Styling shelves or tables with big chunky coffee table books is one of my favorite design tactics. I honestly think I have them in every room! I know these days you can read everything online but I will always love real, tangible books. So yes, I read the coffee table books and also like using them for inspiration. They are also practical elements that add personality to your space (i.e. the books we pick out and display can tell us something about a person) and height to any console, table or built in. If you are looking for some ways to style your flat surfaces or built-ins here is some inspiration.
No.1 On a Coffee Table
Coffee table + coffee table books = natural paring. If you have upholstered ottoman, like what we have, the coffee table books can serve as a great flat, stable, surface to hold drinks, candle hurricanes and small decorative pieces. They can also be conversation starters and tell part of your story. Try leaving a page open that speaks to you or creating grouped stacks to bring height to a different objects.
No. 2 Built Ins and Shelves
Built ins can be an opportunity to create interesting vignettes and displays. Our current home doesn’t have built ins but shelving units can be styled similarly. Consider both horizontal and vertical stacks, mixing up showing the spines and filling out corners.
No 3. Nightstand
If you have a bottom shelf, an elegant stack of coffee table books can be an interesting grounding element. If you have space on top, you can add a stack next to a lamp with a candle, vase or antique clock on top.
No 4. Entry Table
In my previous post about console/entry tables I talked about how it can be a statement that introduces the style of your home. This is a perfect place to display some of your favorite books that inspire you and showcase what you love.
No 5. Kitchen Shelves
Use open kitchen shelves or an easel to display your favorite cookbooks. Don’t feel limited to display them vertically! A horizontal stack with a crock or pretty bowl on top can work too. I think displaying books in a kitchen can make it more conversational. Plus I love looking at my friend’s and family’s favorite ways to cook!
No. 6 Dresser
On our dresser I have a display of coffee table books that elevate my everyday essentials-jewelry, perfumes, etc. Consider how you can bring a sense of calm into your bedroom by creating a pretty display of books with a sweet smelling candle on top and a beautiful vase of flowers or house plants.
