Show your book smarts with book styling strategies that add volumes of style to any room
In the annals of decorating history, books have consistently held a place of esteem. Over 2,000 years ago, the Roman statesman Cicero famously remarked, “A room without books is like a body without a soul,” and today’s most captivating interiors prove just how timeless that sentiment remains. Decoratively, books are heroes, used by interior designers and tastemakers alike to make spaces feel more personal, meaningful and stylish. In the hands of these talented pros, bound volumes transcend their role as sources of knowledge and inspiration; they become decorative elements that bring shape, color, texture and even narrative to a room. In the following pages, we explore a number of clever ways designers use books to transform ordinary shelves, tables and bookcases into striking visual displays. Their artful arrangements are sure to inspire you to reimagine how you display your own page-turners, giving fresh meaning to the phrase “creative bookkeeping.”
WORK WITH WHITE
A mix of mismatched books can sometimes make a room feel chaotic. For a more polished and streamlined look, consider using only white books for your composition. Whether naturally bound in white or wrapped in custom dust jackets, this monochromatic approach highlights the form of the books without the distraction of bold covers or colors, creating a serene and cohesive display. As seen above, designers Yvonne Christensen and Nichole Spiers embraced this concept by organizing white books to “bookend” a large, vibrant piece of art on a modern mantel. They also turned the white-bound volumes backward, allowing the subtle textures of the page edges to add even more depth to the sophisticated display.
MIX IT UP
Shelves don’t have to be packed with books lined up like soldiers. The team at Alice Lane Interior Design shows how varying book orientation can deliver dimension and depth to a display. Here, they stacked some books horizontally with spines exposed, while they placed others with their leaf edges facing outward. Those with striking covers are positioned forward, like works of art. Pottery and crystal pieces add to the masterfully edited composition.
POSITION BACKWARDS
In the design world, books aren’t always celebrated for their content or covers. Designers Yvonne Christensen and Nichole Spiers demonstrate how placing books backward on a shelf—with spines hidden and pages facing outward—can create a decorative and cohesive look. This approach highlights the neutral tones of the pages, resulting in a uniform, artful display. By focusing on the page ends rather than the titled spines, the emphasis shifts to form and texture, rather than showcasing the individual books themselves.
ORGANIZE BY COLOR
For many, organizing books by color brings a sense of continuity and creates visual patterns that feel effortlessly stylish. While designing a contemporary home office, Jessica Bennett and Suzanne Hall embraced this method, crafting a vibrant ombre effect by arranging books in a gradient of colors while incorporating varying sizes and orientations to keep the display dynamic.
Designer Sam Lund used a similar approach in a playful playroom, where rainbow-organized shelves complement the fun, lively decor. For those who prefer a more subdued palette, color organization works just as well with neutrals. A blend of beiges, creams and blacks can make an impact while promoting a sense of elegance and calm.
LOAD THE TABLE
There’s a reason they’re called coffee table books; these oversized, photo-rich volumes are a staple in tablescaping. With their impressive scale and distinctive covers, they not only make a visual statement but also offer a way to showcase a homeowner’s interests and personality through their covers and content. As designer Stephanie Hunt proves, there are plenty of creative ways to incorporate them into a tablescape. For a bold, collected look, arrange books in multiple stacks to add dimension and interest across the flat surface. Display a photo-rich book open by splaying it on the table or placing it in a book cradle to create a show-stopping conversation piece. For smaller books, Caitlin Creer grouped them in a larger tray to increase their presence and enhance the overall composition.
“Displaying objects on stacked books grounds them and makes them look more celebrated.”
Hope Chappelle, Hughen House
SET THE STAGE
Use books to create a pedestal for decorative objects, from sculptures and collectibles to plants and even small lamps. By stacking books and a metal box to form two plinths atop paired coffee tables, interior designer Hope Chappelle added dimension to the table while creating stages that elevate and showcase a piece of pottery and a small sculpture. “Displaying objects on stacked books grounds them and makes them look more celebrated,” she says. The designer stresses the importance of choosing books that are sized appropriately for the table they accessorize as well as the objects they support.
