14 best interior design books

Interior design books are valuable resources for both professionals in the field and individuals interested in improving their understanding of interior design.These books cover various aspects of interior design, from basic principles to advanced techniques, and they often provide inspiration and guidance for creating aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces. Here are some key points about interior design books:

  1. Educational Content: Interior design books typically offer educational content that covers fundamental concepts such as color theory, spatial planning, furniture arrangement, and lighting design. They may also delve into more specialized topics like sustainable design, historic preservation, or commercial interior design.

  2. Inspiration: Many interior design books showcase stunning photographs of completed projects to inspire readers. These visual examples can help individuals develop a sense of style and learn how different design elements come together to create harmonious interiors.

  3. Style and Aesthetics: Interior design books often explore different design styles, from traditional to contemporary, minimalist to eclectic. They explain the characteristics of each style, helping readers understand and choose the one that resonates with their preferences.

  4. Practical Tips: These books often include practical tips and tricks for interior design projects. This might involve advice on selecting color palettes, choosing materials, or arranging furniture to maximize space and functionality.

  5. Case Studies: Some interior design books feature case studies of real-world projects. These case studies offer a detailed look at the design process, including challenges faced and solutions implemented, providing valuable insights for aspiring designers.

  6. Historical and Cultural Context: Certain interior design books delve into the historical and cultural context of design styles and trends. Understanding the origins and influences of various design movements can deepen one's appreciation for interior design.

  7. Business and Career Guidance: For those interested in pursuing a career in interior design, some books offer insights into the business side of the industry. This may include information on starting a design firm, marketing, client relations, and project management.

  8. Books by Notable Designers: Some renowned interior designers and architects have authored books sharing their design philosophies, experiences, and expertise. These books offer a unique perspective and can be particularly inspiring.

  9. Trends and Innovations: Interior design is a dynamic field, and books often explore current trends and innovations in design and technology. Staying informed about these developments is crucial for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

  10. Coffee Table Books: Many interior design books are beautifully designed coffee table books. They make excellent decorative items and can be a source of pride for those passionate about interior design.

Interior design books come in various formats, including hardcovers, softcovers, and e-books, making them accessible to a wide audience. Whether you're a professional designer looking to expand your knowledge or someone interested in transforming your living space, interior design books offer a wealth of information and inspiration to help you achieve your goals.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best interior design books on the market
  

Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave

Harper Design

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

The Interior Design Handbook: Furnish, Decorate, and Style Your Space

Clarkson Potter

Based on 454 reviews Check latest price

New York School of Interior Design: Home: The Foundations of Enduring Spaces (CLARKSON POTTER)

Clarkson Potter

Based on 379 reviews Check latest price

A Tale of Interiors

Rizzoli

Based on 80 reviews Check latest price

Down to Earth: Laid-back Interiors for Modern Living

Abrams

Based on 914 reviews Check latest price

Residential Interior Design: A Guide To Planning Spaces

Based on 136 reviews Check latest price

Nicole Hollis: Curated Interiors

Rizzoli

Based on 32 reviews Check latest price

Arriving Home: A Gracious Southern Welcome

Gibbs Smith

Based on 259 reviews Check latest price

Interior Design Master Class: 100 Lessons from America's Finest Designers on the Art of Decoration

Rizzoli

Based on 212 reviews Check latest price

Live Beautiful

Harry N. Abrams

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

British Designers At Home

Hardie Grant

Based on 151 reviews Check latest price

Product features

Exclusive access to the exquisite homes of 20 of Britain's leading interior designers

ROBERT KIME | RITA KONIG | VEERE GRENNEY | WENDY NICHOLLS | BEATA HEUMAN | ROGER JONES | NINA CAMPBELL | PAOLO MOSCHINO AND PHILIP VERGEYLEN | ALIDAD| EMMA BURNS | JANE CHURCHILL | MIKE FISHER | SARAH VANRENEN | DANIEL SLOWIK | KIT KEMP | JUSTIN VAN BREDA | PENNY MORRISON | GUY OLIVER | EDWARD BULMER | GAVIN HOUGHTON | CARLOS SÁNCHEZ-GARCÍA | OCTAVIA DICKINSON | COLIN ORCHARD

Opulent color photography of the interiors throughout
Interviews with all the designers
Some of the most beautiful rooms on the planet

Home Made Lovely: Creating the Home You've Always Wanted

Bethany House Publishers

Based on 173 reviews Check latest price

The Interior Design Reference & Specification Book updated & revised: Everything Interior Designers Need to Know Every Day

Rockport Publishers

Based on 451 reviews Check latest price

Product features

Chapter 4: Building Enclosures

A building’s enclosure systems serve many functions. Not only must they separate and protect interior from exterior, they must still allow the inside and outside to have a relationship that contributes to the most effective means of moisture, thermal, and ventilation control, all while presenting the building’s public face.

FLASHING

Flashing is used in several locations of a building’s exterior to move water away and into the drainage system quickly and efficiently. Flashing is commonly thin sheet metal (copper, aluminum, stainless steel, or painted galvanized steel) or other impervious material such as rubber. Material choices often depend on whether the flashing will be exposed (metals are preferred) or concealed, and with which other materials it is likely to come into contact.

Make Life Beautiful

Harper Horizon

Based on 960 reviews Check latest price

Product features

Who doesn’t want to live a beautiful life?

Now a NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER, Make Life Beautiful is the new autobiography from Syd and Shea McGee, the stars of the Netflix hit series Dream Home Makeover. This book offers the fans of Syd and Shea McGee a new and intimate look into how they built their business.

For the one million-plus followers who turn to Syd and Shea McGee for advice on building a beautiful home and life, Make Life Beautiful is a behind-the-scenes look into how the couple transformed Shea’s small room of fabric samples and big dream of becoming a designer into one of the most successful and fastest-growing interior design businesses in the country.

Both long-time and new fans will not only gain insight into how the McGees built such a successful company but also be inspired to apply design principles to their lives.

Focus On What Matters

Learn how to focus on building an authentic life based on what's important to you.

Know Where You're Going

A beautiful life is not about having all the answers, it's about seeing the potential.

Learn to Trust Yourself

Discover the confidence to reject the impostor syndrome and be comfortable in your own skin.

Be Positive

Show up each day, do the work, and celebrate your successes.

An inside look at the stars of the hit Netflix series Dream Home Makeover

Make Life Beautiful shares an inside look at Syd and Shea's journey and the lessons they learned as partners, parents, and entrepreneurs. Make Life Beautiful isn’t just about putting fresh flowers in your home… although that is really wonderful. It is about finding the good in challenging situations and looking for bright spots in your everyday.

Latest Reviews

View all