topic Re: BOOKS IN THE LIVING ROOM in Home

BOOKS IN THE LIVING ROOM

Oznell — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 12:25:56 GMT

Here's a room Peter Dunham did. They don't give a hint as to where it is in the U.S., just that a globetrotter lives there:

Do you like stacks of books on the coffee table? To give context, this is a large house, that yes, does have a library, a den and other sitting spaces.

Yet he chose to load the coffee table with books, as designers often do. I'm assuming this is the main living room, it looks the most likely-- the only other image of it I could find shows this fireplace area, just outside the range of the above picture:

I love the presence of books in every room. I doubt I'd have the discipline to reserve my coffee table for this many though. I need room to put coffee cups down, and of course, my own little vignettes of candles, ginger jars, a tray, etc.

As we talk, I have 3 books on my coffee table, which have been there for at least a month. (I did not curate them there for purposes of this post, ha.) They are neatly stacked, and have my vintage brass swan bowl on top, with a fat candle in it. The books are: "The Power of Glamour" by Annette Tapert, "Decorating on Ebay" by Barbara Guggenheim, and "Rough Magic", Paul Alexander's biography of Sylvia Plath.

Do you typically have books on your coffee table? Coffee table type books that you and your guests can leaf through, or novels or....?

Re: BOOKS IN THE LIVING ROOM

ninjawife — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 12:37:20 GMT

I have one book on my coffee table only b/c my daughter looks through it often. It is a hard covered collection of Peanuts cartoons. I am a big Snoopy fan and have a few Snoppy collectables in the family room where the book is - so it fits in.

I think the coffee table in the designer room has way too many books. There is no room to set a drink down or decorate with other things.

Re: BOOKS IN THE LIVING ROOM

millieshops — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 12:38:08 GMT

@Oznell I like that room- the colors and the light fit me and I always have books on my coffee table. There aren’t multiple stacks as in this room, but I live in much less space and that much of any one kind of decor would be intrusive.

Re: BOOKS IN THE LIVING ROOM

CANDLEQUEEN — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 12:41:50 GMT

I really like the room, and I don't mind books, but maybe not as many as are shown here. Maybe 3 or 4 books for me! I think Coffee Table books can look really nice.

Re: BOOKS IN THE LIVING ROOM

shoptilyadropagain — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 12:44:40 GMT

I don't mind a couple of coffee table books on a coffee table but this looks cluttered to me.

Re: BOOKS IN THE LIVING ROOM

Harpa — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 13:00:03 GMT

I have books stacked, not as a decorative touch, but as a necessity. Music books, etc. on the music side of the living room (not just in the book cases), and textbooks, etc. in the office.

I do love coffee-table-worthy books, however! And one I've been searching for, because I put a pastel drawing in there that is good enough to get framed. I can't believe I ever gave away that book, much less my artwork!

Re: BOOKS IN THE LIVING ROOM

Group 5 minus 1 — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 13:00:06 GMT

Only 3 books? We recently did an inventory of our books On the main floor we have about 350 books. Several hundred more on other levels.

Re: BOOKS IN THE LIVING ROOM

stevieb — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 13:06:04 GMT

Overall, I find the room appealing, though there are things I don't care for, including the coffee table itself and probably the rug. No, I'd not load my coffee table up with so many books, though a few is fine. There have been times I've had books on the table, though I don't currently.

Re: BOOKS IN THE LIVING ROOM

faeriemoon — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 13:14:31 GMT

I like the room. And I am a book stacker too.

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vermint — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 13:16:43 GMT

I love the style of the room in general...but a big NO to that many books on the coffee table. One or two would be okay for me. I don't keep anything decorative on my coffee table anymore because I have a cat who loves to de-clutter!

Re: BOOKS IN THE LIVING ROOM

lork — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 13:44:59 GMT

I don't care for the stacks of books on the coffee table. Each year for Christmas my DD gives me a scrapbook of family photos. I usually keep the current scrapbook on my coffee table, along with a tray with a candle, living plant and small seasonal picture. I do not have a grand livingroom, it is a combination livingroom, den, and family room. I do have a collection of favorite novels on my mantel, and a stack of books/magazines on a side table near my recliner.

