When it comes to elevating a space, few things add more instant style and sophistication than designer coffee table books. Whether you’re working with a minimalist aesthetic, glam vibes, or cozy modern farmhouse, the right books can tie a look together beautifully—and make your home feel curated and intentional.
Today I’m sharing my favorite tips for decorating with designer books—plus a few insider secrets on where to score them for less!
📚 Why Designer Books Are a Decor Must-Have
Designer books do more than sit on a shelf—they speak style.
From their luxe covers to the bold spines and thoughtful content, these books can:
– Add height and layers to a vignette
– Introduce texture, pattern, or color
– Serve as conversation starters
– Instantly elevate an empty surface
Think of them as functional decor—they’re beautiful and useful.
💡 5 Ways to Decorate with Designer Books
1. Color Coordinate by Theme or Room
Match the spine of the book with the room’s accent color. Neutral tones like beige, gray, and white go with almost anything, while pops of red, green, or black can create a striking focal point. Books like Chanel, Tom Ford, or Live Beautiful have timeless covers that complement any palette.
Try this: Stack all white-spined books on a black coffee table for a modern contrast.
2. Use Them as a Base for Other Decor Pieces
Books are the perfect base layer for candles, vases, or decorative bowls. Elevate a favorite decor item by placing it on top of a stack—it gives your piece a purpose and visual weight.
Styling tip: Use odd numbers—stacks of 3 or 5 usually look best!
3. Remove the Dust Jacket
Sometimes, the real beauty is under the cover. Many designer books have gorgeous cloth or embossed covers underneath their paper jackets. Removing them can create a cleaner, more refined look.
Pro tip: If you’re going for a minimal or monochrome vibe, removing the cover often reveals a solid-colored book that blends right in.
4. Display Vertically and Horizontally
Books don’t always have to be stacked. Mix things up by standing a few books vertically on open shelving alongside horizontal stacks. This creates movement and visual interest, especially on bookcases or built-ins.
5. Group Them with Personality
Pair your books with objects that reflect your personality—like travel souvenirs, framed family photos, crystals, or even a sleek tray for remotes. This not only makes your space stylish but also meaningful.
💰 Where to Buy Designer Books for Less
Now here’s the fun part—where to shop smart!
✨ My top tips for finding designer books without the designer price tag:
- Amazon – Check regularly for deals, overstock, and lightly used versions
- ThriftBooks – Gently used copies of high-end books at a fraction of the cost
- HomeGoods, Marshalls, & TJ Maxx – Often carry gorgeous books in the clearance section
- Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp – People resell their decor books for cheap
- Estate Sales & Library Bookstores – Hidden gems waiting to be found
💻 Watch Me Style My Books on YouTube!
If you’re a visual learner, head over to my YouTube channel where I show you how I style designer books throughout my home—on bookshelves, coffee tables, sideboards, and nightstands.
Don’t underestimate the power of books as design elements. They’re stylish, versatile, and a true reflection of your personality. Whether you love fashion, art, photography, or architecture—there’s a book out there that belongs in your space.
Have a favorite designer book? Drop it in the comments—I’m always looking for new ones to style with!
As always, if you need help getting your home and life organized, register for my free “5 Days to an Organized Home & Life” email course. Each day you will receive strategies for keeping your home & life organized and having a “company ready” home at all time. You can register for the free course at www.decoratorsvoice.com/free5daycourse
For information about my Full Home & Life Organizational Strategies course, please visit www.decoratorsvoice.com/homestrategiescourse. In this course, you’ll receive tons of useful information, a one on one private consultation, access to my private Facebook group, and a physical Divine Life and Home Planner.
Thanks for stopping by. If you have any organizational or decorating questions, please do not hesitate to ask. I would love to hear from you. For information concerning our decorating services and products, please visit www.divineelementsofdesign.com.
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