If you’re new to interior design and want to create a beautiful, functional space—but don’t know where to start—a good book can be your best teacher. Interior design books for beginners not only offer inspiration but also break down the why behind great design: layout, color, balance, lighting, and more.

Here are 7 beginner-friendly interior design books that will help you build a solid foundation and discover your personal style.

1. Styled by Emily Henderson

Best for: Learning how to style and layer your home like a pro.

This book is a favorite for a reason. Emily Henderson, a TV host and stylist, teaches you how to identify your design style and how to bring it to life using what you already own. It’s visual, fun, and super practical for beginners.

Why you’ll love it: Easy styling tips, approachable tone, and stunning real-home examples.

2. Domino: The Book of Decorating

Best for: Step-by-step room-by-room guidance.

Created by the editors of Domino magazine, this book is like a playbook for decorating any room. It includes layout tips, mood boards, and case studies of stylish homes to show you how to build a space from scratch.

Why you’ll love it: Practical tips paired with beautiful imagery for every room in the house.

3. Homebody by Joanna Gaines

Best for: Finding your style through simplicity and warmth.

If you love the cozy-modern style that’s all over Instagram and Pinterest, Joanna Gaines’ Homebody is for you. She walks you through different styles and shares floor plans, design principles, and her signature tips for creating spaces that feel like home.

Why you’ll love it: Warm, comforting design ideas and room layouts that make sense.

4. The New Design Rules by Emily Henderson

Best for: Getting a crash course in layout, lighting, and furniture placement.

Another gem from Emily Henderson, this one dives deeper into design principles, not just styling. It teaches you what makes a layout work, how to hang curtains, where to place lighting, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Why you’ll love it: Like taking a beginner-level interior design class—without the tuition.

5. Made for Living by Amber Lewis

Best for: Earthy, California-cool design lovers.

Amber Lewis’s design aesthetic is modern yet lived-in, full of layered textures and warm neutrals. Her book gives you insight into how she designs for real life—blending beauty and comfort with ease.

Why you’ll love it: Heavy visual inspiration and lessons in layering and texture.

6. Interior Design Handbook by Frida Ramstedt

Best for: Understanding design theory without the fluff.

Unlike most interior design books, this one is more instructional than visual. It explains the rules behind what makes a room “work”—focusing on proportions, balance, lighting, and flow. Think of it as a mini design course in book form.

Why you’ll love it: Clear, logical explanations that help you design more intentionally.

7. Design the Home You Love by Lee Mayer & Emily Motayed

Best for: Beginners who want a process to follow.

This book was written specifically for non-designers. It breaks down the design process into manageable steps, from defining your style to picking a color scheme, to choosing furniture and finishes.

Why you’ll love it: Friendly tone, action-based guidance, and real-life examples.

Final Thoughts

These beginner-friendly books are more than coffee-table decor—they’re tools to help you feel confident in your design decisions. Whether you’re furnishing your first apartment or refreshing your forever home, these reads will help you understand the why behind great design and how to apply it.

Need help styling your space? Follow @ApexCityProperties for weekly interior design tips, room makeovers, and expert home inspiration.