How to Style Coffee Table Books: 9 Simple Styling Tips

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Coffee table books are more than just pretty decorations. They’re conversation starters, sources of inspiration, and a great way to express your personality. Learning how to style coffee table books allows you to enjoy their beauty while keeping them at arm’s reach.

You might think they can only be displayed on a coffee table but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In this post, I’m sharing 9 simple coffee table book styling ideas for any room in your home.

What’s the point of having a beautiful coffee table book collection if you don’t show it off and share it with visitors?

It’s amazing how a simple stack of books can create a focal point and elevate your design. Styling coffee table books is all about creating visual interest with the placement, colors, and accessories.

The way you style your coffee table books can make a big impact. From creating ombré stacks to styling them with your favorite decor there are so many ways to show off your curated collection.

You can even display it open to your favorite page to encourage guests to flip through it. The goal is to create an arrangement that’s pleasing to the eye and functional.

With a little creativity and these styling tips, you’ll have everything you need to design a beautiful arrangement in any room.

Key Takeaways

• Choose books that reflect your interests and complement your design style.
• Experiment with stacking, layering, and combining books with decorative objects.
• Create stylized moments that encourage guests to take a look inside and get inspired.

This post is all about how to style coffee table books.

READ MORE>>> Home Design Inspiration On Inspired Design Talk 2024

Tip 1 Choose the Right Books

This may seem obvious but not all coffee table books are created equally. The point is not to have a bunch of books that never get opened.

Yes, you could buy them based on the outside cover but that’s not the best use of your hard-earned money. Instead, the books you choose should be a reflection of your interests and the style of your home.

Think about the things you’re passionate about whether it’s fashion, art, travel, photography, or design. My coffee table book collection is heavily influenced by my love of learning about interior design. 

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Choosing a Theme

When choosing coffee table books you can stick to a theme for a cohesive look or mix it up for an eclectic vibe.

Pick a theme that speaks to you and your design style. Love travel? Look for destination photography books to inspire your next trip. Are you a fashion lover? Choose books with stories and collections from your favorite designers. Your theme should reflect your personality and interests.

Don’t be afraid to mix it up! Combine art books with interior design inspiration, or combine nature photography with design classics. The key is to create visual interest and a cohesive look.

The other thing to consider is your room’s design style. For modern spaces, minimalist book designs work well while bohemian spaces can handle more color mixing and pattern. In traditional spaces, a classic book with rich illustrations is the perfect complement.

Tip 2 Create Visual Interest

Once you’ve chosen your books, it’s time to arrange them. Coffee table books can transform your space and create visual interest with strategic placement and layering. Start by gathering your books together to look at them as a whole. 

Stacking for Visual Interest

Play with different heights and sizes. Stack your books in various ways to add dimension and interest. Layer textures by combining hardcover, softcover, and leather-bound books for contrast. 

Place a larger book at the bottom and a smaller one on top. This creates a layered look and makes the display more interesting. Stacking books in groups of two or three, and varying their heights will create a visually pleasing arrangement.

The goal is to create a balanced design but don’t be afraid to turn your books sideways, diagonally, or to try different angles.

Remember to be intentional with your coffee table book styling to avoid a cluttered look.

Tip 3 Play With Height and Depth

To add depth to your arrangement change up the direction of your books. This is especially helpful when styling bookshelves. Stand some books upright as bookends, lay others flat, or prop a few at an angle against a decorative object. 

You can also use a decorative bookend, pedestal, book stand, or small trays to elevate a book stack. This creates different levels and draws the eye around your coffee table arrangement.

Consider The Size And Scale

Combine objects at different heights with your books.

Create a special moment with a:

• tall vase
• medium-sized candle
• small succulent

Remember less is more. Make sure to leave breathing room between groupings for a balanced look. You want to leave some negative space to avoid overcrowding your coffee table.

Tip 4 Add Decorative Accents

This is where you can get creative. While coffee table books are a focal point, adding a few decorative accents will elevate the look and feel. Choose items that complement your books and add personality to the display.

Adding Greenery and Florals

Greenery or a fresh floral arrangement will add life and color to your design.

These can be:

• small succulent in a cute pot
• vase with a single flower stem
• trailing vine

Don’t worry if you don’t have a green thumb many high-quality faux plants look just as good as the real things and require zero maintenance.

Accessorizing Your Book Stack

Candles in your coffee table book arrangement will create a cozy atmosphere whether scented or unscented.

Small sculptures or figurines will add an artistic element, texture, and dimension. This can be a vintage paperweight, sleek marble sphere,  funky geometric sculpture, or a meaningful keepsake from your last vacation

Your coffee table isn’t just for show – it’s a functional space too! Include useful items that look stylish and complement your book display.

