Love coffee table books, but aren’t sure which books to buy and how to use them as decorations? read on to learn how to design coffee table books.
If you don’t already know, I’m a huge book nerd. I love to read as much as I like to write. Over the years, I have accumulated many books, mostly fiction. I eventually switched to a kindle, but still can’t resist a good book every now and then.
You are reading: How to arrange books on a coffee table
Earlier this year, I went through my book collection and ordered my bookshelf. The only type of book I didn’t get rid of was my collection of coffee table books.
some people collect art, I collect coffee table books. not only are they absolutely beautiful, but some of them also contain a lot of useful information. my favorite coffee table books are about home decor and they are a wonderful source of inspiration.
I recently redesigned my coffee table and included coffee table books as decorations. Some of you asked me to recommend coffee table books, while others wanted to know how to design coffee table books in general.
Today’s post will cover everything I know about designing coffee table books. I’ll also cover other popular questions below…
- what is a coffee table book?
- why decorate with coffee table books?
- how to design coffee table books
- best coffee table books for new collectors
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what is a coffee table book?
A coffee table book is a large hardcover book used for display or decorative reasons. it is usually full of beautifully shot images. coffee table books are decorative, entertaining and inspiring.
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cover a wide variety of topics, from interior design to photography, food and travel. learn more about the history of coffee table books here.
why decorate with coffee table books?
Coffee table books are one of my favorite things to decorate. With visually stunning covers and spines, they can really make a statement in any home. In addition, there is a wide variety of coffee table books on the market, so there is sure to be an option for everyone. Here are six more reasons why I love coffee table books:
versatile
Coffee table books aren’t just for your coffee table. Despite the name, coffee table books are very versatile and can be placed in different areas of your home. they can work on entryway consoles, dining room dressers, home office desks, and bedroom nightstands.
requires minimal effort
This is probably my number 1 reason why I love decorating coffee table books. Unlike shelves, mirrors, plants, and artwork, coffee table books require minimal effort. they don’t need to be painted, watered, powered by an outlet, or hung on a wall. they are uncomplicated!
adds character to a home
Coffee table books are a way to express your interests without verbalizing them. Whenever I walk into my friends’ houses, I love flipping through their coffee table books and checking out what they like. They’re also great conversation starters. Overall, coffee table books are a great temporary solution to show off your personality.
acts as a tray or drawer to hold smaller items
In addition to being decorative pieces, coffee table books can act as a tray or whistle to hold smaller items. If you have a smaller decoration like a matchbox or candle, a coffee table book can keep these items together.
affordable
Although some coffee table books can be expensive, they are generally more affordable compared to other heavy decorative items like mirrors and marble trays. In addition, there are many ways to get cheap table books. For example, you can buy them during sales or pick up used books at your local thrift store or Amazon.
childproof
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If you’re a parent, you’ll love using coffee table books as decorations! just be sure to save your children’s crayons. they’re not breakable and are usually too heavy for little ones to carry, which means they’re fine to place on lower coffee tables or ottomans.
how to design coffee table books
step 1: choose your coffee table books
- choosing a color scheme
Before you head out to buy books for the coffee table, take a moment to choose a color scheme. Look at the main colors in your home and choose a similar color or a complementary color for a cohesive look. For example, beige, tan, or white coffee table books look great in a farmhouse style home.
- remove book covers
Alternatively, you can always remove the paper covers of the books to reveal the hard covers. these are typically solid in color and textured, which helps create a cleaner look.
step 2: organize your coffee table books
- Stack your largest book at the bottom and end with the smallest book on top.
- Stick to odd-numbered groupings. I recommend starting with three books.
- If you’re using a round coffee table, think of your space like a triangle, which means you have three corners to style. Stack your coffee table books in one corner.
- If you’re using a square or rectangle coffee table, divide your table into quadrants. You can use one corner for books or have four stacks of books in all of the quadrants. The latter arrangement should only have books and nothing else to keep the look clean and modern.
- Got too many coffee table books? Stack similar-sized books next to your couch or accent chair and top it with a tray to create a unique side table.
- If you’re styling them on a bookshelf, stack them horizontally or vertically to create variation. Always remember to line book spines with the front edge of the shelf. If they are in different colors, turn them the other way around for a cohesive look.
step 3: design your coffee table books
- place the books on your coffee table with other decorative elements such as a candle, a bowl, a vase or a picture frame. layering different elements adds height and creates visual interest.
- Add a personal touch to your coffee table books by choosing topics that interest you.
- Incorporate plants or flowers into your arrangement. anything green or alive will instantly soften the entire area. also brightens up any room!
- mixes functional and decorative elements to create a homey atmosphere. place things you use next to the books on your coffee table, like mason jars to store snacks or a decorative box to hide remote controls.
best coffee table books for new collectors
*disclosure: I only recommend products that I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you. I can earn a small commission. read the full privacy policy here.
If you’re new to tabletop books, these ten bestsellers are perfect to get you started. they are beautiful, informative, and affordable.
- built to live by amber lewis
- homey by joanna gaines
- make life beautiful by syd and shea mcgee
- live beautiful by althena calderone
- the house of relatives by nathan williams
- designed by emily henderson
- three birds revamped by bonnie hindmarsh, erin cayless and lana taylor
- the house by the sea that lives on the water by nick voulgaris
- the interior design manual by friday ramstedt
I hope this post taught you a thing or two about how to design coffee table books! what is your favorite way to design your coffee table books?
Take a photo of the final product and share it with me in the comments below!
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