How to Choose an Adult Coloring Book: 6 Simple Criteria
Beautiful, easy and good value: 6 simple criteria to choose an adult coloring book you’ll actually want to color, with no regrets.
Alvina Coloring
11/7/20262 min read
There are hundreds of adult coloring books out there. Some are stunning but far too detailed for a relaxing moment. Others are cheap but fall apart at the first marker. Here are 6 simple criteria to choose a book that’s beautiful, easy, and genuinely makes you want to color.
01 The size of the coloring areas
This is the criterion that changes everything. Tiny areas take precision and lots of time. Big areas let you see results fast, which keeps you going. For a calm moment, look for books described as “bold and easy” or “thick lines”.
02 Single-sided printing
With markers, and especially alcohol markers, ink can bleed through the page. With single-sided printing, the back stays blank: no design gets ruined, and you can cut out or frame your pages. It’s often mentioned in the description; if not, check the preview.
03 The style of the designs
Geometric: repetitive, soothing, perfect for gradients.
Mandala: symmetrical, more meditative.
Cozy: rounded shapes and comforting little subjects, the big trend right now.
Mystery: follow numbers to reveal a picture.
More detail in Geometric vs. mandala coloring pages: which is better?.
04 The price per design
Divide the price by the number of designs: that’s what each page really costs you. Always count the real designs: some books count blank pages or repeats.
05 The size
A large US Letter size (8.5 × 11 in) gives shapes room to breathe. A smaller book slips more easily into a bag: choose based on where you like to color.
06 Real pages, before you buy
Open the “Look inside” preview on Amazon, look at pages colored by other people and, if you can, try free pages in the same style: get 3 free pages in the Bold & Easy style.
My book: Bold & Easy
I designed Bold & Easy around these criteria: 40 geometric, cozy and easy designs (hearts, flowers, stars, balloons, waves, a bubble mandala…), with bold outlines, printed single-sided. The English edition comes in a large US Letter size (8.5 × 11 in, 82 pages), and there is also a square French edition.
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Read also: How to start adult coloring as a complete beginner · Alcohol markers for beginners: start smart