Did you know that adult coloring books have roots in the early 20th century? It all started with Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, who explored how colors affect our minds. He introduced the concept of color therapy, helping his patients express their emotions through colors and images. Jung believed that coloring could help people achieve a sense of balance and tranquility.
While these days color psychology is mostly used in fields like marketing and advertising, adult coloring books have become a favorite way for people to relax and get creative.
This simple yet powerful activity offers a way to unwind and express yourself artistically, even in our hectic lives.
No doubts, finding a moment to relax and let your creativity flow can be challenging in today’s fast-paced world. That’s where adult coloring books come in.
In this post, we’ll cover a curated list of the 18 best adult coloring books, ranging from intricate designs to nature-inspired themes. We’ll also explore the benefits of coloring, share tips on getting started, and explain how it can contribute to your overall well-being.
Why Choose Adult Coloring Books?
- Stress Relief: Coloring reduces anxiety and promotes mindfulness. The repetitive action of filling in patterns allows the mind to focus on the present moment, which can help alleviate stress.
- Creativity Boost: Even if you don’t consider yourself an artist, coloring provides a fantastic opportunity to explore colors, shapes, and designs creatively. There’s no right or wrong way to color – it’s all about personal expression without the pressure of creating from scratch.
- Portable Relaxation: Unlike some hobbies that require extensive setup or equipment, coloring books are easy to carry around, making them perfect for travel or a relaxing break during your busy day.
- Screen-Free Activity: In our digital age, adult coloring provides a refreshing break from screens and electronic devices.
- Improved Focus: Coloring activities can enhance concentration and improve attention to detail. It’s an excellent exercise that sharpens cognitive abilities while providing enjoyment.
Best Adult Coloring Books
With numerous options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Whether you’re into animals, nature, architecture, or doodles, there’s something here that will spark your creativity and provide hours of relaxation.
Secret Garden
✏️ by Johanna Basford
Secret Garden features beautiful illustrations inspired by nature, waiting for your creative touch. Each page is filled with detailed flowers, plants, and hidden creatures that invite you into a whimsical garden adventure.
❤️ Why you’ll love it: The complexity of the designs ensures hours of engaging activity.
⭐ Perfect for: Nature lovers and detail-oriented colorists
Enchanted Forest
✏️ by Johanna Basford
Another masterpiece by Johanna Basford, Enchanted Forest, takes you on a magical journey through dense woods filled with mythical creatures and ancient ruins.
❤️ Why you’ll love it: The enchanting scenes spark imagination while promoting relaxation.
⭐ Perfect for: Fantasy enthusiasts and those seeking an escape from reality.
Lost Ocean
✏️ by Johanna Basford
You’ll dive into the depths with Lost Ocean, which is an underwater-themed coloring book featuring intricate marine life illustrations.
❤️ Why you’ll love it: The delightful sea creatures and underwater landscapes offer endless creativity possibilities.
⭐ Perfect for: Beach lovers and ocean admirers.
Magical Jungle
✏️ by Johanna Basford
Magical Jungle transports you into the heart of a lush, tropical jungle. With bright illustrations of exotic animals, towering trees, and hidden creatures, the book invites you to embark on a colorful adventure right in the comfort of your home.
❤️ Why you’ll love it: The detailed and imaginative designs provide an immersive coloring experience.
⭐ Perfect for: Wildlife enthusiasts and those who enjoy detailed, nature-inspired coloring.
World of Flowers
✏️ by Johanna Basford
World of Flowers is a beautiful collection of floral illustrations, each brimming with stunning details and patterns. From elaborate bouquets to delicate petals, every page offers a new burst of floral fantasy waiting to be brought to life with your colors.
❤️ Why you’ll love it: The elegance and diversity of floral designs make for a soothing and delightful coloring experience.
⭐ Perfect for: Flower lovers and anyone looking to add a touch of botanical beauty to their coloring projects.
Worlds of Wonder
✏️ by Johanna Basford
In Worlds of Wonder, each page unveils a delightful, fantastical scene. From miniature kingdoms to magical forests, this book is full of imaginative landscapes and curious details.
