Choosing an Interior Design Book: What to Look For
By Maison Sarah Lavoine | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: Buying Guides
Not sure how to pick an interior design book? Use these practical decision rules to find one that inspires you and fits your home decor style.
Quick answer
Look for an interior design book that covers the rooms you want to improve, offers clear visual examples, and doubles as a decor object on your coffee table.
Why the book's structure matters
A well-organized interior design book saves you time and effort. Instead of flipping through random pages, you want a book that breaks down advice by room — kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedroom, and outdoor spaces. This way you can jump straight to the area you're working on.
Visuals vs. text: finding the balance
Some books lean heavily on photography, while others pack in dense text. For inspiration, look for a book with plenty of full-page images and captions that explain the design choices. If you want practical how-to guidance, choose one with step-by-step diagrams or annotated photos.
The coffee table test
An interior design book often lives on a coffee table or shelf where it's seen every day. So consider its cover, size, and paper quality. A book with a striking cover and thick, matte pages can pull double duty as decor. If it's too small or flimsy, it may not hold up as a display piece.
Decision rules for choosing an interior design book
- Room coverage: Check if the book covers the rooms you want to redesign. A book with dedicated chapters for each space is more practical than one with a general overview.
- Visual density: Look for at least one full-page photo per spread if you're buying for inspiration. If you need techniques, choose a book with annotated images or diagrams. Preview a few pages online to see the photo-to-text ratio.
- Dual purpose as decor: Consider the cover design and page quality. A hardcover with a beautiful cover and thick paper works as a coffee table book and a source of ideas.
- Thematic extras: Books that include short thematic boxes on lighting, color mixing, or material pairing give you bite-sized ideas you can apply immediately. These extras can help you experiment without committing to a full room makeover.
Product spotlight
- Livre Architecture Intérieure: The book is divided into six chapters covering kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedroom, and exterior spaces, with about fifteen thematic boxes per chapter on light, color, and materials. You can find targeted advice for each room without reading the whole book, and the thematic boxes give you quick inspiration on specific design elements.
Livre Architecture Intérieure
Who should buy this type of book
Best for
- Homeowners planning a room-by-room refresh
- Readers who want visual inspiration alongside practical advice
- Anyone looking for a decor object that also educates
Not for
- Professional designers needing a technical reference manual
- Readers who prefer a single-room deep dive instead of a whole-home overview
