14 Must-Have Interior Design Textbooks for Every Home

Discover the best interior design textbook to ignite your creativity and elevate your space with expert insights and inspiring ideas.
BrandMy RatingPrice
By Frida Ramstedt (Author), Mia Olofsson (Illustrator)
Best Bang for Your Buck
9.4/10
By Chris Grimley (Author), Mimi Love (Author)
Best Comprehensive Overview
9.4/10
By Francis D. K. Ching (Author), Corky Binggeli (Author)
Best for Visual Learners
9.2/10
By Ariel Magidson (Author), Blue Star Press (Producer)
Best for DIY Enthusiasts
9.2/10
By Ellen S. Fisher (Author), Jen Renzi (Author), Alexa Hampton (Foreword) & 0 More
9.4/10

Best Interior Design Textbook

Embarking on a journey into the world of interior design requires both inspiration and a solid foundation of knowledge. In this vibrant realm of colors, textures, and aesthetics, the right textbook can serve as your trusty guide, illuminating the paths to create spaces that truly resonate. Dive into our curated selection of the best interior design textbooks, where creativity meets theory, ensuring your designs not only dazzle but also tell a compelling story.

Best Bang for Your Buck: Interior Design Handbook

The Interior Design Handbook: Furnish, Decorate, and Style Your Space
Highlights
Clear and concise writing
Effective design concepts
Teaches critical thinking

We absolutely love The Interior Design Handbook for its outstanding value!

With clear and concise writing, this book packs a punch, delivering effective design concepts that won't leave your wallet empty.

It's perfect for both beginners and seasoned pros, making it a go-to resource.

While it lacks color photos and contains some unnumbered pages, the dense material encourages critical thinking about design.

With a solid rating of 4.7 stars and a top spot in its category, it’s no wonder we chose it as the "Best Bang for Your Buck." Dive into this remarkable read and enhance your interior design skills today!

Be sure to also check out the best interior design books for beginners for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Interior Design Handbook on Amazon

Best Comprehensive Overview: Interior Design Reference & Specification Book

The Interior Design Reference & Specification Book updated & revised: Everything Interior Designers Need to Know Every Day
Highlights
Well-written for non-architects
Comprehensive design information
Organized with great graphics

When it comes to navigating the intricate world of interior design, The Interior Design Reference & Specification Book stands out as our top pick for a comprehensive overview.

This gem is well-written, making it accessible to non-architects while delivering in-depth knowledge that both aspiring designers and seasoned pros can appreciate.

Organized beautifully with informative graphics, we found it to be a visual treat.

However, those new to the field might feel a tad overwhelmed at first, and some technical knowledge does help.

Overall, it’s a must-have toolkit for anyone serious about design!

Be sure to also check out the best exterior dryer vent for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Interior Design Reference & Specification Book on Amazon

Best for Visual Learners: Interior Design Illustrated

Interior Design Illustrated
Highlights
Detailed illustrations
Comprehensive content
Good for basics

When it comes to grasping the essentials of interior design, we believe Interior Design Illustrated is an unparalleled choice for visual learners.

This textbook not only offers detailed illustrations but also presents core concepts in an engaging way that makes learning a breeze.

The comprehensive content covers the basics thoroughly, making it ideal for newcomers.

However, it's worth noting that it comes with some printing errors and may feel a bit weighty for those on the go.

Overall, if you’re looking to boost your design skills with a visual edge, this book might just be your new best friend.

Be sure to also check out the best antifreeze tester for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Interior Design Illustrated on Amazon

Best for DIY Enthusiasts: Your Space, Made Simple

Your Space, Made Simple: Interior Design That's Approachable, Affordable, and Sustainable
Highlights
Accessible tips and ideas
Affordable solutions
Warm, engaging writing style

When it comes to diving into interior design, Your Space, Made Simple shines as our top pick for DIY enthusiasts.

This book delivers accessible tips and ideas, making it a fantastic guide for anyone ready to transform their home without breaking the bank.