❤️ Why you’ll love it: The variety of captivating scenes keeps your imagination engaged from start to finish.
⭐ Perfect for: Curious minds and imaginative colorists seeking new worlds to explore.
100 Animals: An Adult Coloring Book with Lions, Elephants, Owls, Horses, Dogs, Cats, and Many More!
✏️ by Jade Summer
100 Animals offers an incredible assortment of animal illustrations, ranging from majestic lions to playful puppies. Each page features a unique and beautifully detailed animal portrait ready for your creative flair.
❤️ Why you’ll love it: The diverse array of animals ensures there’s something for everyone, making it a versatile and engaging coloring book.
⭐ Perfect for: Animal lovers and those who appreciate variety in their coloring projects.
100 Flowers: An Adult Coloring Book with Bouquets, Wreaths, Swirls, Patterns, Decorations, Inspirational Designs, and Much More!
✏️ by Jade Summer
Bursting with floral magnificence, 100 Flowers presents a wide selection of blooming bouquets, decorative wreaths, and dazzling floral patterns. You’ll be given a fresh opportunity to experiment with colors and bring these beautiful flowers to life.
❤️ Why you’ll love it: The rich variety of floral designs caters to a range of artistic styles and preferences.
⭐ Perfect for: Flower enthusiasts and colorists looking to indulge in botanical beauty.
100 Amazing Patterns: An Adult Coloring Book with Fun, Easy, and Relaxing Coloring Pages
✏️ by Jade Summer
100 Amazing Patterns is an eclectic mix of designs that range from simple shapes to complex mandalas. With a focus on relaxation and enjoyment, this book provides an array of patterns that cater to all levels of coloring expertise.
❤️ Why you’ll love it: The mix of easy and challenging patterns ensures a relaxing yet engaging coloring experience.
⭐ Perfect for: Pattern lovers and those seeking a fun and stress-relieving coloring activity.
Fantastic cities
✏️ by Steve McDonald
Fantastic Cities invites you to explore the architectural beauty of cities from around the world through detailed illustrations. This coloring book features urban landscapes and bird’s-eye views that will transport you to iconic cityscapes and hidden corners of metropolises.
❤️ Why you’ll love it: The complexity and precision of the designs give you a sense of traveling without leaving your home, making for hours of engaging activity.
⭐ Perfect for: Architecture enthusiasts and detail-oriented urban explorers.
Disney Dreams Collection Thomas Kinkade Studios Coloring Book
✏️ by Thomas Kinkade
Do you want to step into the magical world of the Disney Dreams Collection? This coloring book features enchanting scenes from beloved Disney movies, reimagined in Kinkade’s signature luminous style.
❤️ Why you’ll love it: The blend of classic Disney magic and Kinkade’s artistry creates an amazing and nostalgic coloring experience.
⭐ Perfect for: Disney fans and those who appreciate beautiful, storybook-like illustrations.
Harry Potter Coloring Book
✏️ by Scholastic
With Harry Potter Coloring Book, you’ll immerse yourself into the mesmerizing world of Hogwarts and beyond. It’s filled with detailed illustrations of your favorite characters, magical creatures, and iconic scenes from the Harry Potter series, inviting you to add your touch of magic.
❤️ Why you’ll love it: The familiar and beloved scenes from the Harry Potter universe provide a delightful trip down memory lane for fans.
⭐ Perfect for: Harry Potter enthusiasts and anyone looking to relive the magic through coloring.
Mindfulness Coloring Book For Adults: For Mindful People | Feel the Zen With Stress Relieving Designs Animals, Mandalas, Zentangle Nature Art
✏️ by YOURnotes Publishing
This coloring book is designed to promote relaxation and mindfulness through a collection of soothing designs. You’ll find intricate mandalas, serene nature scenes, and whimsical zentangle art. There’s no doubt that each page of Mindfulness Coloring Book For Adults encourages stress relief.
❤️ Why you’ll love it: The calming designs and diversity of illustrations make it an ideal choice for those looking to incorporate mindfulness into their coloring practice.
