Beyond The Bookshelf: Brooke Shields’ Low-Profile Living Room Centerpiece Proves That Intentionality Is The New Luxury

Brooke keeps piles of books on her coffee table, which not only provide a dynamic centerpiece, but also show us that we don't need to restrict our storage to shelves

Brooke Shields
(Image credit: Lionel Hahn via Getty Images)

Coffee tables, for some, function as modified versions of open bookshelves, with neat stacks of art and photo books serving as decorative objects. Brooke Shields is in this camp, and after seeing her space, it's a look we can definitely get behind.

Her modern, minimalist living area features a low-profile glass coffee table adorned with piles of colorful books, adding just the right amount of dimension to the centerpiece (and giving us some great coffee table decor ideas).

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According to design experts, mixing and matching books, candles, and small objects is the best way to approach decor (or, stick with just books for a look that replicates Brooke's).

'Styling a coffee table is all about balance – mixing functionality with aesthetic appeal,' designer Sabrina Phillips explains. 'A well-styled coffee table should feel intentional, not cluttered, while reflecting your personal style. Here are some key accessories to consider: decorative trays, oversized books (Taschen, etc.), candles, ambient lighting, small sculptures, unique coasters, or even greenery. Be sure to focus on layering and keeping negative space to avoid the table looking cluttered.'

This hot pink Assouline book on Jaipur is one of our top picks, but any of their wide range of city-centric books will fit the bill for a chic coffee table.

Try pairing it with this luxe, silk-covered book on Cartier's jewelry design history, and place this cult-favorite Diptyque candle nearby for a living area that looks elevated and smells amazing. If it's a look that Brooke loves, that's reason enough for us to follow suit.


Hannah Ziegler
News Editor

Hannah is Homes & Gardens’ News Editor, with a focus on celebrity style and entertainment content. She got her start in media as a digital editorial assistant at ELLE Canada, and has since written about lifestyle and culture for publications such as Nylon and i-D.

Her love of film is rivaled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.