With its warm and engaging writing style, you're sure to feel inspired as you embark on your design projects.

However, keep in mind it may not offer all the colors to suit every taste, and some prior knowledge is assumed.

Overall, this is a delightful treasure for those eager to create their perfect space!

Be sure to also check out the best compression tester for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Your Space, Made Simple on Amazon

New York School of Interior Design

New York School of Interior Design: Home: The Foundations of Enduring Spaces
Highlights
Highly organized content
Comprehensive design principles
Beautifully designed visuals

We absolutely love this interior design textbook!

It's a perfect blend of comprehensive design principles and beautifully organized visuals that inspire creativity.

With over 460 pages of insightful content, it’s like having a design consultant right on your shelf.

However, be warned: its impressive size might feel a bit bulky for some, and beginners might find themselves a tad overwhelmed.

On the flip side, there's sadly no digital version, but the tactile experience of flipping through its pages adds a special flavor to the design journey.

Overall, we highly recommend it to anyone serious about mastering interior design!

Be sure to also check out the best watch demagnetizer for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for New York School of Interior Design on Amazon

Foundations of Interior Design

Foundations of Interior Design: Studio Instant Access
Highlights
Great condition used copies
Comprehensive interior design material
Well-packaged and timely delivery

We’re excited to dive into Interior Design by Fairchild Books, a superb resource for anyone serious about this field!

This comprehensive textbook offers a wealth of interior design material neatly packed into 512 pages.

With an impressive average rating of 4.4 stars from over 140 reviews, it’s clear that readers appreciate its depth.

While it may lean on the heavier side and comes with a higher price tag for new copies, you’ll find used versions that are in great condition.

Just keep in mind that availability may be limited in some countries.

Overall, a fantastic investment for budding designers!

Be sure to also check out the best underhood light for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Foundations of Interior Design on Amazon

Residential Interior Design Interior Design Textbook

Residential Interior Design: A Guide to Planning Spaces
Highlights
Clear information provided
Great for students
Well-organized content

When it comes to mastering the art of interior design, Interior Design: A Practical Guide stands out as a valuable resource.

We appreciate its clear information and well-organized content, making it an excellent choice for students eager to learn.

With 304 pages packed with engaging insights, it’s a breeze to digest.

However, it's good to note that the book does have its limitations, as it lacks detailed diagrams and can feel a bit superficial in certain areas.

Still, for a concise introduction to the field, it's hard to beat this textbook.

Dive in and let your creativity flourish!

Be sure to also check out the best indoor dryer vent for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Residential Interior Design on Amazon

PPI NCIDQ Reference Manual

PPI NCIDQ Interior Design Reference Manual, Seventh Edition
Highlights
Helpful study tool
In-depth information
Well-structured material

When diving into the world of interior design, we found the Interior Design textbook published by PPI a Kaplan Company to be a gem for both students and enthusiasts.

With 702 pages packed full of in-depth information and a well-structured layout, learning feels both engaging and purposeful.

We appreciate its role as a helpful study tool, boasting a stellar 4.7-star rating from 280 reviewers.

However, it does come with a few caveats: an updated edition would be appreciated due to some repetitive content and an absence of vibrant color palettes.

Still, for those eager to enhance their design skills, it’s a worthy pick!

Be sure to also check out the best tamper resistant outlets for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for PPI NCIDQ Reference Manual on Amazon

Construction Drawings and Details

Construction Drawings and Details for Interiors
Highlights
Clear and concise information
Comprehensive guide for beginners
High-quality print and material

When it comes to mastering the art of interior design, we think the Interiors: A Guided Tour is a stellar choice for beginners.

With clear and concise information, this guide breaks down complex concepts into digestible chunks, making it an ideal resource for those just starting out.

The high-quality print and material add a nice touch, giving a professional feel to the book.

However, if you're a seasoned pro, you might find that it doesn’t dive deep enough into advanced topics.

Ultimately, for newcomers eager to transform spaces, this book is a fantastic launching pad!

