# Best Old House Restoration Books, Gifts & Novelties - Link: https://www.oldhouseguy.com/books/ - Published: 2014-02-13T19:57:17-05:00 - Author: Daniel Lane The following are the Best books for the Old House Restorer that I personally recommend. Books are grouped by category. Gifts and novelties make a statement and will help preserve our historic buildings. [⌊Old House Journal magazine⌉⌊Old House Journal magazine⌉[ [Old House Journal ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000CQNKB8/kenroginskihisto) I personally recommend the Old House Journal for everyone owning a home built from 1760-1960. If you only subscribe to one magazine, choose Old House Journal. If you live in a town where your local government or code enforcement does not understand historic preservation, I suggest buying a gift subscription for them. By browsing this magazine an interest and respect for old houses may develop. [⌊American Bungalow magazine⌉⌊American Bungalow magazine⌉[ [American Bungalow ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006K34D/kenroginskihisto) A good resource for information focusing on American bungalow homes. [⌊the vintage house book⌉⌊the vintage house book⌉[ [The Vintage House ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0393706192/kenroginskihisto) by Mark Alan Hewitt & Gordon Bock Both authors were teachers of mine at Drew University’s Historic Preservation program. A must-have primer for homeowners and professionals, this impressive book presents the first comprehensive survey of its kind on how to achieve truly compatible, stylistically resonant additions and renovations. From exploring “How Do Houses Grow?” to “Getting the Details Right,” it guides readers through typical projects and issues, such as finding more space within an existing footprint or blending in new windows or dormers without destroying historic character. [⌊Renovating Old Houses bringing life to vintage homes⌉⌊Renovating Old Houses bringing life to vintage homes⌉[ [Renovating Old Houses ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1561585351/kenroginskihisto) by George Nash Old houses are different than new houses in many ways. Although modern technology may be good, it is not a fix-all solution. If you do the work yourself or hire someone, it is best to be informed on the proper method. You are the steward responsible for the future of your home so you really need to do it right. [⌊Bungalow Details exterior book⌉⌊Bungalow Details exterior book⌉[ [Bungalow Details – Exterior ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1586853066/kenroginskihisto) by Jane Powell and Linda Svendsen Many bungalow homes are neglected, thinking they rank below Victorian restoration. This book allows one to appreciated their architectural details to properly restore these homes back to what they were meant to be. [⌊The Window Sash Bible⌉⌊The Window Sash Bible⌉[ [The Window Sash Bible ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1505299144/kenroginskihisto) by Steve Jordan In this book Steve Jordan covers traditional methods and the latest in modern high-tech materials and techniques. This is a How-To book providing detailed instructions for the average homeowner to restore their windows. [⌊Sears Roebuck Home Builder Catalog 1910⌉⌊Sears Roebuck Home Builder Catalog 1910⌉[ [1910 Sears Roebuck Home Builder’s Catalogue ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0486263207/kenroginskihisto) This is a reprint of a 1910 Sears Builder’s Catalog. Just because you don’t have a Sears House, doesn’t mean your home didn’t have Sears hardware and products. Books such as these are a great resource for the old house owner. I have the same door knobs and hinges featured in the book throughout my house. [⌊Turn of the Century Doors windows⌉⌊Turn of the Century Doors windows⌉[ [Turn-of-the-Century Doors, Windows and Decorative Millwork: The Mulliner Catalog of 1893 ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0486285146/kenroginskihisto) by The Mulliner Box & Planing Co.This is a reprint of a 1893 catalog for the Mulliner Box & Planning Company. Great for dating a house, seeing what styles were available at the time for restorations, and interesting enough for just browsing. [⌊Roberts Illustrated Millwork Catalog⌉⌊Roberts Illustrated Millwork Catalog⌉[ [Roberts’ Illustrated Millwork Catalog: A Sourcebook of Turn-of-the-Century Architectural Woodwork ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0486256979/kenroginskihisto) by E.L. Roberts & Co.This is a reprint of a 1903 catalog for Roberts’ Millwork. Great for dating a house, seeing what styles were available at the time for restorations, and interesting enough for just browsing. [⌊The Victorian Design Book⌉⌊The Victorian Design Book⌉[ [The Victorian Design Book: A Complete Guide to Victorian House Trim ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0969101961/kenroginskihisto) by Richard O. Byrne. This is a reprint of a 1903 catalog. Great for dating a house, seeing what styles were available at the time for restorations, and interesting enough for just browsing. Has color photos of stained glass windows that were available. [⌊Sears catalog 1897⌉⌊Sears catalog 1897⌉[ [1897 Sears Roebuck & Co. Catalogue ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1602390630/kenroginskihisto) A great resource to date what you have or find out what you need for your turn of the century home. Need window shades? See what was available in 1897. If it was sold by Sears, you can be sure it was a popular item. I can bet you will look at this catalog from cover to cover. Unfortunately items are not available to order. Please do not submit order form. [⌊At Home, Bill Bryson⌉⌊At Home, Bill Bryson⌉[ [At Home: A Short History of Private Life ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0767919394/kenroginskihisto) This is an EXCELLENT book. The author takes us for a room by room tour of his historic home discussing historic uses and daily living information that you would never find in any other book. This is an easy to read book that you will not want to put down. I promise. [⌊the old way of seeing⌉⌊the old way of seeing⌉[ [The Old Way of Seeing (And How to Get It Back) ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/039574010X/kenroginskihisto) by Jonathan Hale As briefly discussed in my [Aesthetics page ](https://www.oldhouseguy.com/aesthetics/): If you ever wandered why NEW buildings pale in comparison to old buildings, this book will answer your questions. The author promotes rediscovering our aesthetic eye and how simple geometric harmony can create LIFE in a building. This book provides a basic understanding to architectural design. [⌊Traditional Construction Patterns book⌉⌊Traditional Construction Patterns book⌉[ [Traditional Construction Patterns: Design and Detail Rules-of-Thumb ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0071416323/kenroginskihisto) by Stephen Mouzon The Do’s and Don’ts of design. If only contractors and architects today would follow the [Principals and Rules of architecture ](https://www.oldhouseguy.com/aesthetics-the-solution/), today’s buildings would be so much more aesthetically pleasing to look at. This book will train your eyes enabling you to be able to critique architecture. [⌊Get Your House Right book⌉⌊Get Your House Right book⌉[ [Get Your House Right ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1402791038/kenroginskihisto) by Marianne Cusato There are many architectural rules to understand. This book is full of easy to follow illustrations showing the wrong way and the correct way elements of a house should be designed and explains it well. [⌊American Architecture encyclopedia⌉⌊American Architecture encyclopedia⌉[ [American Architecture: An Illustrated Encyclopedia ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0393731030/kenroginskihisto) by Cyril M. Harris A reference to architectural terms and their use. [⌊field guide to american houses updated⌉⌊field guide to american houses updated⌉[ [A Field Guide to American Houses ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/140004359X/kenroginskihisto) by Virginia & Lee McAlester New expanded edition. What style is your house and what features define that style. Great to have when looking at old houses to understand the character defining features of a particular style of architecture. Easy to use. A must have. [⌊Identifying American Architecture book⌉⌊Identifying American Architecture book⌉[ [Identifying American Architecture: A Pictorial Guide to Styles and Terms : 1600-1945 ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0393306100/kenroginskihisto) by John J. G. Blumenson A companion guide to the “Field Guide to American Houses”. [⌊Concise History Of American Architecture⌉⌊Concise History Of American Architecture⌉[ [A Concise History Of American Architecture ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0064300862/kenroginskihisto) by Leland Roth This is the book required for my Architectural History class at Drew University. [⌊Death and Life Great American Cities⌉⌊Death and Life Great American Cities⌉[ [The Death and Life of Great American Cities ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0679600477/kenroginskihisto) by Jane Jacobs Jane Jacobs, an editor and writer on architecture in New York City in the early sixties, argued that urban diversity and vitality were being destroyed by powerful architects and city planners. This book will help you understand why development we see just does not work. [⌊simple rules to architectural design book⌉⌊simple rules to architectural design book⌉[ [Simple Rules ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1484152077/kenroginskihisto) by Shannon Taylor Scarlett The best way to explain this book is to read my page on [aesthetics of architecture and design ](https://www.oldhouseguy.com/aesthetics-the-solution/). There are rules that must be applied to building design that are no longer used which results in the bad architecture we see today. These age old rules are in this book. [⌊Guide To Architecture Of Hightstown Houses⌉⌊Guide To Architecture Of Hightstown Houses⌉[ [A Guide to the Architecture of Hightstown Houses ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0615609635/kenroginskihisto) by Richard Pratt This book offers the homeowner guidance, details, techniques, recommendations, ideas, and examples for