How to Use Books In Your Decor

I’m not a betting person, but I would bet you have books all around your home. If you haven’t considered incorporating them in your design, I implore you to start. Books are personal and tell a story (pun intended!) about you. Not only that, they come in all different sizes and colors, making them an interior designers favorite secret for adding interest in a room. Here are a few of my tricks for using them my interior design clients.

Turn ‘Em Around

Turning books around to show the pages rather than the binding can create a beautiful monochromatic look. The variation in tones of neutral pages will give a warm, cozy feel to any room. This is a great way to bring mismatched colored spines together and turn the focus to something else rather than all the bindings.

Variety Is Your Friend

When decorating surfaces, you want variety in size, shape, color, and texture. Books laid flat offer a unique break in visual orientation (think landscape vs. portrait). Your eye travels up when scanning titles rather than across. Books are an easy win when you need more visual interest.

Embrace Color

Pops of color are fun! Use books to enhance a color palette. When decorating, the spine of a book can do a lot for your color story. It's a quick way to introduce brightness for spring or moodiness for fall. Or to introduce a trendy color you're falling for (we see you olive green). Maybe you want less color for the moment. Neutral book covers can work in a minimalist way too. There's something about this look that's very cozy and very zen.

Be Inspired

But more than anything, let books inspire you. Dedicate a space in your home for flipping through pages. All you need is a great chair and a surface. Good natural light is extra credit. Sometimes the best design promotes self-care.

Entertain Boldness

Wall to wall bookshelves are functional and dramatic. I have added large-scale bookshelves to offices, bedrooms, living rooms. Books aren't only for the study. They can double as artwork pretty much anywhere, making them fantastic. decor.