If you haven’t jumped on the coffee table book train yet….hop on friends! Coffee table books are the perfect addition to not only coffee tables, but your entryway tables, bookshelves, nightstands…the options are endless. They are the perfect decor accent to give an added punch of color and they also can give some additional height to things such as candles, lamps, vases, etc to provide more of a symmetrical look with your decorating!

Where to find the best coffee table books?

My favorite places to score coffee table books are Home Goods, Amazon and second hand shops such as Goodwill or vintage stores. When looking through books at second hand shops just take the removable cover off to see if there is a hidden gem underneath! I have found some adorable covers! The content of the book doesn’t have to be relevant or interesting (as most are used as decorative pieces around your home) – however, my FAV coffee table book finds are those that are both gorgeous and fun to read!

How to use them!?

Shelf Styling

First and foremost, I like to use my coffee table books as actual inspirational design books. Fortunately, some of the best coffee table books are interior design specific – which double as a gorgeous shelf accessory! I often scroll through my coffee table books to spark some inspiration for client projects or my own home projects that I am working on! Put your books between some corbels or bookends and you have the perfectly styled shelf!!

Add height for symmetry when decorating

Design is all about symmetry. When you are decorating any sort of table or shelf you want to have symmetry in the height of the decor accessories that you are using. Often times, I will fall in love with the perfect decor piece but it is too short to go with the other decor pieces that I have selected! This is where coffee table books come in clutch!

These two coffee table books add height to the small (but mighty!) candle I wanted to use in our front entry. If you don’t want your table or shelf styling to feel cluttered or messy – try corralling your decor pieces on top of a coffee table book (or on a tray). This keeps them looking as though they are one piece and avoids that messy look!

On your coffee table

I think the most obvious function for your coffee table books is to use them…on your coffee table! You can incorporate coffee table books that are entertaining to read for your guests or just pretty to look at underneath other decor pieces on your coffee table. I also love the idea of using a personalized book with family photos or wedding photos. The perfect conversation piece for your coffee table!!

The best coffee table books for decorating

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