Book lover décor: the spines that might sell your home

Books have long been used to display how cultured, educated and well-read someone is but have you given much thought to how your reading material may impress home buyers?

A recent feature published by The Guardian documented the growing trend for highly curated book displays. A little further research reveals books have been used by interior designers for years, with titles and covers specifically chosen to appeal to certain people.

Buyers love books

Now book lover décor has seeped into property sales, with sellers proudly showing off book spines that hopefully speak volumes. The most obvious way to send a signal is to artfully arrange a few coffee table books – those well-designed hardback examples crammed full of glamourous photography and beautiful people.

Your choice of books, however, should be influenced by your own personal tastes and interior décor to avoid being incongruous or crass. If you like fashion, opt for books that document haute couture, luxury ateliers and top photographers, such as Mario Testino and Annie Leibovitz. Well-travelled with a penchant for bright colours? Assouline’s Travel Collection of coffee table books are iconic, while Coastal by Gray Malin is super easy-on-the-eye.

Shelf life

If coffee table books aren’t your style, you can use regular book cases or shelves to show off your reading. For the best look, be pedantic – have all your spines facing the same way, organise books in height order or even group spines together according to colour.

Of course, there’s no point bringing your ‘A’ book game if the rest of your property lets you down. The best book décor sits among a clean, clutter free and neutral setting – think white or off white walls, unnecessary items stowed away and zero rubbish strewn around.

If you’ve collected your own books over the years, you’ll have a head start. If not, browse local charity shops and boot fairs to pick up cheap copies that fit the brief. Short on time? Try eBay, Amazon and Etsy, or Google ‘books by the metre’ and buy ready-curated collections that will add instant appeal.

12 of the most popular coffee table books

There are a number of publishers who specialise in highly-stylised coffee table books. These include Assouline, Rizzoli New York, Phaidon and Taschen. Their books lean heavily on amazing photography and illustration, with stylised covers and clean spines for ultimate aesthetic appeal. Take a look at:

1. Architectural Digest at 100: A Century of Style

2. Mies van der Rohe by Claire Zimmerman

3. Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World's Most Amazing Places

4. National Geographic: Stunning Photographs

5. Tom Ford published by Rizzoli

6. Eames by Gloria Koenig

7. The Bucket List: 1,000 Adventures Big & Small

8. Andy Warhol: Polaroids 1958 – 1987

9. St. Tropez Soleil

10. Pop Art by Klaus Honnef

11. Photography: The Definitive Visual History

12. Yachts: The Impossible Collection

The golden rules for decorating with books

Even if you’re an avid reader, your selection of fiction, non-fiction and reference books may not be suitable for interior design projects. If you’re going to be using books to influence potential property buyers, consider your target market and what their interests might be. Jilly Cooper’s Rivals and 50 Shades of Grey? It may be better to recalibrate what you put on display and consider how your reading material may be judged. Also bear in mind:

• Only use books where the title, cover image, author and subject matter isn’t offensive

• Modern books should be in mint condition, not tatty or torn

• There is more leeway with vintage, leather bound books, when it’s permissible to have signs of wear and tear

• Avoid faux hollow books as they give off ‘cheap’ vibes

• Bookcases and shelves should be dusted and clutter free

• Old magazines, especially in bathrooms and cloakrooms, are not classed as stylish

• Children’s books can be a great focal point in bedrooms but ensure they’re displayed neatly

Getting your property ready for sale is an important part of creating appeal and interest. If you’d like advice on presentation and an idea of what your home may sell for, contact us.