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Adult Coloring: Best Books and Techniques
Remember those rainy afternoons spent hunched over a colouring book, felt tips scattered across the kitchen table, completely lost in a world of your own creation? Well, it turns out your younger self was onto something rather brilliant. Adult colouring has blossomed into a full-blown wellness phenomenon, and for excellent reason. Far from being merely a nostalgic trip down memory lane, this creative pursuit offers genuine mental health benefits, a proper digital detox, and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful without the pressure of starting from a blank page.
Whether you’re seeking a mindful escape from the daily grind, a creative outlet that doesn’t require artistic training, or simply a screen-free way to unwind in the evenings, adult colouring might just become your new favourite self-care ritual. Let’s explore everything you need to know to get started—or to elevate your existing practice.
Why Adult Coloring is More Than Just a Trend
The adult colouring book craze may have peaked around 2015, but it has settled into something far more meaningful: a recognised tool for mindfulness and stress relief. Psychologists and art therapists have long understood that engaging in creative activities can significantly reduce anxiety and promote mental wellbeing.
When you colour, your brain enters a meditative state similar to that achieved through yoga or deep breathing exercises. The repetitive motion of filling in spaces, combined with the focus required to stay within the lines, creates a natural flow state that temporarily silences the mental chatter that so many of us struggle with.
The Science Behind the Calm
Research has shown that colouring can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve sleep quality when done before bedtime. It activates the brain’s reward system without the overstimulation that comes from scrolling through social media or watching television.
Moreover, completing a colouring page provides a tangible sense of achievement—something many of us lack in our increasingly digital lives where work often feels endless and accomplishments can seem abstract.
Choosing the Right Coloring Book for You
The sheer variety of adult colouring books now available is genuinely staggering. The key is finding a style that resonates with your personal tastes and matches your skill level. Here’s a curated guide to help you navigate the options:
Intricate Patterns and Mandalas
Best for: Those seeking meditation and stress relief
Mandala colouring books offer symmetrical, circular designs that are particularly effective for mindfulness practice. The repetitive patterns naturally draw your focus inward, making them ideal for quiet contemplation.
- Millie Marotta’s Animal Kingdom – Exquisitely detailed animal illustrations with botanical elements
- Johanna Basford’s Secret Garden – The book that launched the adult colouring phenomenon, featuring enchanting garden scenes
- Colour Me Calm by Lacy Mucklow – