9 Best Books on Interior Design for Beginners (2024)

As someone who used to teach high school interior design, I’ve seen firsthand what kinds of resources are truly helpful for beginners! If you’re new to the world of interior design, it can be overwhelming figuring out where to begin. Learning the fundamental concepts can be tricky, but the right books will make all the difference. In this post, I’ve rounded up nine of the best books on interior design for beginners!

These are all books that I own and love for one reason or another. To help you narrow down the best books for you, I’ve rated each one in four key categories: best for beginners, best for inspiration, best for practical tips, and best for decorative appeal. Whether you’re looking for step-by-step guides or just want something pretty to flip through on your coffee table, there’s something here for everyone!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means, if you purchase something from a link I provided, I will receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you! Thank you so much for the support!

Table of Contents

The Interior Design Handbook

The Interior Design Handbook by Frida Ramstedt is like having a personal coach to guide you through all the interior design basics. This book doesn’t just show you pretty pictures—it breaks down the “why” behind good design! It’s all about mastering the principles and elements of design, which are way more important than keeping up with the latest design trends. Here’s how I rate it across key categories:

Best for Beginners: 10/10

This book is the ultimate guide for beginners. It breaks down lighting, proportions, and color (just to name a few!) in a way that’s easy to understand! If you’re looking to master the key principles of design, this book is perfect for those just entering the world of interior design!

Best for Inspiration: 5/10

This book is not about the glossy photos of stunning interiors, but more a practical and insightful guide. However, it is inspiring in that it gives you all the tools you need to create functional, beautiful spaces on your own.

Best for Practical Tips: 9/10

If you’re looking for a book that offers real-world tips on how to design thoughtfully, this is it. The focus on functionality and structure makes it incredibly useful. The tips she shares can be used to make a space feel put-together without spending a fortune. It’ll give you the confidence you need to get started on making your house a home!!

Best for Decorative Appeal: 8/10

This book has a very neutral, understated design. I personally love the linen-like texture of the hard cover and even styled it on my DIY billy bookcase built-ins! It could definitely be a beautiful addition to your coffee table, but I wouldn’t say it packs the same visual punch as some of the other best books on interior design.

Shop the book: The Interior Design Handbook

If you’re looking for more of a field guide, New York School of Interior Design has a book called Home by Ellen S. Fisher. This is definitely a more comprehensive guide that dives deep into the design process, including creating floor plans and understanding space planning. It’s like an interior design master class in the form of a book!

Color Scheme Bible

Overwhelmed by the whole color aspect of design? I feel you, my friend! The Color Scheme Bible by Anna Starmer is the ultimate resource when it comes to color schemes, color psychology, and so much more. If you’ve been around for a while, you’ve seen me experience some unfortunate color fiascos. (Remember my 50 shades of burgundy saga?!)

Choosing the right color palette can truly make or break a room and this book makes it way easier to get it right from the start. Here’s how it stacks up:

Best for Beginners: 9/10

This book is like a secret weapon for anyone who’s ever been stuck choosing colors! Starmer gives you 200 color scheme options and even breaks down how each color makes a space feel. It’s clear that the focus is helping you understand how colors work together.

Best for Inspiration: 9/10

Packed with vibrant colors and images, this book is full of visual inspiration. You’ll walk away with endless color palette ideas, allowing you to create the right vibe in all the different rooms of your own home.

Best for Practical Tips: 8/10

It’s would be a 10/10 if your primary focus is color theory, but it doesn’t dive deep into other aspects of interior design like space planning or styling! Color is a huge aspect of interior design though, so I love having a book specifically dedicated to it! The layout makes it easy to search by color and gives you a solid starting point for a color scheme! It even gives suggestions for how you can incorporate each color.

Best for Decorative Appeal: 5/10

This book has a very colorful cover that’s not overly flashy, but it’s on the smaller side and has more of an outdated look to it. It would be a nice conversation starter for a coffee table book and guests would definitely enjoy flipping through it, but it doesn’t have the same coffee table charm as some of the more decor-focused design books!

Shop the book: Color Scheme Bible

Homebody

Homebody by Joanna Gaines is the perfect guide for anyone wanting to create a home that feels cozy and curated. It’s packed with Joanna’s signature style tips, but what really stands out is the emphasis she places on designing with intention. It’s less about following design “rules”, and more about making your home feel like you.

The book starts by walking you through different styles and the rest of the chapters are dedicated to specific rooms or areas within the home. She shares beautiful examples of mixing styles and plenty of practical advice on furniture, layouts, and decor. It’s very approachable, so even if you’re new to design, you’ll feel confident bringing your vision to life. Plus, it’s filled with gorgeous photos that’ll inspire you to start decorating right away!

Best for Beginners: 9/10

Joanna’s approachable writing style, clear tips, and stunning examples of her work make this book perfect for beginners who want to design a warm and welcoming space meant to serve you and your loved ones.

Best for Inspiration: 9/10

Between the beautiful photography and thoughtful styling, this book is jam packed with inspiration for all the rooms in your home. It’s no secret that Joanna has an incredible eye for design so you’ll find yourself absorbing all the details in these spaces.

Best for Practical Tips: 8/10

While the design advice in this book is very practical, it’s more focused on overall aesthetic and comfort rather than specific how-tos. One thing I really love is that at the end of each chapter, she shares troubleshooting tips for that particular room. These tips can range anywhere from lighting to storage and even scale!

Best for Decorative Appeal: 9/10

This book comes with a sleeve, but underneath is a beautiful linen cover with metallic gold lettering. I’ve had two versions of this same book and one was beige and one was gray. Either way, they’re both beautiful, and this is one of my favorite books to style with!

