Organize Books In A Stunning Rustic Display Using A Dollar Tree Must-Have

Got an overflowing book collection with not enough space to display it all? Or, maybe you're just beginning your reading journey and looking for ways to store your books without using a bookshelf. Either way, for the love of books, don't stash them away in boxes. If there's one thing all bookworms can agree on, it's that those precious pieces of knowledge and stories should never fade into the background. Instead, let them become part of the overall aesthetic of your space. One way to do this is to create a book display with a Rustic Wooden Slatted Tray from Dollar Tree.

At just $5 per unit, these trays are a steal. They either have straight edges that look modern or an intricate design that's more ornate. You can choose the style that fits your aesthetic best. You'll also be surprised at how easy they are to transform into a stylish book display. Here's what you'll need to get started: a wood stain of your choice, a foam brush, stencils, Mod Podge or paint depending on the type of stencil used, and of course, your wooden slatted tray. Now that you have your to-buy list, let's dive into how to incorporate books as art in your home in a simple yet charming way.

First things first: grab your tray and apply the wood stain using the foam brush. In the tutorial video above, DIYer @lizfenwickdiy went with Minwax's Golden Oak Wood Finish, which is available on Amazon for about $13. However, feel free to pick a lighter or darker stain that suits your style. You can also leave the tray as-is if you're drawn to the raw wood look or even paint it for a bolder appearance. Another option is to apply a clear matte finish to simply protect the wooden surface from damage and discoloration.

Next up, cut out your stencils. These could be anything from sayings to floral designs, like the pretty $8 DGAGA Spring Flower Silk Screen Stencils on Amazon. Don't feel like painting stencils on your tray? Follow @lizfenwickdiy's lead and use adhesive vinyl instead, which you can seal with Mod Podge. Once it's set, simply rub the paper backing off using a damp cloth — and that's all there is to it.

Showcase your DIY book display on your desk, in a cozy corner of your bedroom, or on a coffee or console table. We love that it doesn't take up too much space yet can hold a handful of titles. This makes it perfect for creating a home library in a small space. Arrange your books upright or lay them flat inside the tray. You could also leave a little room for storing glasses, pens, bookmarks, and sticky notes for annotating books.