There are so many tools in my interior design tool kit. Today I’m sharing one of my favorite decorating resources I use when putting the finishing touches on a space. Without question, one of my all-time favorite styling pieces is the trusty book. Decorating with books allows for so much versatility. Here I share my curated list of some of my go-to favorite book options.

Decorating with Books: Functional and Stylish

Decorating with books provides a one-two punch of function and style. I often use books while styling shelves and surfaces because they offer great “levels” for other items to live atop. They stack horizontally or vertically and can prop up and highlight other styled decor. I’m mindful of choosing books based on color as well. Either they blend or provide a nice colorful contrast in a room. Decorating with books works in every room of the house, from the living room to the office and even to the kitchen.

That said, books are so subjective and, in my opinion, should always try to reflect the interests of the dweller of the space. Books can add tremendous personality and soul to a space and help to tell the story of the people who live or work within it. When I begin working with a client, it’s important that I learn about their interests and passions because it’s always nice to reflect those back into some of the styled pieces of their spaces. Books are a major part of that story. For the art lover, a few well-chosen selections highlighting their favorite artist or medium can help to tell the story of the person who lives within. So always choose books that resonate with you!

Many of these books are available at major bookstores, but I think it’s always fun to acquire books at art exhibitions or while traveling as they evoke memories of that visit to that special show or location.

Here is my curated list of some of my favorite books I have used in clients’ homes and in my own spaces. They are chosen based on style, subject matter and are sorted by color!

And if you’d like help learning how to style with books and other elements, Download my Free Guide to Styling Your Shelves Like a Pro.

The Neutrals

AD at 100  / Wonderland  / Memories of Home  / Live Beautiful 

The Greens

The House Plant Book  / Evocative Style  / Wild Creations  / Timeless Paris 

The Blues

BLK ART  / The Kinfolk Book  Biblio-Style : A book about books!  / An American in Provence

The Florals and the Brights

Flower Color guide / De Gournay Hand-Painted Interiors / Design Sponge at Home / Walk With Me New York 

Prime – Art’s Next Generation  / Frida Kahlo: The Complete Paintings  / 1000 Record Covers  / The Flowers of Provence