How to Style Coffee Table Books + My Top 20 Favorites

Coffee table books are so versatile, working equally well in a bookshelf, on a nightstand, or of course, on a coffee table! Today we’re talking about all of our favorite coffee table books, including design, travel and more.

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Coffee table books might well be the perfect decor accessory! Not only are they beautiful, but they can be used almost anywhere. You can use them to fill out bookshelves, of course, but they work well on any table, too. Today I’m sharing how to choose and style them, as well as all my favorites!

 

Books are one of my absolute ‘essentials’ when it comes to decorating. In fact, when I’m styling a coffee or console table and am stumped for what to use to fill it out, I’ll frequently look to a stack of books to do the job. A stack looks especially good with a decorative item displayed on top. You can get more coffee table styling tips here. 

And although many of my favorite design books are ‘on display’ as decor, I frequently go back through those stacks and look for inspiration. They serve a dual purpose, which I love.

 

Not only do they introduce texture and interest in the room, but they also give an insight into the owner. 

How to choose your books? In some ways, choosing coffee table books is much like choosing art. Of course you want to enjoy the contents, but it’s also important that they have a cover that speaks to you. The cover is literally ‘art’ for your table!

It’s also nice to pick a color palette. You don’t need to only buy books in a certain color, but you do want the books to tie together and feel intentional. Otherwise, it will just be a mish mash and end up looking overly busy.

And make sure they are substantial. A coffee table book is typically 11″ tall or larger. Smaller is fine for mixing in book cases, but for coffee or console table display, the larger size is better.

 

Also wondering how many to stack? 2-4 in a stack on a table is about right. More than that is too high, and less feels not substantial enough. Personally, I usually go with 3 as I prefer that ‘odd numbers’ rule when I decorate. 

 

You can also change your books with the seasons, go for a different color palette or subject matter depending on the time of year. I love to bring out books with cheerful covers in blues and greens in spring or summer. And then in the fall, I may switch those out for more neutral or earth toned books.

Also, I often remove the dust jacket if it’s too loud or garish (which is often the case!) which is why you’ll see a mix of books with and without jackets in my home.

Regardless of what subject or color you pick, if they reflect you, you’ll enjoy looking at them. And they’ll bring a finishing touch to your space.

 

While the rest of our world is increasingly digital, it seems coffee table books are here to stay and I for one, am thrilled! In fact, coffee table books rose to popularity during the 1950s, and were traditionally featured on a coffee table as a conversation starter or as something to peruse. And that’s still the case.

Plus, they always make great gifts – I always have a few on my holiday wish list!

Below are twenty or so of my favorites, organized by color. I’ve concentrated on two color palettes – neutral/earth toned books and blue/green books, since those are the colors in my home. But of course, the sky’s the limit when it comes to colorful book covers so you can always choose whatever colors speak to you!

Another tip is to buy vintage books in colors you love. Sometimes I’ll peruse our local library book store and for a few dollars end up finding a few coffee table books in colors I love. These are typically older, dated books, but they are perfect for filling out a stack (I’ll put them on the bottom!) or using in book shelves. 

 

Neutral-toned Coffee Table Books 

1. Pacific Natural
2. The Beauty of Home
3. Living Well by Design
4. Artful Home
5. AD at 100: A Century of Style
6. Patina Homes & Gardens 
7. Made for Living
8. An Eye for Beauty
9. The Art of Home

 

Blue & Green Toned Coffee Table Books 

1. At Home in the Cotswolds
2. Garden Secrets of Bunny Mellon
3. Provence Style
4. More Beautiful 
5. Patina Homes
6. The Art of Outdoor Living
7. Great Escapes Europe 
8. Rattan: A World of Elegance & Charm
9. Beautiful

 

And here are a few more favorites we love!

Sheila
xo

 

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out more decorating inspiration below:

How to Style a Coffee Table: 5 Essential Tips

20 Essential Decorating Measurements 

How to Style Book Shelves: 8 Tips for Easy Shelf Styling

10 Tips for Creating Timeless Interiors