Book Decor Tips for Coffee Tables

When it comes to coffee table books, you can reinvent your concept time and time again either seasonally or by your mood. Here are some ideas to get the juices flowing.

  • Category
    Decor
  • Written by
    Jill Hodges & Lee Stiffler-Meyer

Coffee tables don’t always get the love they deserve. Function is important, but so is the style it exudes. There are limitless ways to elevate the look of your coffee table, but an easy place to start is with a “bookscape” concept or themes of books that serve as the anchor point for your table. Remember these helpful tips when curating your coffee table aesthetic.


Color Coordinated Book Theme

Rainbow arrangements have been popular recently on bookshelf displays. How about monochromatic or ombré stacks? You can add candles, boxes or other unique finds in similar or complementary colors. You can even wrap your books in beautiful art papers or wrapping paper. Be creative and remember you can swap looks for little effort. 

Art Theme

Maybe you have a collection of art, music, fashion or travel books. Pair whatever book theme you have with tchotchkes in a similar manner. Travel books and that quirky souvenir you brought home from Europe go well together. Fashion books and glamorous metals make good company, as do garden books and potted plants.

Memory Book Theme

Not sure where to put all those beautiful family photo books you made? Grab a stack and put them on your coffee table. Memories will be ready to view anytime you sit down and relax. In sticking with the memory theme, pile random photo prints in a beautiful basket or wooden bowl that you store on top of the photo books. Add pieces of other treasured family antiques like an old metal key or a vintage lantern.

No matter what your theme is, coffee table books add interest and sophistication to any space! 

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