Using books as decor is one of the ideal ways to turn a house into a home. There is nothing more homey to me than a coffee table, a nightstand, or any horizontal space for that matter covered in stacks of books. They have more purpose than just being read, they have the ability to delight with just a glance, inspire, and even be considered art.
Delight? Inspiration? Art?? Yes! Leave a beautiful book open on your coffee table to a page that inspires and delights you the most. Think of a book about a place you’ve been dying to travel to…for me it’s the Amalfi Coast – or anywhere in Italy! Using travel photography as a way to enliven dead walls? Do the same with beautiful travel books and let them whisk you far away. Or look for books about things that already inspire you; for me, it’s couture fashion, abstract art, or inspirational architecture. Creating art with books is about grouping them intentionally by color or size.
There are also the “it” books, the books you always end up seeing on the coffee tables of YouTubers, celebrities, and the well-informed. This list just scratches the surface of all the possibilities in decorating with books, consider adding some of these to your coffee table, kitchen island, or other surfaces that need a bit of life or a jolt of inspiration.
1. Neutrals
Look for books with neutral spines; they’re perfect for spaces with neutral tones or as a way to balance color-rich spaces. Use a variation of soft neutral tones or switch it up and mix colorful spines with neutrals.
2. Cool-Tones
Blues and greens are perfect for those laid-back spaces and color psychology is everything. Be careful with blue, it can be associated with relaxation or conjure up feelings of sadness. Use blue wisely, green has the same effect minus the sadness.
3. Warm-Tones
Bright pops of color in these books will add a nice pop to a neutral space or add another layer of color in a colorful space. Use the full-spread photography as a way to change up your tablescapes with travel photography, interiors, and art.
4. The “It” Books
Tom Ford, Louis Vuitton & Chanel These books need no introduction, you’ve seen them gracing the coffee tables of YouTubers and celebs everywhere.
5. The Elephants in the Room
If you’re looking for books that also qualify as furniture these books are literal elephants in the room.
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