Sometimes the best part about shopping is the window displays. While we were out and about this past weekend, we came across some clever ideas used in retail spaces that could easily be translated into home decor with a little creativity. Click through the jump to learn more about the image above and what it's made from.

The displays at our local Anthropologie are currently all made from books. Big books, small books, spineless books, all different kinds of books. Although we are a firm believer in actually reading our books, or donating the ones we have already read, there have been a few times (or auctions rather) where a few piles of books could have gone home with us for crafting purposes.
We rather like the look of these pages swirled around like rings on a tree stump. We think the same effect could be had by taking slices of pages and layering them up to be used as placemats or wall hangings.
Some books had their pages tucked up to give them a faux bird house effect. And even though they wouldn't have much use outside, they could be cute hung over a lamp in a quiet reading nook or even a nursery.
Several used in conjunction with one another feels very quaint and unexpected.
(Photos by Sarahrae)
It's been that way for a few months (August/September) and they haven't changed it all over yet:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/look/look-more-great-displays-at-anthropologie-059477
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/look/look-hanging-book-lights-anthropologie-063151
Relevant comments about this treatment and the repeat posts:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/artwork/book-mobiles-from-shop-house-064110
view K T G's profile
Uh! I'm sick of book vandalism on this site! Leave old books alone! Use something else for your window displays/bedside tables/mobiles!
view mildred's profile
Why on earth would anyone decorate their home to look like a store display - and why does AT keep on this?
It's store displays that gave us matching suites of dining room/bedroom furniture and matching sofa/loveseat/chair sets.
"Several used in conjunction with one another feels very quaint and unexpected."
Yeah, it's unexpected because nobody expects people to trash books like this and hang them from the ceiling.
view bepsf's profile
Ah, the book-as-sacred-object contingent makes itself known again on AT. I quite like the book birdhouse mobiles, even as someone who works with books for a living.
view typicalstudent's profile
I don't understand people who like books so much - the good ones are good, but there's enough dreck to furnish 2000 Anthropologies and a couple dorms who thinks this look is nice, and have plenty left over to keep next to the fireplace for kindling.
I am on the edge of my seat for part 2...
view K T G's profile
Wow. More store displays. Color me unsurprised.
Really...can't you do something more interesting with a book than put it in a pile of screwy pages?
view RQinGeorgia's profile
To me decor like this works and looks nice in that context because of the whole vibe Anthropologie creates, from their funky-borderline-country-style clothing to the big glass windows with a somewhat industrial feel types of spaces. If I were to bring the book or that roll of swirly paper or cardboard back home it would just look like clutter, or even worse, recycling I forgot to take out.
view Snowiye's profile
I nominate Barbara Cartland books to be used in all their future book window displays. Aged, sunburned, dog-eared, accidentally stepped on, formerly attic-musty Barbara Cartlands!
view *heather leaf*'s profile
I like the book folding but agree that AT has ow officially done enough posts on them! Move along, people, not enough new to see here...........
view dandy's profile
Well, it definitely took creativity and skill. And it made people talk. I guess that's the core of what makes art.
(cringing at the book desecration, but acknowledging that some books are not worth saving)
view LilyC's profile
if you want some inspiration check out artist Phoebe Washburn - that's where i see a lot of these Anthropologie displays are "inspired" from. granted she is not a designer but a fine artist in installations/sculpture - using every day objects in extraordinary ways
view sneakers's profile
PLEASE STOP PROMOTING ANTHROPOLOGIE: RACIST SEXIST DISCRIMINATORY EXPLOITIVE SWEATSHOP RETAIL FOR $9 AN HOUR STARTING AT 6AM!!! THEY HAVE AN INTERNAL WEBSITE DEDICATED TO RIPPING OFF INDEPENDENT FINE ARTISTS WHO WOULD WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH THEM AND THEIR BOOK BLITZ IS JUST ANOTHER DEVASTATING PERNICIOUS PHILOSOPHY OF THIS SICK DYSFUNCTIONAL SORORITY!!!!!!
view gorillaglam's profile
I am amazed at how harsh everyone on here can be, this is meant as inspiration for our home decor. Yeah, book stuff may have been done before: but not everyone has seen this, there is always some people out there who will love it and make it work in their home.
view RedMaiko's profile
Hang on, I'm going to get some popcorn...
view whytephoenix's profile
I just hope they're going to recycle all those used books or donate them somewhere.
view lomogeek's profile
this could be a good use for the never-ending supply of xeroxed readers college students wind up with. no qualms about book destruction there.
view akostalas's profile
Forget the sweatshop labor and artist rip-offs, my heart bleeds for those poor books. Stop the vandalism!!!
view jen_g's profile