How to Decorate With Books and Candles

After you place your furniture your the home, accessories are the next step. Place small items around each room that offer warmth and interest to guests and are important to you. Before purchasing accessories, examine your book shelf and pull out your favorite hardcover books. Gather the candles you already own. With these two items, you can can begin decorating your house. Shop for candle holders and like-colored books as you continue decorating.

Things You'll Need

2 cake stands
Colored candles
Ivory candles
Glass and other candle holders
Sand or rocks
Books of all sizes

Window box or container
Serving cart with wheels
Special cart-decorating items
Piece of glass or wood for tabletop
Mirror

Instructions

- 1
  Place two cake stands on top of one another for a table centerpiece. Add like-colored or similar-shaped candles on both tiers. Light the candles and dim the lights while eating.
- 2
  
  Similiar-colored books are easier on the eyes.
  
  Put a tall, glass vase on a bookshelf and fill with sand or rocks. Place a candle inside. Stand books up or stack horizontally on either side of the vase. Repeat on different shelves and areas within the same book shelf. Separate the books so that the jackets are similar in color, and make sure the candle color compliments the shelf's color scheme.
- 3
  
  Books can become part of the decoration in a child's room.
  
  Paint a window box to match a child's bedroom or playroom decor. Place the box on the floor, hang on the wall or put atop a dresser, and fill with large, tall childrens' books so they stick out. If the room has a Old West theme, for example, use a wagon in the corner and fill with books sideways and upright.
- 4
  Put a cart with wheels in the corner of a living room or den, for example. Add tall, side-covered candle holders and candles, in addition to a vase with flowers, writing utensils in a sturdy holder, stationery and collectibles. Fill in the spaces with books. Hold the books upright using the items on the cart. This movable book shelf becomes part of the decor in any room and you can move it to the guest room, for example, to be part of the useful decor when visitors arrive.
- 5
  Take the jackets off books so that the eye rests easily. Stack books on a console or table and use as building blocks. Vary the size of the stacks and place decorative items, such as candle holders, picture frames, plants and art work, on top of and around the stacks.
- 6
  Create a small side or coffee table with books. Stack extra thick, large books in the area you want the table. Arrange so that the books are even with each other on the corners. Place a piece of wood, glass or marble to cover the book base. Add a mirrored tray to the top. Arrange candles that match the room's decor on top of the mirror.
- 7
  Hang a large mirror over the fireplace mantle. Place ivory candles inside glass holders of different shapes and sizes. The mirror will illuminate the lights and enhance flickering.

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