going to up my game now and hopefully find a nice bundle for my living room 🙂

    Reply
  • Great tips, I’ve also heard from another You-Tube Thrifter – Jean E mentioned Silverfish bugs in books and she leaves her books out in the sun for a day, to rid her books from bugs.

    Reply
    • Rachel Granholm
      July 15, 2023 9:56 am

      Gosh…I must find the ‘clean’ books because I’ve never had an issue with bugs but this is helpful to know! Thanks for stopping by today, Vicki!

      Reply
  • Hi Rachel! Oh my, I wish I would have read this post before I went to that big yard sale last weekend! I was looking at vintage books but had no idea what a good price was. The ones I was most interested in had a sign that said books $5 FIRM! Now I wish I would have bought them. Oh well, thanks for this info! I’ll be much better prepared for my next trip to Renninger’s!! Happy day!

    Reply
    • Rachel Granholm
      July 17, 2023 6:12 pm

      Hello!
      Darnit! I so wish you would have gotten those! Now you know for next time 🙂 Thanks for reading today, Donna!

      Reply
  • I love old books too! They are beautiful to look at and have so much information from the past. Your decorating tips are spot on Rachel! That stack of green books is so pretty 🙂

    Reply
  • Old books are the best. I love to decorate with them. We just scored a bunch of old books that have red covers from my husband’s grandfather. I was SO excited! I used them over the 4th and can’t wait to use them again during the holidays!

    Reply
  • Great tips Rachel! Thanks so much for sharing at the Fabulous Friday Link Party. We’re thrilled to be featuring you this week.

    Reply
  • […] Rachel from The Antiqued Journey is your new best friend! She has shared so many great tips on How to Thrift Vintage Books — there’s a lot […]

    Reply
  • […] Rachel from The Antiqued Journey is your new best friend! She has shared so many great tips on How to Thrift Vintage Books — there’s a lot […]

    Reply
  • […] Rachel from The Antiqued Journey is your new best friend! She has shared so many great tips on How to Thrift Vintage Books — there’s a lot […]

    Reply
  • […] Rachel from The Antiqued Journey is your new best friend! She has shared so many great tips on How to Thrift Vintage Books — there’s a lot […]

    Reply
  • Hey Rachel! So many great tips! I love vintage books and feel as though you can never have too many. Some of the older books have beautiful illustrations. Great post my friend!

    Reply
  • […]   How to Thrift for Vintage Books       Coastal Tray Decor with […]

    Reply
  • Hi Rachel – I am sharing the ideas in this post in my Unboxing post this Saturday!

    Reply
  • […] How to Thrift for Vintage Books […]

    Reply
  • […] same height and the kettle is a tad shorter than the amber bottle. To rectify that, I used a red vintage book underneath to make it appear […]

    Reply
  • […] the hearth, I placed this vintage green vase on top of some Fall colored vintage books. Because the vase is nearly on the floor, I needed to pack it full of texture while also add quite […]

    Reply
  • […] with some ferns, a vintage book and milk glass, it lends a cool and breezy Summer feeling to the living […]

    Reply

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Hello I’m Rachel.

I’m so glad you are here! Old things are my jam. Antique malls and thrift stores are my happy places.

Here on the blog I love to share my excitement, knowledge, and ideas about all things antique and vintage. Let’s journey together!

Join Our Antiqued Journey

community

Home decor inspiration, DIY projects, and recipes from our kitchen straight to your inbox.

    Popular

    Check out
    The Antiqued Journey
    Shop!

    FREE SHIPPING on all orders

    Custom designed logo gear by Rachel of The Antiqued Journey.
    1. Home
    2. Inspiration for Your Home
    3. How to Thrift for Vintage Books

    How to Thrift for Vintage Books

    Share this post. Share the Journey!

    Learn how to thrift for vintage books with these easy pointers!

    Over the past few years, I’ve gained knowledge in many areas related to thrifting. When I feel like I have enough experience in a certain area, I like to share it with you in hopes of passing along helpful advice. Thrifting for vintage, especially books, is such a thrill!

    I used to have a super difficult time navigating stores, trying to find vintage and hardcover books. However, through practice, I’ve been able to successfully find old books in ways that others might not know about. I’ve done the hard part for you and am sharing my tips and tricks on how to thrift for vintage books!

    Posts on theantiquedjourney.com may contain affiliate links. You can read my full privacy policy and disclosures here

    Pricing for Vintage Books

    First, let’s talk briefly about fair prices to pay for old books.

    This is going to vary from person to person depending on the location, where you are shopping and how popular vintage books are in a given area. An average price for vintage books in my part of the country is around $6.00.

    a vintage book used in a thrifted basket display

    Personally, I don’t like to spend more than $5.00 for any one book. Most of the vintage books in my collection have been purchased for between $2-3.00. If a book is on the larger side, I feel okay about paying a little more for that, say around $8.00.

    When it really comes down to, though, is what a book is worth to you. If you love it and is going to add joy to your home, buy it!

    How to Thrift for Vintage Books

    Below are some easy tips and tricks that I use when hunting for vintage books at thrift stores or vintage shops. If you don’t find any the first time around, try again another day. Patience is the key when thrifting for any type of decor item. I do hope you find them practical and handy. Let’s get into it!

