It’s hard to flip channels these days on regular cable and not come across a home renovation show that turns a dated, ugly room or house into a beautiful, modern space. Although it may seem simple at times to DIY these projects, when it comes down to it, simply choosing paint colours is often difficult enough for the common person. Television shows just make this entire process look much simpler than it really is.
In actuality, there is endless planning and preparation that goes into home décor makeovers. And after the drywall has been put back up and all the dust cleared away, an important finishing touch is staging. That’s where coffee table books come in. Along with art sculptures, knick-knacks and the like, coffee table books serve as an excellent way to help complete a room. Here are four ways that they make a difference to a space.
They add visual interest to the space
Décor is often about balance. Clean lines, with a ‘lived-in’ look. Minimalism, with some thoughtful items to add warmth. Ultimately, coffee table books have an ideal appearance to carefully fill a space with their hardcovers, glossy pages, pristine edges, and substantial weight. They also come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, which is helpful to keep in mind when you are working with your own space. Try playing around with both larger and smaller, square and rectangular books to add interest.
They add colour
Coffee table books typically have a simplicity to them, but there is such a range in topic that they also range significantly in what they actually look like. Of course, you should choose coffee table books that actually interest you, but when using largely for décor, keep in mind the colour of their covers or spines. By all means “judge a book by its cover” in this case because—while the topic is important, too—you want to produce a specific look. Keep this in mind.
They add dimension
Stacking a few different books on top of one another, laying some flat while standing others upright, placing other items on top of them, etc., can help you achieve a perfectly completed look. Despite their name, coffee table books are also well-suited for bookshelves and other living room and dining room spaces. Pair them with beautiful book ends and other curated pieces to polish off the space. Even better, use what you have to experiment with different heights, widths, and angles.
They add conversation
One rule of thumb when it comes to coffee table books is never purchase ones that have nothing to do with your genuine interests. You never know who will stop by, pick it up, and actually want to discuss the subject matter with you. But with such a wide range of topics available anyway, why not carefully scour the internet or bookstore to find options that truly pique your fancy? Try showcasing a hobby you’re passionate about, a favourite city to which you’ve travelled, or an interesting celebrity. Just make sure you can hold up your end of the conversation if engaged by a visitor to your home.
Coffee table books in your space
When putting the finishing touches on your living room, coffee table books are both a helpful and functional method. They add visual interest to the space, infusing colour and dimension while sparking conversation on the subject matter of the individual books themselves. Rather than focus solely on adding abstract odds and ends, like sculptures and Knick knacks, coffee table books help strike a delicate balance by incorporating more concrete and cultured ideas.
For a truly well-rounded addition to your décor, choose coffee table books that vary in colour (of both the covers and spines), as well as physical size, shape and thickness. They are a beautiful way to elevate your space and make it more interesting—particularly when it comes to the topic of the book. Be sure to also choose a few different subject matters, and even take the opportunity to broaden your scope and knowledge of an area that (or person who) already interests you.
Robyn Karmazyn | Contributing Writer