restoring houses in Hightstown, NJ and other areas. Many examples of porches, garages, fences, etc. I especially like the examples of porch railing styles. [[ [The Kitchen Plan Book ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0019QJRJY/kenroginskihisto) by Hoosier Manufacturing Co. 50 plans of modern kitchens from 1917. If you want a period kitchen this is the book to follow. Paint colors included. [⌊Victorian Exterior Decoration house painting book⌉⌊Victorian Exterior Decoration house painting book⌉[ [Victorian Exterior Decorations ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0805023135/kenroginskihisto) How to Paint your 19th Century House Historically by Roger Moss and Gail Winkler This is a great resource full of pictures and information. There is a lot to know about color placement on a house. An error will upset the entire balance of your house. Roger Moss and his wife Gail Winkler are experts in the field. I have attended many of their talks. [⌊Victorian Interior Decoration book⌉⌊Victorian Interior Decoration book⌉[ [Victorian Interior Decorations ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0805023127/kenroginskihisto) American Interiors: 1830-1900 by Roger Moss and Gail Winkler This is the best resource I have found so far. There is a wealth of information in a great format. [⌊photos of american interiors book⌉⌊photos of american interiors book⌉[ [The Tasteful Interlude ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0761991344/kenroginskihisto) American Interiors through the Camera’s Eye, 1860-1917 by William Seale A collection of photos from 1860 through 1917 of real rooms in average homes that a person can relate to (not everyone wants to decorate a Newport Mansion). What better way to understand period decorating styles than by examples. Once you have gained the knowledge of decorating styles by reading Victorian Interior Decoration listed above, and combine it with the examples in this book, you will be ready to put what you learned to use to decorate your home. That’s what I did. [⌊Photographs of New York Interiors⌉⌊Photographs of New York Interiors⌉[ [Photographs of New York Interiors At The Turn of The Century Similar to “The Tasteful Interlude”, this book also included some public buildings. I recommend purchasing both books. [⌊Hints on Household Taste⌉⌊Hints on Household Taste⌉[ [Hints on Household Taste: The Classic Handbook of Victorian Interior Decoration ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0486250466/kenroginskihisto) by Charles L. Eastlake If your home was built in the period before or after 1878, and the original owners were considered to be “fashionable” for their day, this is your guide. [⌊Aladdin catalog of house kits⌉⌊Aladdin catalog of house kits⌉[ [Aladdin “Built in a Day” House Catalog, 1917 ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/048628591X/kenroginskihisto) This is a catalogue for kit houses. However, this book and many like this are great for interior decoration. There are pictures and layout of rooms – excellent for decorating a 1917 period home. Notice there are no coffee tables. [⌊Sears And Roebuck house catalog 1926⌉⌊Sears And Roebuck house catalog 1926⌉[ [Small Houses of the Twenties: The Sears, Roebuck 1926 House Catalog ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0486267091/kenroginskihisto) This is a catalogue for kit houses. However, this book and many like this are great for interior decoration. There are pictures and layout of rooms – excellent for decorating a 1926 period home. Notice there are no coffee tables. [⌊Houses by Mail: A Guide to Houses from Sears, Roebuck and Company⌉⌊Houses by Mail: A Guide to Houses from Sears, Roebuck and Company⌉[ [Houses by Mail: A Guide to Houses from Sears, Roebuck and Company ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0471143944/kenroginskihisto) This book is not for interiors but shows all small and large homes built by Sears. A great resource for finding your house and seeing if/how it was messed up by previous owners. [⌊The Weekend Refinisher woodwork book⌉⌊The Weekend Refinisher woodwork book⌉[ [The Weekend Refinisher: How to Make the Most of Your Furniture ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/034535866X/kenroginskihisto) A Step-By-Step Guide by Bruce Johnson IF YOU ONLY BUY ONE BOOK ON Furniture Refinishing, this is the one. It will save you a lot of unnecessary work and PREVENT YOU FROM DESTROYING AN ANTIQUE. You will learn the most valuable lessons NEVER mentioned in any other book. [⌊The Furniture Doctor⌉⌊The Furniture Doctor⌉[ [The Furniture Doctor ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0385266707/kenroginskihisto) by George Grotz A great how-to book that shows you how to deal with particular problems with furniture and refinishing. [⌊Understanding Wood faux Finishing⌉⌊Understanding Wood faux Finishing⌉[ [Understanding Wood Finishing : How to Select and Apply the Right Finish ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0875967345/kenroginskihisto) by Bob Flexner This book has excellent reviews on Amazon. The images would be better if they were in color or more clear. [⌊Practical Guide To Decorative Antique Effects⌉⌊Practical