Why Home Decor Books Are a Must-Have for Every Homeowner
Home decor books are more than just reading material—they’re a treasure trove of inspiration, practical tips, and budget-friendly ideas that help you make your space feel truly yours. Whether you’re a beginner just figuring out your style, a renter working within limits, a DIY enthusiast looking for creative projects, or even a design professional seeking fresh ideas, these books cover it all.
They offer clear, step-by-step guidance on everything from furniture arrangement and lighting to color choices and finishing touches. Plus, many focus on affordable decorating strategies, so you don’t have to break the bank to refresh your home.
Beyond their content, home decor books shine as stylish accents themselves. Coffee table books, with their beautiful photography and glossy pages, add instant charm and sophistication to your living space. They’re conversation starters and decor elements wrapped into one.
For even more inspiration, check out Aura’s home decor tips. We share fresh ideas and practical advice to help you bring your style to life with ease and confidence.
Top 10 Home Decor Books for 2025
Best for Beginners
1. The Interior Design Handbook by Frida Ramstedt
This book is a great starting point for anyone new to interior design. Frida breaks down the basics of furniture placement and lighting with easy-to-follow tips. It’s practical, straightforward, and perfect if you want solid guidance without any overwhelm.
2. Big Design Small Budget by Betsy Helmuth
Ideal for renters and first-time homeowners, this book offers smart, affordable decorating ideas. Betsy focuses on stylish solutions that won’t break the bank, making it a go-to for budget-friendly home decorating guides.
Best for Colorful and Bold Designs
3. Jungalow Decorate Wild by Justina Blakeney
If you love vibrant, eclectic styles and plant-inspired decor, this one’s for you. Justina’s book is full of bold color combos and patterns that bring personality and life into any space.
4. A Life in Pattern by Anna Spiro
For fans of big, beautiful patterns and colorful interiors, Anna’s book is a visual feast. It’s packed with inspiration to help you add striking designs to your home.
Best for Small Spaces and Renters
5. Rental Style by Chelsey Brown
Packed with renter-friendly hacks, this book helps you make the most of your space without permanent changes. Chelsey shares smart small-space solutions that protect your security deposit and still look great.
6. The Magic of Small Spaces
This one offers global inspiration for compact living. It’s loaded with ideas on maximizing function and style, perfect if you’re working with limited square footage.
Best Coffee Table Books for Aesthetic Appeal
7. de Gournay Hand-Painted Interiors
A luxurious book showcasing beautiful, artistic hand-painted designs. It’s as much a piece of art as a decorating guide, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your coffee table.
8. The Wes Anderson Collection by Matt Zoller Seitz
For unique visual inspiration and quirky decor ideas, this collection dives into the iconic director’s style. It’s fun, creative, and makes a great conversation starter.
Best for DIY and Budget-Friendly Decor
9. Inspire Your Home by Farah Merhi
An Instagram influencer shares budget-friendly styling tips anyone can try. This book is down-to-earth, filled with practical advice for easy DIY home decor projects.
10. The Nesting Place by Myquillyn Smith
Focused on real-life decorating, this book embraces imperfection and practicality. Myquillyn’s advice is perfect for those who want a cozy, personalized home without stressing about perfection.
How to Choose the Right Home Decor Book for You
Picking the perfect home decor book depends on a few key things like your skill level, design taste, budget, and what you want to get out of it. Some books are hands-on guides packed with practical tips, while others serve as inspiration with beautiful photos and ideas. Knowing what fits your style and needs makes all the difference.
Here’s a quick checklist to help you choose:
- Skill level: Are you a beginner just starting out or a seasoned decorator looking for fresh ideas?
- Design style: Do you lean toward bold, colorful looks or more neutral, classic vibes?
- Living situation: Are you decorating a rental where you need renter-friendly tips or your own space to go all out?
- Purpose: Do you want a book to read for ideas and advice or a coffee table book that doubles as decor?
- Budget: Are you looking for budget-friendly advice or high-end design inspiration?
Still unsure? Take Aura’s decor style quiz to discover which types of home decor books match your personal taste and needs.
How to Use Home Decor Books as Stylish Decor
Home decor books aren’t just for reading—they’re also a great way to boost your space’s style. Here are simple tips for using these books as part of your decor:
- Stack on Coffee Tables: Group a few books with interesting covers or textures on your coffee table to create an inviting look. Add a small plant or decorative object on top for extra flair.
- Arrange by Color: Line up books on shelves or mantels by color to create a cohesive, eye-catching display. This works especially well if you want to bring out a specific tone in the room.
- Use Bookstands: Display books open to your favorite pages using stylish bookstands on side tables or consoles. It’s a clean way to highlight beautiful photos or inspiring designs.
- Create Seasonal Displays: Rotate your books based on the season or upcoming holidays. For example, feature warm-toned decor books in fall, or holiday-themed stacks near your entryway during December.
- Build Thematic Zones: Set up small vignettes featuring books on similar topics, like DIY home decor or colorful design, paired with relevant accessories like vases or candles.
For a polished look, check out Aura’s curated decor accessories that work perfectly to complement your book displays, helping you tie everything together effortlessly. Using books this way adds personality and charm without overwhelming your space.
Explore more on seasonal decorating with home decor books in our Halloween home decor ideas and Thanksgiving decorations for the home.
Where to Buy Home Decor Books
Finding the right home decor books is easier than you think. Trusted retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble offer a wide selection, from the latest releases to timeless classics. If you’re looking to save money, check out ThriftBooks or local used bookstores—they often have hidden gems at a fraction of the cost. Don’t forget libraries, too, where you can borrow popular home decorating guides without spending a dime.
For a truly cohesive look, consider pairing your new books with Aura’s recommended home decor products. These stylish pieces help tie your inspiration together and bring your design ideas to life effortlessly.
Aura Tips for Maximizing Your Home Decor Book Inspiration
To get the most out of your home decor books, start by creating a simple mood board. Collect colors, textures, and styles you love from the books and photos. Focus on one room at a time to keep things manageable and avoid overwhelm.
Try a DIY project from a book that fits your skill level. Whether it’s making a throw pillow or rearranging furniture, small changes can have a big impact.
Check out Aura’s blog for handy guides on DIY decor, small-space hacks, and choosing the right color palette. These posts complement what you’ll find in your books and make applying ideas easier.
Don’t forget to share your favorite decor finds or completed projects on social media using #AuraHomeInspo. It’s a great way to connect with others and inspire your own style journey.
English 
German 