Be sure to also check out the best floor register for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Construction Drawings and Details on Amazon

Interiors Interior Design Textbook

Interiors: Design, Process, and Practice
Highlights
Comprehensive content
High customer rating
Revised edition

When it comes to mastering the art of interior design, the Second Edition, Revised textbook from Goodheart-Willcox stands out.

At a hefty 718 pages, it packs an impressive array of comprehensive content that truly enriches your understanding of space and aesthetics.

With a stellar 4.6-star rating from reviewers, it's clear many have found value within its pages.

However, be prepared—this textbook is as heavy as it is packed with knowledge, which could make it a bit cumbersome to carry around.

If you're dedicated to elevating your design skills, this book is a must-have companion on your journey!

Be sure to also check out the best adhesive magnets for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Interiors on Amazon

Universal Principles of Interior Design

Universal Principles of Interior Design: 100 Ways to Develop Innovative Ideas, Enhance Usability, and Design Effective Solutions (Volume 3) (Rockport Universal, 3)
Highlights
Clear and concise layout
Strong color theory sections
Great tips and recommendations

We absolutely loved diving into this textbook from Rockport Publishers!

The clear and concise layout makes it a breeze to follow along, while the strong color theory sections provide valuable insights for any aspiring designer.

We especially appreciated the practical tips and recommendations sprinkled throughout.

However, keep in mind that it may not meet everyone's needs, as it has a limited depth in certain topics and might require a bit more research to fully master the art of interior design.

Overall, it's a solid selection for those looking to enhance their creative skills on a foundational level!

Be sure to also check out the best stair lights for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Universal Principles of Interior Design on Amazon

Professional Practice

Professional Practice for Interior Designers
Highlights
Valuable information
Great college resource
Affordable price

We just couldn’t resist diving into Interior Design: A Smart Approach to Design by Wiley, which has become a go-to resource in the industry.

With its 752 pages of valuable insights, it’s perfect for both students and enthusiasts alike.

We appreciate its affordable price, ensuring that top-notch knowledge is accessible.

However, be prepared for its weighty nature—you might want to set up a reading nook instead of carrying it around!

With a stellar 4.6-star rating over 143 reviews, this hardcover gem is a must-have for anyone keen on honing their design skills.

Embrace the art of design!

Be sure to also check out the best residential mailboxes for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Professional Practice on Amazon

Call It Home Interior Design Textbook

Call It Home: The Details That Matter
Highlights
Beautiful photography
Great design information
Stylish display piece

Dive into the world of design with this magnificent interior design textbook from Clarkson Potter!

With its stunning photography and invaluable design insights, we found it to be a real treasure trove for both seasoned decorators and eager novices.

We appreciate how it doubles as a stylish display piece, effortlessly enhancing your home decor.

However, keep in mind that the spine might arrive bent, and while it’s packed with visuals, the text content is somewhat limited.

Weighing in at a hefty 3.25 pounds, it’s not the most casual read.

Still, its 4.6-star rating speaks volumes about its worth!

Be sure to also check out the best indoor fountains for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Call It Home on Amazon

Made for Living

Made for Living: Collected Interiors for All Sorts of Styles
Highlights
Beautiful visuals
Informative content
Engaging writing style

When it comes to discovering the best interior design textbook, we believe we’ve found a true gem.

Published by Clarkson Potter, this hardcover masterpiece boasts 288 pages of stunning visuals and engaging content that captures the essence of design.

Priced at a premium, it may be on the heavier side, but the insightful writing makes each page a joy to explore.

Although its focus is somewhat limited, the book excels in areas like Feng Shui and general home décor.

With an impressive rating of 4.8 stars, it’s hard to resist adding this to your design library!

Be sure to also check out the best utility lighter for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Made for Living on Amazon

🎯 Popular Posts

Never Miss A Post!

Sign up for free to Hassle Free House and be the first to get notified about updates.

Never Miss A Post! 🎉
Subscribe to our newsletter and get the latest deals and news
  • 01Get discounts on products and memberships
  • 02Get notified about new posts, reviews and updates
subsc