Re: BOOKS IN THE LIVING ROOM

Somertime — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 14:25:08 GMT

For me, it depends upon the size of the coffee table. I have two stacks on my table plus fresh flowers, a candle but I have piles under the table especially at either end and some in the middle. I find my company does enjoy looking at them especially if they start with the ones on the table. I have several stacks around my living room, some near chairs or a loveseat. My living room is very large, so it creates little nooks and favorite reading spots as well.

Re: BOOKS IN THE LIVING ROOM

Sooner — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 14:29:59 GMT

I can count about 170 books shelved in the white built in's I see from where I am sitting, another 22 in a stack and a horizontal stack on the sofa table, 7 on the table beside me and 8 on a shelf below a narrow end table, 3 on the kitchen table and 4 on the sofa.

Not counting those in the office, more than 100, and upstairs in bookshelves.

Oh and I missed another small room that we use to watch tv. There's a bookshelf in there.

Uh oh!

Re: BOOKS IN THE LIVING ROOM

Irish1210 — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 14:30:17 GMT

I love the 2nd photo ~ The bold print (at least to me the fabric seems a bold choice) of the chairs is appealing. I may try to go this route (out of my comfort zone with boldness) when I have some chairs reupholstered later this year : )

The window treatments don't do anything for me ~ the piles of books on the coffee table seem to be dust collectors ~ that being said, I am book lover and adore a room complete with fully stocked shelves.

Re: BOOKS IN THE LIVING ROOM

Oznell — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 14:45:53 GMT

Yes, I've noticed both interior designers AND traditional Brits (and I believe Peter Dunham is an expatriate Brit), really go for that look of books virtually covering the coffee table. It's kind of a country house "look". In a sense, the coffee table is a 'bookshelf' or a supplementary bookshelf.

Like some of you, I have too many books elsewhere in the room, stacked and on shelves and tables, and in adjoining rooms, to want to have that many on my coffee table. Although I'll always have some there-- love having a few close to hand, plus they make great risers!

I enjoy your keen eye for a decorating detail, @Irish1210 ! I was also little bit taken with that bold fabric print as well. Loved the way they combined the colors of it with those dreamy pale green toss pillows, too....

Re: BOOKS IN THE LIVING ROOM

jeanlake — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 14:58:57 GMT

Lovely room. Yikes. Too many books! I may have a book I'm currently reading handily placed in living room -- but will keep books in master bedroom shelf or our basement office nook. I'm a cluttery snob. Dad and I share a preference for crisp, simple decor. I'm his only kid who did and he pulled his hair out with the older kids. That's why he was bald - no doubt. My hubs and 3 kids are semi-slobs! Only 1 of my 4 grandsons seems to 'get it' - the one who requested a bookcase for Christmas present at age 10. Love that kid!

Re: BOOKS IN THE LIVING ROOM

Spurt — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 15:06:29 GMT

I prefer just a few books maybe 2 or 3 that's it I love the cozy chairs by the fireplace perfect place to read...

Re: BOOKS IN THE LIVING ROOM

KathyM23 — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 15:18:31 GMT

I love the flowered chairs and the green couch and the large windows. Other than that a no. Definitely don't like the books on the coffee table. I am a big reader and love books, but during my stage of life purging/downsizing I disposed of all books except by bible, Thomas Kindale picture book which was a retirement gift from a friend and also kept a very few of my cook books, a bird book and a dog book and a very few of places of interest we have visited. I prefer a center piece on my coffee table.

I no longer purchase books but get them through the library.

I love to read but never really did have a desire for coffee table books. I have my pile of books to read in my reading room with the other few in my bookcase with my comfortable chair and ottoman and a good light. The leaves plenty of room in by bookcase for family pictures.

I remember when my brother got a divorce and moved. He had bookcases and boxes full of books to figure out what to do with. He had no desire to read them again.

Re: BOOKS IN THE LIVING ROOM

Still Raining — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 15:58:37 GMT

Books solely used for decoration alway tends to offend me. They are not toys, they are a treasure.

Re: BOOKS IN THE LIVING ROOM

spiderw — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 16:09:29 GMT

The print slip covers on the chairs are just lovely. As far as having books on display, I have always done so. I do not have a coffee table out of choice but I do have lamp tables where I place the books and then put a old family photo on the one or two stacked books. I also put collectible pieces on the books.

Just to add, I have many old VCR tapes of the old Universal horrors, Dracula, Wolfman etc . Instead of getting rid of the tapes I put them out at Halloween time and use them like I use the books, it's a seasonal look!