    1) Peel Back the Dust Cover.

    The first tip I have for you is to see what is underneath the paper. Many times old books have a paper cover that wraps around the whole book and it’s usually either 1) NOT pretty or 2) Super ripped and torn in many places, or both.

    Look past that cover and see what the actual book looks like.

    vintage books styled on a shelf with a vintage lower frog

    In my experience, the books that are covered with a dust cover are so pretty, sometimes having a linen texture to them or containing lovely old graphics.

    So, take a few minutes to peruse the book section at the thrift store. Peek under a few of the dust covers and see what there is…I have found many of my favorite books in this way!

    Patriotic colored vintage books for Summer

    2) Check Unexpected Areas.

    Another thing to do when hunting for old books is to look in places that you wouldn’t expect books to be. Sometimes people will grab a book, carry it around with them but then decide not to purchase it. They set it down wherever they are in the store, leaving it for someone else!

    I have found vintage books thrown in random boxes at the back of the store and in the kitchen section with dishes.

    two vintage books stacked on a hearth with a blue glass jug

    Another spot where I’ve found vintage books is in a styled vignette. This happens more at vintage shops or antique malls where the booth owner has created a themed display. They will sometimes stack them under a vase or flower pot or have a few books corralled with some candle sticks.

    Always keep your eyes peeled in any area. You never know where a pretty old book might be!

    vintage blue books in a hutch with milk glass

    3) Browse Each Bookshelf Carefully.

    When searching for vintage books, one cannot be in a hurry. If I’m going thrifting and looking for something very particular, especially old books, I make sure I have at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted time to spend looking around.

    I have learned that, if I’m in a rush, I don’t enjoy the process of browsing through all the books. I’m sure I’ve missed some pretty spectacular books in my day because I go in only having 10 minutes.

    a row of vintage green books on a shelf with milk glass

    Go in with an open mind and take your time looking through the book sections that interest you.

    For example, I gravitate towards the home and gardening books as well as design and travel. In my experience, when I look through books where the content interests me, I am more apt to find one that I love.

    a vintage green book on a mantel with milk glass

    4) Get Down and Dig.

    The last tip that I have for you is to simply roll up your sleeves and dig. I’ve done this many times in the novel section of the thrift store.

    You know those shelves with novel after novel and they are all piled on top of each other? Those are the places to look, guys! I’ve pulled so many beautiful old books out from under stacks of other books.

    a vintage blue book styled with a vintage bowl

    When you find books that speak to you, grab them and start a pile next to you. Once you have looked through the shelves, then you can go back and weed through your stack, choosing which ones you want to purchase.

    This ensures that no one else grabs a book out from in front of you while you are still searching. Many people go to thrift stores and antique shops to do just the same thing as you!

    a vintage blue book in a patriotic hutch display

    How to Style Vintage Books

    Below is a brief list of ways that you can use and decorate with old books in your home.

    For more in-depth and detailed ideas on how to style and decorate with vintage books, you can read this post, 3 Ways to Decorate with Vintage Books.

    • stack a few underneath a vase or jar
    • line them up across a shelf
    • style them into a seasonal vignette
    • use them for height in a display
    • open them up and use as background decor

    a vintage milk glass lamp styled on some books

    Closing Tidbits

    I hope you learned something new about how to thrift for vintage books! Most of the time thrifting is pure luck but, at times, there can be an art to finding the items that you are looking for. Through practice and patience, you will be able to discover hidden treasures that are meant specifically for you! Be encouraged to search for pretty old things, books or otherwise, finding joy along the way.

    signature from The Antiqued Journey

    Leave me a comment! Do you like to use vintage books in your decor? How would you use them? I love hearing from you!

    an image for pinning

    Just click on the red button in the left corner!

    a blue glass jar with yellow flowers on top of two vintage books

    If you are new here, I’m Rachel, the writer and content creator here at The Antiqued Journey. I’m so happy to have you! I encourage you to stop by the ‘about me’ page to get to know me a little more. Here on the blog, you will find loads of inspiration for decorating with vintage and antique decor, simple DIY crafts and many thrifting adventures. If that interests you, I invite you to sign up for my e-mail. You will receive a free digital download as a thank you!

    Follow Along with The Antiqued Journey

    Shop Similar Looks on Amazon

    Other Thrifting Posts to Enjoy

    a thrifted copper cheese shaker on a peg rack
    Displaying Thrifted Vintage Copper

    a vintage milk glass banana stand with faux yellow stems on a Summer mantel
    Decorating for Summer with Thrifted Milk Glass

    a Summer basket vignette with vintage milk glass
    Thrifted Home Decor for Summer

    29 Comments. Leave new

    • I am interested in collecting children’s old books. Do you read them? Do you worry about bugs or worms I’ve heard are in old books. Do you wear special gloves when touching them? If so where did you get them. What makes an old book valuable? I see so many with loose binding, stains, tears does this impact the value. I once knew someone who got rid of all his books because he thought the bugs in some were able to transfer to new books. Is this true?

