How to stylishly showcase Assouline books

In a world of digital transience, there are objects that radiate a lasting, almost magical presence. Assouline Books are precisely that. They have long since transcended the traditional role of mere picture books and evolved into independent works of art for the modern home. With their opulent, tactile covers, vibrant colors, and generous formats, they are visual anchors that breathe life into any room. They are more than just books; they are portals to distant places, homages to iconic brands, and silent witnesses to your passions.

Whether on the coffee table in the living room, the sideboard in the office, or the console in the bedroom – when displayed correctly, they become the ultimate eye-catcher and lend your home a deeply personal and curated touch. Below, we present six inspiring decorating ideas to help you skillfully showcase your Assouline coffee table books – from minimalist to opulent. Discover how to not only display these treasures but also make them an integral part of your interior design.

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The art of stacking: Coffee Table Stack with a system

An elegantly stacked pile of books on the coffee table looks particularly harmonious if you combine different formats and themes.

An elegantly stacked tower of books on the coffee table is the ultimate classic of coffee-table book styling – and for good reason. When done correctly, it resembles a small, carefully curated exhibition of your interests and passions. The composition appears particularly harmonious and thoughtful when you consciously combine different formats and themes to tell a multifaceted story.

Lay the foundation: Always start with the largest and heaviest volume as a stable, visual base. A lavish travel photo book from Assouline's Travel Series, such as the vibrant blue "Mykonos Muse" or the sunny yellow "Capri Dolce Vita," is perfect for this. This first volume sets the color scheme and emotional tone for the entire arrangement.

Building the story: Next, add two or three smaller titles that connect to the main book thematically or through color. For example, you could place a fashion book like "Dior" or "Chanel" on top of a travel book to tell a story of luxury and wanderlust. Make sure the covers complement each other in color to create a calm yet intriguing overall impression. You can either stay within one color family (e.g., various shades of blue and green) or create a deliberate, elegant contrast by, for example, placing a bright red book on top of a neutral stack.

The crowning touch: The true magic, however, arises from the final, personal detail. A stack of books without a crowning object often appears incomplete. Therefore, place a carefully chosen found object on the topmost, usually smallest, volume. This could be an organically shaped, handmade ceramic bowl, a special stone from your last beach vacation, a small marble miniature, or a single, elegant flower in a slender glass vase. In this way, your arrangement of books, color, and object combines to form a vibrant, three-dimensional ensemble. It becomes a still life that invites not only browsing but also quiet contemplation and wonder, and speaks volumes about your own personal style.


Shelf display with books and objects


On an open shelf, you can arrange Assouline titles in small groups by placing some books flat on top of each other and others upright next to them. This interplay of horizontal and vertical lines creates dynamism and draws the eye. Decorative elements such as a vintage camera, a minimalist ceramic vessel, or a small houseplant soften the overall look between the individual groups. The display becomes particularly appealing when you add thematically appropriate accessories: next to a book about Paris, place a delicate Eiffel Tower sculpture; a model car with a clean, uncluttered design complements a coffee-table book about automobiles. This creates a living space that reflects your personal passions while simultaneously resembling a curated gallery.

Combine your books with a vase, candle, or sculpture.
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Vignette on sideboard or console


Living room tableau above the fireplace

The area above the fireplace offers space for a minimalist yet striking display. Place one or two large-format Assouline volumes in the center of the fireside bench and arrange a tall, slender vase next to them, containing a single, sculptural plant or a delicate ceramic object. On the wall behind, you can hang a large, understated piece of art or a mirror with a warm wooden frame to add depth to the arrangement. Avoid an overly colorful mix of materials: A carefully coordinated blend of glass, metal, and natural stone is all you need to enhance your book display. The result is a harmonious overall look that makes the fireplace a focal point without visually overwhelming the room.

Next to the bed: Coffee table books as nighttime reading.

Assouline books can also shine in the bedroom, replacing the traditional bedside table. Simply stack two or three of your favorite volumes next to the bed, ensuring the top one thematically complements the room's mood—an art book for creative mornings or an architecture book for contemplative evenings. Complete this mini-tableau with a reading lamp emitting warm light, a coordinating decorative cushion, and a subtly scented candle. This combination transforms your sleeping area into an inviting reading nook, perfect for relaxing and dreaming.

Color and theme coding for coherent accents


If you plan to distribute several Assouline books throughout a room, a deliberate color and theme coding is recommended. Arrange warm tones like reds, pinks, and beiges in one area and cooler tones like blues, greens, and grays in another. This creates a visual structure that guides the eye and provides harmonious focal points. In the living area, you can use matching cushions, blankets, or rugs to echo the chosen color scheme. Group thematically related titles, for example, on automotive or travel history, on a separate shelf. This strategic planning not only makes your display aesthetically pleasing but also adds value to it.

Tips for the perfect presentation


To showcase your Assouline coffee table books to their best advantage, it's essential to leave ample white space around your arrangements. A generous setting prevents the opulent covers from appearing cramped and enhances their presence as unique works of art. Furthermore, strategically place targeted light sources: a slim LED strip on the shelf, a stylish table lamp, or a small spotlight above the sideboard will bring the magnificent covers to life and highlight details. Change accessories seasonally to create a constantly fresh look: fresh tulips in spring, chestnuts or colorful leaves in autumn, and fir branches with candlelight in winter will always evoke a new mood. Always adhere to the principle of "quality over quantity," as a few carefully selected volumes are best displayed in generous arrangements, emphasizing the artistic quality of each individual title. In this way, you transform your books into a harmonious gallery that unites art and everyday life at the highest aesthetic level.