Functional Decor

A decorative tray will group smaller items and help tie the whole look together. It’ll keep your decor neat and organized while adding visual interest.

Style your coffee table books with a decorative box to keep remote controls out of sight but within arm’s reach. Add in items like marble coasters to protect your table, a unique matchbox for nearby candles, or a small dish for keys and jewelry.

Mix materials and textures for added dimension. A metallic object can bring a touch of glam, while something made of wood will add warmth.

Don’t go overboard, one or two pieces per stack is enough. Use your judgment and play around with different arrangements and layouts until you find the perfect one.

Tip 5 Choose a Focal Point

Create an eye-catching vignette that draws your eye in by choosing a focal point. This can be a beautiful gold hand vase you’ve been dying to display.

Place it front and center, then build your design around it. It’ll add height and visual interest to your stacked books. Display it on top alone or with fresh flowers for a pop of color.

Your favorite coffee table book can be the focal point by displaying it open on the table to a page that speaks to you or elevated on a lucite book stand.

Layer In Texture

Don’t forget about texture! This can be as simple as a decorative bowl in wood, marble, or ceramic. It’ll break up the flat surfaces of the books and be a great place to hold smaller items like coasters or remotes.

Tip 6 Create a Cohesive Color Palette

Your coffee table books should compliment your room’s color story. Look for book covers that work well with your existing decor or introduce a pop of color.

Group books with complementary or similar color tones together for a sophisticated vibe. If your design style is coastal a stack of cool blue and green covers will create a serene, ocean vibe.

For a minimalist look choose book covers with a neutral color palette. Remember you can always remove the outer book jacket or turn the books around to show the inside edge for a neutral color scheme.

Contrasting Colors

Don’t be afraid to play with contrast. A sleek black and white book can look stunning next to a colorful pink one. Remember, the spine colors matter too! Arrange your books so the spines create a gradient pattern or color block effect.

Think about the overall color palette. Too many bright colors can be overwhelming. Aim for a balanced mix of neutral tones with a few colorful accents for a dramatic effect.

Tip 8: Incorporate Personal Touches

Adding personal touches can make your coffee table styling unique to you. These can be items that have sentimental value or showcase your individuality.

Consider including things like:

• family photos in stylish frames
• a small object with a special meaning
• souvenirs that tell a story.

Personal touches make your coffee table book styling a one-of-a-kind experience and be a great conversation starter.

Tip 9 Think Beyond The Coffee Table

We’ve talked a lot about styling coffee tables with books but they can be used in so many other places.

Side Table Coffee Book Styling

A side table is another fabulous place to style coffee table books in the living room. They’ll be at an arm’s distance to easily grab and flip through. They can also be used to elevate a candle or vase for added height.

Built-in shelving

Built-in shelving whether bookcases or cabinets is where you can really highlight a large collection of books. It’s also one of the first elements to start with when you have so much space to work with.

Mix up book stacks vertically and horizontally to play with height and interest. You can show the spines, edges, or both depending on the look you’re going for.

Console Table Decorating

A console table in the entryway or foyer is a great place to introduce your style and interests in your home. It’ll set the tone when you first enter and add height to display a catch-all decorative bowl for keys and loose change.

Nightstand Styling

A nightstand in the bedroom is a wonderful place to display a stack of coffee table books. Place them on the top or bottom shelf to create a moment in your design. It’s especially nice for those who like to read a good book before turning in for the night. 

Display them next to a lamp, frame, vase, or combination of your favorite decor to change up the levels. Place a bowl, small plant, or candle on top for visual interest.

Dresser With Book Stack

A dresser is another fabulous place to add style and personality with a stack of books. They can be displayed in a grouping or alone with decor on top to create a focal point.

Kitchen Decor

Lastly, you might not think of displaying books in the kitchen but it’s the perfect place for your favorite cookbooks. They can be displayed on an open shelf or book easel stand. It’ll add a stylish and functional element to your kitchen decor.

That’s A Wrap!

Styling coffee table books is all about expressing your personality! It’s your chance to show off your interests and create a fun focal point in any living space.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to style your coffee table books. It’s all about playing with different sizes, colors, and topics that speak to you. Place them in a stack, leave one open to your favorite page, and style with your favorite accessories.

Update the look to get into the season and have fun! It’s not just about the decorating they’ll be a conversation starter with friends and family too. Happy Designing!

This post is all about how to style coffee table books.

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Last Updated on October 24, 2024 by Nicole DelaCruz