      Reply
      • Rachel Granholm
        July 13, 2023 9:20 am

        Hi Carm! I will do my best to answer all your questions.
        1) I do not personally collect old children’s books but they are quite popular. There is a lady on YouTube, Her channel is called Nicole Northgarden Thrifter, and she collects children’s books.
        2) I have never worried about bugs or worms…I’ve never heard of worms in old books before actually. I have never had an issue with bugs being in my house from an old book. However, I have heard that if you put your books in the freezer for a few days, it will kill anything that might be in them. I do not wear gloves, either!
        3) For me personally, I don’t really look at the value of books, or anything vintage really. I just buy things to decorate my home. If I love something and it speaks to me, I buy it, regardless of value. But yes…If you are looking at value, the stains and tears and everything will probably affect the value of the book as a whole.
        4) I have no idea if bugs will transfer to other books or not…like I said earlier I’ve never had an issue with bugs in my books. I’ve got a collection of about 20 maybe now and still haven’t had any problems
        I hope this helps…thanks so much for stopping by today and for your thoughtful questions! Have a great day ahead!

        Reply
    • Give me all the vintage books! Love that you collect these Rachel and that you’ve been able to find so many at reasonable prices too. Your vignettes are always so lovely and make me want to run to the store to try and find some goodies! Hope your summer is filled with happy shopping, CoCo

      Reply
    • Tanya Derrey Bingham
      July 13, 2023 1:56 pm

      You have such great tips for finding these beauties! I have been looking but I am going to up my game now and hopefully find a nice bundle for my living room 🙂

      Reply
    • Great tips, I’ve also heard from another You-Tube Thrifter – Jean E mentioned Silverfish bugs in books and she leaves her books out in the sun for a day, to rid her books from bugs.

      Reply
      • Rachel Granholm
        July 15, 2023 9:56 am

        Gosh…I must find the ‘clean’ books because I’ve never had an issue with bugs but this is helpful to know! Thanks for stopping by today, Vicki!

        Reply
    • Hi Rachel! Oh my, I wish I would have read this post before I went to that big yard sale last weekend! I was looking at vintage books but had no idea what a good price was. The ones I was most interested in had a sign that said books $5 FIRM! Now I wish I would have bought them. Oh well, thanks for this info! I’ll be much better prepared for my next trip to Renninger’s!! Happy day!

      Reply
      • Rachel Granholm
        July 17, 2023 6:12 pm

        Hello!
        Darnit! I so wish you would have gotten those! Now you know for next time 🙂 Thanks for reading today, Donna!

        Reply
    • I love old books too! They are beautiful to look at and have so much information from the past. Your decorating tips are spot on Rachel! That stack of green books is so pretty 🙂

      Reply
    • Old books are the best. I love to decorate with them. We just scored a bunch of old books that have red covers from my husband’s grandfather. I was SO excited! I used them over the 4th and can’t wait to use them again during the holidays!

      Reply
    • Great tips Rachel! Thanks so much for sharing at the Fabulous Friday Link Party. We’re thrilled to be featuring you this week.

      Reply
    • […] Rachel from The Antiqued Journey is your new best friend! She has shared so many great tips on How to Thrift Vintage Books — there’s a lot […]

      Reply
    • […] Rachel from The Antiqued Journey is your new best friend! She has shared so many great tips on How to Thrift Vintage Books — there’s a lot […]

      Reply
    • […] Rachel from The Antiqued Journey is your new best friend! She has shared so many great tips on How to Thrift Vintage Books — there’s a lot […]

      Reply
    • […] Rachel from The Antiqued Journey is your new best friend! She has shared so many great tips on How to Thrift Vintage Books — there’s a lot […]

      Reply
    • Hey Rachel! So many great tips! I love vintage books and feel as though you can never have too many. Some of the older books have beautiful illustrations. Great post my friend!

      Reply
    • […]   How to Thrift for Vintage Books       Coastal Tray Decor with […]

      Reply
    • Hi Rachel – I am sharing the ideas in this post in my Unboxing post this Saturday!

      Reply
    • […] How to Thrift for Vintage Books […]

      Reply
    • […] same height and the kettle is a tad shorter than the amber bottle. To rectify that, I used a red vintage book underneath to make it appear […]

      Reply
    • […] the hearth, I placed this vintage green vase on top of some Fall colored vintage books. Because the vase is nearly on the floor, I needed to pack it full of texture while also add quite […]

      Reply
    • […] with some ferns, a vintage book and milk glass, it lends a cool and breezy Summer feeling to the living […]

      Reply

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Fill out this field
    Fill out this field
    Please enter a valid email address.
    You need to agree with the terms to proceed

    Hello I’m Rachel.

    I’m so glad you are here! Old things are my jam. Antique malls and thrift stores are my happy places.

    Here on the blog I love to share my excitement, knowledge, and ideas about all things antique and vintage. Let’s journey together!

    Join Our Antiqued Journey

    community

    Home decor inspiration, DIY projects, and recipes from our kitchen straight to your inbox.

      Popular

      Check out
      The Antiqued Journey
      Shop!

      FREE SHIPPING on all orders

      Custom designed logo gear by Rachel of The Antiqued Journey.
      Menu