Guide To Decorative Antique Effects⌉[ [The Practical Guide To Decorative Antique Effects ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1855852578/kenroginskihisto) by Annie Sloan This book will show you a variety of simple techniques to create an antique effect on furniture etc. Crakle-glazing, graining, using waxes etc. are featured for creating an antique appearance. Caution: First read the Weekend Refinisher before you mess with an antique. (you may think there is no hope for the existing finish, but in most cases you will be wrong – read it first, then thank me!) [⌊The Art of Faux finishing book⌉⌊The Art of Faux finishing book⌉[ [The Art of Faux: The Complete Sourcebook of Decorative Painted Finishes ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0823008584/kenroginskihisto) by Pierre Finkelstein This book will show you a variety of simple techniques to create an antique effect on furniture etc. Crakle-glazing, graining, using waxes etc. are featured for creating an antique appearance. Caution: First read the Weekend Refinisher before you mess with an antique. (you may think there is no hope for the existing finish, but in most cases you will be wrong – read it first, then thank me!) [⌊Professional Painted faux Finishes⌉⌊Professional Painted faux Finishes⌉[ [Professional Painted Finishes ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0823044181/kenroginskihisto) by Ina Marx This book contains the most information on Graining Techniques. Personally I do not like the way it reads, however it will give you all the information you will ever need. When I purchased this book it was $40.50 and I was hesitant about recommending it. Now it is half the price new. (If I had only waited). This is a good book for someone really serious about this stuff. THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO DECORATIVE ANTIQUE EFFECTS listed above, gives you a good overview which is sufficient for most. [⌊build your own icebox⌉⌊build your own icebox⌉[ [Convert Your Refrigerator Into an Antique Icebox ](https://www.oldhouseguy.com/icebox/) by Ken Roginski of Old House Guy LLC An old house with a modern kitchen does not work. The secret is to maintain the flow as you move throughout the house. These E-book provides instructions on how to convert your modern refrigerator into an antique icebox. [⌊BrandWashed book on marketing⌉⌊BrandWashed book on marketing⌉[ [BrandWashed ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0385531737/kenroginskihisto) by Martin Lindstrom If we could only advertise to promote the restoration of windows etc. as manufacturers promote their plastic products! Here is a book showing how we get brain-washed. [⌊the lost art of steam heating book⌉⌊the lost art of steam heating book⌉[ [The Lost Art of Steam Heating ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0974396095/kenroginskihisto) by Dan Holohan A good resource for the person with an old heating system. [⌊resource for old steam heating⌉⌊resource for old steam heating⌉[ [Greening Steam ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0615337724/kenroginskihisto) by Dan Holohan A good resource for the person with an old heating system. [⌊classic hydronics steam heating⌉⌊classic hydronics steam heating⌉[ [Classic Hydronics ](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0615561071/kenroginskihisto) by Dan Holohan A good resource for the person with an old heating system. [⌊save our old homes t shirt⌉⌊save our old homes t shirt⌉[ [Save Our Old Homes or Save Our Old Windows shirts ](http://www.zazzle.com/old_house_guy*?tc=ohg) Be a walking billboard for preservation! You can save history! Choose Save Our Old Homes or Windows This shirt is 2 sided. It comes in long sleeve, hoodie, etc. in many colors including distressed. Click image for important detailed instructions for wearing. [⌊save our old windows coffee mug⌉⌊save our old windows coffee mug⌉[ [Mugs ](http://www.zazzle.com/old_house_guy*?tc=ohg) Bring this mug to work and pretend to accidentally forget it on your co-workers desk. Eventually they will get the idea. If they don’t, just refer them to OldHouseGuy. com website. [⌊baby says no vinyl siding pacifier⌉⌊baby says no vinyl siding pacifier⌉[ [Pacifiers ](http://www.zazzle.com/old_house_guy*?tc=ohg) Advocacy for preservation of old houses starts early. Babies don’t need to talk because this special pacifier says it all. Text can be modified with babies name. This is the perfect gift for a baby – get them started promoting preservation with this pacifier. Studies are pending to show that extended use will make your child into a famous historic preservation architect. [⌊old windows magnet⌉⌊old windows magnet⌉[ [Refrigerator and Icebox Magnets ](http://www.zazzle.com/old_house_guy*?tc=ohg) A refrigerator magnet will help make your point when gifted to someone that is considring replacing their windows. A great gift for your Code Enforcement officer or the window replacement guy down the street. [⌊i hate vinyl siding doggie t shirt⌉⌊i hate vinyl siding doggie t shirt⌉[ [Doggie T-Shirts ](http://www.zazzle.com/old_house_guy*?tc=ohg) Let your doggie be your spokesperson. Historic house remuddlers will be bitten! Woof!