As a short-term rental host, you strive to create a warm and inviting space for your guests. One simple yet effective method of achieving this is through the strategic use of decorating with coffee table books.

These visually striking conversation starters add character to your property and imbue it with a touch of your personal style. Not only do they serve decorative purposes, but they also offer your guests engaging reading material during their stay.

In this post, we’ll explore the best coffee table books to decorate your short-term rental property with, turning your living space into an immersive, aesthetic experience for your guests.

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Decorating with Coffee Books

Coffee table books are an excellent decor choice for short-term rental hosts for several reasons:

• Conversation Starters: Coffee table books can serve as a great icebreaker when you have guests. They’re filled with stunning visuals and interesting topics that can spark dialogues, enhance the guest experience, and make stays memorable.
• Add Personality and Style: They can reflect your personal tastes and interests, adding unique charm and style to your rental property. Whether it’s art, travel, cooking, or fashion, you can choose a book that best represents your personality and the vibe of your property.
• Versatility and Easy to Change: Because of their size and visually appealing covers, coffee table books can be used in many different ways around your rental. They can be stacked to create a unique centerpiece or spread out across different rooms. Best of all, they are easy to switch out, keeping your interior decor fresh and interesting.

Choosing the right coffee table books can make a big difference in the atmosphere and aesthetic of your short-term rental, ensuring your guests feel welcomed, engaged, and at home.

Choosing the Right Coffee Table Books

Choosing the right coffee table books for your short-term rental involves much more than picking out attractive covers. The content of these books can greatly influence the guest experience, creating a welcoming environment that invites exploration and conversation.

Selecting books based on guests’ interests

When selecting coffee table books for your short-term rental, consider your typical guest profile. Are they foodies, adventurers, or art lovers? Books on local cuisine, outdoor activities, or galleries in your area might be appreciated.

Using books that depict local culture and attractions

Books showcasing your city’s attractions, cultural landmarks, or history can be a thoughtful touch. Not only do they serve as a visual treat, but they also provide inspiration for your guests’ local explorations. It’s like offering a personalized, picturesque guidebook.

Consideration of size, color, and cover design

Don’t overlook the physical attributes of your coffee table books. The size of the book should complement your table without overwhelming it.

Correspondingly, the color and cover design should aesthetically align with your rental property’s decor. A beautifully designed cover can serve as a piece of art in itself, contributing to the overall appeal of your space.

How to Arrange Coffee Table Books for Maximum Impact

Knowing how to arrange your coffee table books artfully can take your decorating game to a whole new level. It’s not just about having the right books; it’s also about how you display them for maximum visual impact.

This section offers practical tips and tricks on decorating with coffee table books in a way that enhances the aesthetic appeal of your short-term rental property while also drawing your guests in for a closer look.

Stacking and spacing techniques

The way you arrange your coffee table books can significantly impact their effectiveness as decorative pieces. Consider these stacking and spacing techniques to maximize their visual appeal:

• Vertical vs Horizontal Stacking: You can either stack your books vertically, creating a ‘mini bookshelf’ effect, or horizontally, which is the more conventional approach. Both arrangements can be visually appealing, but consider the size of your table and the balance of the elements on it. A mix of vertical and horizontal stacks can add interest.
• Size Considerations: Start with the largest book at the bottom of the stack and work your way up to the smallest. This creates a visually pleasing pyramid effect.
• Spacing: Allow some space around your book stack. This gives the arrangement a ‘breathing space’, preventing it from looking crowded and unappealing.

Pairing with other decorative items

Coffee table books need not stand alone. Pairing them with other decorative items can accentuate their impact and bring more depth to your decor:

• Use Trays: Placing coffee table books on a decorative tray can create a more organized, cohesive look. You can also put other small decorative items on the tray to complement the books.
• Pair with Plants: A small plant or a succulent can add some life to your coffee table arrangement. Place it next to a stack of books for a refreshing look.
• Add Decorative Objects: Consider adding a small sculpture, a decorative box, or a candle next to your book stack. These additional elements can enhance the visual interest of your coffee table decor.

By incorporating these stacking, spacing, and pairing techniques, you’ll elevate the look of your coffee table books and, consequently, your entire short-term rental property’s aesthetic appeal.

Decorating with Coffee Table Books: Top Recommendations

Whether you’re a novice host looking to jazz up your rental space or a seasoned one aiming to refresh your decor, selecting the right coffee table books can be a game-changer. We’ve curated a list of top coffee table book recommendations encompassing various themes and subjects to help you elevate your property’s ambiance and guest experience:

1. “Humans of New York” by Brandon Stanton

A charming collection of photographs and stories, “Humans of New York” showcases the diverse and fascinating inhabitants of one of the world’s most iconic cities. This book captivates guests with its compelling narratives and stunning photography, adding a touch of urban chic to any space.

You can purchase it on Amazon here.

2. “The Kinfolk Home: Interiors for Slow Living” by Nathan Williams

“The Kinfolk Home” invites readers to explore 35 homes that reflect the values of slow living: simplicity, community, and functionality. The book’s elegant aesthetic makes it a fitting addition to any modern, minimalist space.

Get your copy from Amazon here.

3. “Paris in Color” by Nichole Robertson

This beautiful book offers an enchanting journey through the world’s most romantic city, one color at a time. “Paris in Color” is the perfect choice for guests who appreciate travel and culture.

You can find it on Amazon here.

4. “The Life and Love of the Sea” by Lewis Blackwell

For hosts with properties near the coast, “The Life and Love of the Sea” is a celebration of our oceans, featuring stunning images from some of the world’s leading marine photographers. It’s a visual treat that adds a refreshing coastal vibe to your decor.

Purchase it on Amazon here.

5. “The Art of Looking Sideways” by Alan Fletcher

This visually stimulating book stimulates conversation with its compelling exploration of the workings of the eye, the hand, the brain and the imagination. A great pick for guests interested in art and design.

Get it from Amazon here.

Remember, choosing the right coffee table books can significantly enhance the guest experience, adding personality, style, and a unique charm to your short-term rental property.

Final Thoughts

Decorating with coffee table books is a simple yet effective strategy to elevate the aesthetic appeal of your short-term rental property. These books not only enhance the visual allure of your space but also engage and inspire your guests.

Choose books that resonate with the style and location of your property and reflect the interests of your targeted guest demographic. Remember to consider the physical attributes of the books and how they are arranged for maximum impact.

Pair them with other decorative pieces to add depth and interest to your decor. By thoughtfully curating and displaying your coffee table books, you can create a unique and memorable experience for your guests.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!