Photograph: Kobal
Imagine it: you’ve got a bookshelf in a fireplace room whose shelves are just begging to be filled. You’re after a certain aesthetic, one that exudes old-world elegance and refined sophistication. Seeing as the latest John Grisham novel doesn’t quite fit the bill, what’s a frustrated decorator to do? Spend thousands on antique, leather-bound books that no one will ever bother to open?
Four words: faux antique book spines.
Reproduction antique covers have been used to fill the shelves of home libraries, hotel lobbies, movie sets and restaurants. They can also conceal safes or other spaces that contain valuables.
The spines are made of gently worn leather that imitates authentic antique books. Customers can choose from a variety of colors, titles and spine heights, creating a varied look representative of a bona fide, hard-earned collection.
Perhaps the best part is the price. At Comfort House http://www.comforthouse.com, one online vendor that sells faux antique covers, a set of seven spines goes for $140.
Check out these other online suppliers, too:
• The Original Book Works Limited http://www.originalbooks.net/
• The Dummy Book Company http://www.dummybook.com/
• Relics of Witney Ltd. http://www.dummybooks.co.uk/
If, by chance, it’s the reverse you covet, take a look at these antique coverless book bundles from Restoration Hardware. http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1671515&navAction=jump&navCount=0