• The late fashion icon from Chanel opened a bookstore named 7L, which has been replicated at The Karl Lagerfeld Hotel in Macau. Meanwhile, Pier Djerejian-Shiever, an NYC-based interior stylist, provides guidance to Hyatt and Rosewood hotels regarding books as decorative elements.

The selection of books you showcase in your living space reveals more than just your individual preferences; they also loudly proclaim your sense of style and aesthetic sensibilities—no pun intended.

In Victorian times, having a lavishly filled library with numerous books represented the epitome of elegance for affluent homeowners. Nowadays, showcasing a thoughtfully selected collection of coffee table books is considered indispensable in every exquisitely decorated residence.

"Incorporating books into interior design isn’t novel; however, as individuals face overflow from their bookshelves or private collections, many have begun experimenting with coffee table displays within their living spaces. This trend has evolved and gained sophistication as it extended to areas such as high-end hotels,” explains Pier Djerejian-Shiever, a New York-based interior stylist who counts hotel chains including Hyatt and Rosewood among her clientele.

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Books have become coveted items among both thinkers and connoisseurs. It’s common to see celebrities flaunting their personal libraries in publications such as Architectural Digest. Late fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld was an ardent bibliophile who possessed more than 300,000 volumes; inspired by this passion, he even opened his own bookstore named 7L. Prominent publishing houses like Assouline and Taschen have successfully turned high-end book production into a profitable venture with titles designed not only to be enlightening but also visually appealing enough to fit seamlessly into either public displays or domestic settings.

"Books serve as powerful visual indicators of a homeowner’s areas of interest. They instantly convey information about someone's passions... acting as a discreet but potent means of influencing others' perceptions of the individual," explains Valeriane Moyersoen, who holds the position of international sales director at Taschen.

As books have evolved into more of a styling tool, creating that perfect coffee table "vignette", as Djerejian-Shiever calls it, takes some practice. While personal interests should always dictate your selection and can cover a wide range of topics, from art and design to fashion and food, visual elements are equally important.

Unlike a well-organized library, which typically sorts books alphabetically, thematically, or by author, there are no set guidelines for arranging the books on your coffee table. Although it’s trendy to organize or pile up books according to size or color—such as the strikingly colorful Assouline Travel Series that makes for great social media posts—it's recommended by experts to choose a more natural appearance instead of an overly staged one.

Alexandre Assouline, who leads operations, branding, and strategy for Assoulin, expresses his fondness for "the concept of a structured chaos. He enjoys assembling specific groups while deliberately disregarding conventions through varying dimensions and hues."

He enjoys placing various objects next to his books, arranging them either horizontally or vertically. This method introduces an eclectic and aesthetically pleasing component to the space, resulting in a vibrant and distinctive presentation.

Although candles and home scents are common choices, additional suggestions encompass petite plants or blooms to introduce elevation and vibrancy. Meanwhile, ceramics and various art pieces can further reflect your individuality. Djerejian-Shieber suggests incorporating board games into the mix—if room permits—as these frequently encourage dialogue just as effectively as the volumes do.

"The coffee table plays a central role in the social area of your living space,” she notes. "I recommend my clients visualize looking down onto the table to assess its size and proportions more accurately. Ensure it isn’t overly cluttered so that functionality remains intact; you should still have enough room for a drink," she adds.

If you have enough space, books can function not just as decorative elements for coffee tables or bookshelves but also as functional pieces of furniture. Current trends involve stacking them to create “columns” that highlight important items in the room like fireplaces. Place a wooden board over a stack of books to make a temporary console table. Additionally, they can act as chic platforms to lift up display items on shelves, including statues, plants, or vases.

There’s no need for your book collection to be limited to living rooms or libraries. Today, many individuals are showcasing their favorite reads in unconventional spots like kitchens and even bathrooms. Professionals recommend selecting lighter fare for these zones, such as Taschen's Gourmand Series.

Djerejian-Shiever mentions enjoying the sight of cookbooks or any food-related literature alongside piles of mugs and dishes in the kitchen. Joke books and travel guides find their perfect spot in the bathroom. For visitors staying over, she finds joy in handpicking several books they can flip through during their downtime in the guestroom.

Finally, feel free to shake things up and alter your displays occasionally.

Never bore, always excite” remains one of my favorite mantras, which I consider both significant and applicable to modern-day style,” explains Moyersoen. “Books ought not to remain static and collect dust; instead, they should be regarded as dynamic items that you can rearrange according to your whim. It’s perfectly fine to display a book prominently, explore its contents, grow tired of it over time, place it on a shelf, and swap it out for something else—only to eventually revisit and rediscover it.

Suggestions for arranging your books at home

1. Older and hard-to-find books appear less forced, adding more character to your displays, whereas novels can enhance their appeal.

2. Rather than using color-coded displays, try out a monochromatic scheme or opt for books featuring distinctive textures or cover designs.

3. Do not dismiss bookends; they enable experimentation with various heights and depths, and are available in contemporary materials like acrylic.

4. Merge vertical and horizontal spines for a more haphazard appearance.

5. Convert your bookshelf into a display stand for various decorative items.

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