Do you have something that you don’t really collect, but if you see them for sale you’ll probably buy them? Bookends are that way for me. I don’t run across bookends all that often, so when I do, I grab them. I can always find a use for them, and not just for books.
Though, I’m definitely not a bookend specialist or even collector, I do collect them I guess, sort of, in a non-formal way of collecting. I seem to always have a use for another set of bookends, so I tend to buy them when I see them. But, unlike a true collector, I don’t really know much about which bookends are more desirable or valuable.
I just get what happens to cross my path and I take a hankering for. Therefore, I’m going to call it a bookend collection of just simple joy.
Antique Bookends
I have a few that are very old, like some beauties I found thrifting about a gazillion years ago.
This set of bookends is in the Art Nouveau style. which would date them somewhere from the very late 1800’s until early 1920’s. Okay, maybe not a gazillion years… I didn’t buy them new, (and to my grandchildren’s surprise, yes, we had cars when I was little).
The organic, flowing lines and beautiful faces easily give it’s style away.
Each end is connected with 2 sliding brass rods on the bottom, creating a single unit that adjusts to the perfect size.
Currently they are holding a set of antique books. The faded blue books seem to emphasize that the little flowers along the bottom edge were once colored blue .
Not Really Bookends
If you’ve ever been to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, you’ve probably seen the pair of Guardian lions that stand on pedestals outside one of the entrances. The lions are 1990’s reproductions. They were carved in the 18th century style of the Chinese originals.
I love the MIA!
HERE is a post I wrote from one of my visits there featuring an antique painted Norwegian cupboard.
and HERE is a post featuring several paintings and roosters from a visit there.
These miniature replicas that I purchased from MIA are models of those stone carved ones at the entrance.
Though not really ‘bookends’, it seems fitting to have my miniature Chinese lions guard some Asian themed books.
Can you see those books? I bought the one in the center, ‘The Greater Perfection’, (yes it has a fabulous Asian themed garden in it) after watching the 2018 documentary ‘The Gardener’.
“Created over 75 years and three generations, Les Quatre Vents stands as an enchanted place of beauty and surprise, a horticultural masterpiece of the 21st century. See how Frank Cabot gave birth to one of the greatest gardens in the world.” Movie Description
If you love beautiful gardens and design, I highly recommend watching it! I’ve seen it a few times, and just thinking about it makes me want to watch it again now.
Single Bookend
A lot less serious than the guardian lions is this handsome fella, and he serves no purpose except for pure entertainment.
I found him thrifting and although his mate was missing, how could I resist?!
The poodle bookend, (dating from what, maybe the 50-60’s?) now sits on the desk in the guest room in his seriously goofy pose just entertaining us.
Perfect for the grandkids that typically occupy this room for sleepovers.
Bookends Not Always for Books
How about a completely different use for some bookends?
I found these pineapple bookends at Goodwill the other day. I tried to find some new ones exactly like them to link here for you, but looks like they are no longer available. However, I did find some other fabulous pineapple bookends for you to take a look at! Like how about THESE, or THESE? Both options are pretty aren’t they?!
Or how about THESE bird bookends? I love just about everything with birds on it, and these parrots are great.
So, guess what I used my pineapple bookends for…
Here’s a hint, it’s not books.
A napkin holder!
I like to have napkins handy to grab, but I also like them to look pretty and not just a pile of napkins sitting out.
This set of bookends turned napkin holder was a perfect option. With their whitebase and shimmery gold tops, they bring that element of fancy to a very utilitarian use.
Sitting on the kitchen island centerpiece the newly styled napkin holder doesn’t take up too much space.
The beauty of using bookends for this purpose is they are super heavy so it won’t get knocked over when grabbing a napkin.
So, how about you?
Do you have any bookends, (or need to start shopping for some)?
What ideas do you have that you can think using them for?
Thank you for stopping by, I appreciate you reading along.
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