They're SO pretty!
This Is Why So Many Books Now Have Colorful, Sprayed Edges Now
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Today, many at-home libraries look a lot different than they did just a decade ago.
First, thanks to inspiration and ideas shared by avid readers on social media, classic shelving has gotten a major upgrade, with plenty of people using built-ins, DIY-ing shelving to look like built-ins, or displaying books in more unconventional stands.
Literature lovers are also upping their reading game by incorporating warm lighting, cozy chairs, and other viral bookworm accessories.
What's arguably the most new, though, is the introduction of colorful "sprayed edges" on the books themselves. Perhaps it goes against the classic mantra, "Don't judge a book by its cover," but this trend has taken over the reading scene. This is why!
Here's everything you need to know about sprayed edges books!
What are books with sprayed edges?
Books with "sprayed edges" have their page edges painted, which adds a bold pop of color or reveals an illustration when the book is closed. They're typically designed to complement the cover and invite you into fictional worlds before you even crack a story open.
So, this extra detail has become extremely popular among readers everywhere. It turns any ordinary book into a visual statement and provides book lovers with tons of new opportunities to display their collections.
In fact, some people have opted to begin exhibiting their books with the edges facing out as opposed to the spine. With this technique, your shelving practically transforms into a mosaic of art instead of just a storage area.
When did books with sprayed edges start?
It's important to note that while viral fantasy and romance novels have popularized this trend recently, the concept of decorating book edges has been around for centuries.
In 17th-century England, for instance, a technique called fore-edging, or painting watercolor scenes along the edges of books, became popular. Some novels have even been adorned with gold or silver leaf.
More on books with sprayed edges:
Nowadays, the process of mass-producing books with sprayed edges has been streamlined, with publishers using high-powered machines to keep up with the demand. Plus, countless readers have been DIY-ing this effect for years, using tools ranging from spray paint to markers.
The result makes books feel more exclusive, and they're often even labeled as such, being called "deluxe" or "special editions."
If you want to get your hands on some, you're in luck, too. Various highly anticipated books are being released this year with sprayed edges, including The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang, Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros, and Last Twilight in Paris by Pam Jenoff (Signed B&N Exclusive Edition).
Additionally, even some older bestsellers will get their turn to shine with the release of special editions featuring sprayed edges.
Kristin Hannah's historical fiction novel The Nightingale, for example, will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a deluxe edition. Readers won't just get sprayed edges but also a new dust jacket, a gold-foil stamped cover, and a ribbon bookmark.
Still, while social media platforms have helped fuel the demand for colorful, eye-catching books, not every work will get such special treatment. Since sprayed edges add to production costs, publishers have to carefully choose which titles get them.
Nonetheless, one thing is certain: fantasy, romance, and speculative fiction books tend to feature them the most, as readers who enjoy these genres really seem to appreciate the decorative aesthetic.
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