Shop the book: Homebody

Styled

Styled by Emily Henderson is a total lifesaver for those who want their home to look effortlessly cool. With years of experience as a prop stylist, Emily is so great about focusing on the little details that really make a room feel complete. She shares styling formulas and easy-to-follow advice for every room! Be prepared for tons of tips on how to make your space look polished, yet lived-in.

What I love most is how Emily has this easygoing tone that makes you feel like you’re learning from a friend!

Best for Beginners: 9/10

This book is an excellent resource for beginners! Do you have trouble identifying your personal style? There’s a quiz in the beginning that will help you with this! Emily breaks down interior design into manageable steps and guides you through the process of styling your home with confidence. Styled is very user-friendly and empowering, making it the perfect choice for a beginner!

Best for Inspiration: 9/10

There’s no shortage of visual inspiration in this book! A wide range of design styles are represented, but one thing they all have in common is that they’re beautifully styled. Emily is known for having a playful-yet-polished style using creative design ideas and a whole lot of personality! Take the time to notice the small details (accessories, furniture placement, etc.) that make each space feel unique and personal.

Best for Practical Tips: 8/10

Styled has an abundance of practical advice! Her expert advice makes mixing textures, arranging furniture, and accessorizing rooms so much less intimidating. While the tips are more focused on styling, her straightforward strategies will be useful to anyone looking to refresh their space without renovation!

Best for Decorative Appeal: 7/10

This is a cute little book to add to your coffee table! It’s a good idea to place it somewhere within easy reach so you can browse through the bright, colorful photos whenever you please! It’s not very opulent in comparison to other design books, but it has a neutral cover (with a gold spine) and showcases beautifully styled interiors.

Shop this book: Styled

Memories of Home

Memories of Home by Heidi Caillier is one of my personal favorite books on interior design so I had to include it on this list. It’s not a guide, but I’ve always admired Heidi for her ability to mix and layer different patterns, design styles, and textures. She blends vintage charm with modern elegance and makes every living space feel warm and authentic.

With stunning photography and thoughtful design ideas, this book will inspire you to design spaces that are both stylish and full of character.

Best for Beginners: 6/10

Heidi’s designs are incredibly inspiring, but they could feel a bit overwhelming for beginners. Her focus on layers and vintage elements might be better suited for those with some design knowledge.

Best for Inspiration: 10/10

The book is the crème de la crème of inspirational design books. You’ll be drooling over her richly layered interiors and inspired to curate a home that feels cozy and timeless.

Best for Practical Tips: 6/10

As I mentioned before, this isn’t a step-by-step book, so you’ll need to interpret the designs and apply them in your own space. She does share a few words about each photo and I gather a lot from reading those!

Best for Decorative Appeal: 9/10

Normally I remove the sleeves of my interior design books, but this one I actually love since it showcases Heidi’s signature aesthetic while also being neutral and muted in color. Underneath the sleeve, you’ll find an ivory book with bronze lettering, making it equally as beautiful to display on shelves or a table!

Shop this book: Memories of Home

A Place to Call Home

A Place to Call Home by Gil Schafer is a dream if you love timeless design and traditional architecture. This is another favorite book of mine that I would’ve felt wrong not including. I just love Schafer’s ability to create homes that feel both grand and intimate.

While this book is more architecturally focused, the big takeaway is how he designs homes that feel elegant but are still super functional. This, in itself, encourages you to create home with both heart and history.

Best for Beginners: 6/10

Since this book is more about architectural design and the philosophy of creating a home, it would be best suited for readers with some design experience or those building a home from scratch. However, if you’re a traditional design lover, there’s a lot to digest in the images alone!

Best for Inspiration: 9/10

This is my go-to book for styling inspiration! I’m a big fan of how he blends traditional craftsmanship with modern living. All of the spaces in this book have a very refined, inviting feel that make you wish you could teleport! There’s absolutely no shortage of breathtaking images of timeless home interiors.

Best for Practical Tips: 7/10

I wouldn’t refer to this book as an ultimate guide of any sort, but Schafer’s principles on creating a sense of place are valuable for anyone designing a home with heart and intention! There were a lot of great takeaways for me in the decorating and details that matter chapters!

Best for Decorative Appeal: 9/10

This book has a classic cover that beautifully captures Schafer’s architectural style, blending traditional elegance with modern charm. It’s large in size (the largest on this list!) with beautiful, glossy photos. I loved the color of the spine so I removed the dust jacket on this one. You can see it styled here on my DIY fluted coffee table!

Shop this book: A Place to Call Home

Made for Living

Made for Living by Amber Lewis is perfect for anyone who wants their home to feel stylish, comfortable, and lived-in… what a great combo! Amber is all about layering textures, mixing patterns, and incorporating natural elements into her designs. She creates spaces that feel collected and not just thrown together!

One of Amber’s super powers is making a home look beautiful while still being functional for everyday life. Emphasis on practicality is so important in design! This book is full of tips on layering materials and styles to create that effortlessly cool, organic vibe!

Best for Beginners: 7/10

This book is great for beginners, but just know that it’s more focused on showing how to create an inviting space rather than teaching interior design basics. That said, many admire Amber’s good taste and eye for design! Her style is approachable which makes it an encouraging starting point for those looking to build some confidence in design!

Best for Inspiration: 9/10

You’ll be very inspired flipping through this book! Whether you’re looking for ideas on paint colors, furniture combinations, or decor, this book is full of beautiful examples that will have you rethinking your space. The rich photography showcases stunning interiors with a focus on warmth, texture, and personality!

Best for Practical Tips: 8/10

Made for Living offers practical advice on things like layering textiles, creating balance in a room, and focusing on the feel of a space. While it may not be step-by-step instructions or how-tos, the practical suggestions are definitely going to give you the guidance you need to design your home with intention!