⭐ Perfect for: Mindfulness seekers and those in need of a peaceful, meditative coloring experience.
The Reverse Coloring Book: The Book Has the Colors, You Draw the Lines!
✏️ by Kendra Norton
The Reverse Coloring Book flips the traditional coloring concept on its head. With this innovative book, the colors are already there, and it’s your task to draw the lines. This unique approach unleashes your creativity, allowing you to shape the artwork in any way you desire.
❤️ Why you’ll love it: This fresh and creative twist on coloring encourages artistic freedom and imagination, making it a fun and unique activity.
⭐ Perfect for: Artists looking for a new creative challenge and anyone who enjoys thinking outside the lines.
Unicorns Are Jerks: A Coloring Book Exposing the Cold, Hard, Sparkly Truth
✏️ by Theo Nicole Lorenz
How about uncovering the not-so-magical side of unicorns with Unicorns Are Jerks? This humorous coloring book features light-hearted, cheeky illustrations that reveal the less-than-charming behaviors of everyone’s favorite mythical creatures.
❤️ Why you’ll love it: The playful, satire-filled designs offer a fun and comedic twist on the traditional coloring book.
⭐ Perfect for: Those with a sense of humor and fans of whimsical, tongue-in-cheek art.
Color & Frame – In the Garden
✏️ by New Seasons
Step into a tranquil garden with Color & Frame – In the Garden. This coloring book offers a beautiful array of floral illustrations, serene garden scenes, and winderful nature patterns. Every page is designed to be easily framed, making it perfect for showcasing your completed work.
❤️ Why you’ll love it: The serene and inviting garden-themed designs provide a relaxing escape, and the frameable pages add an extra touch of satisfaction.
⭐ Perfect for: Garden lovers and anyone looking for a calming, nature-themed coloring experience.
Summer Nights Coloring Book: Originally Published in Sweden as “Sommarnatt”
✏️ by Hanna Karlzon
Summer Nights by Hanna Karlzon captures the wondrous beauty of Nordic summer evenings. This coloring book is filled with stunning illustrations of night-time scenes, delicate insects, and lush flora, all bathed in the soft glow of the summer twilight.
❤️ Why you’ll love it: The ethereal and eye-catching designs evoke the magic and mystery of summer nights, providing a truly captivating coloring experience.
⭐ Perfect for: Fans of whimsical and detailed illustrations and anyone who loves the ambiance of summer evenings.
Creative Haven Owls Coloring Book
✏️ by Marjorie Sarnat
Creative Haven Owls Coloring Book features fantastic and highly detailed illustrations of owls in various settings, from whimsical to realistic. Each illustration offers a new and engaging challenge for coloring enthusiasts.
❤️ Why you’ll love it: The ingenious and imaginative owl designs provide hours of coloring enjoyment and are perfect for showcasing your artistic skills.
⭐ Perfect for: Owl fans and those who enjoy detailed, nature-themed coloring pages.
Tips To Enhance Your Coloring Experience
To make your coloring sessions even more enjoyable, consider the following tips:
- Invest In Quality Tools: Use high-quality colored pencils/markers/pens that glide smoothly across pages without smudging or bleeding through paper thickness levels.
- Find a Comfortable Space: Create a cozy spot with good lighting where you can relax and focus on your artwork.
- Experiment with Colors: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different shades to create unique effects and gradients.
- Take Breaks: Give yourself short breaks to keep from getting too tired; this will help maintain your concentration and creativity.
- Use Reference Images: Look at photos or other colored artworks for inspiration on color combinations and techniques.
Final Thoughts
Adult coloring books offer more than just a pastime—they are a gateway to relaxation and creativity. This hobby requires no special skills, just the desire to let your imagination soar and take a break from the daily grind. So, why not pick up a coloring book, find a comfy spot, and let your creativity flow? And if any of these books catch your eye, make sure to check out BookScouter.com to compare prices and snag the best deals!
For those eager to expand their horizons, be sure to check out our other blog posts that promise to fuel your inspiration:
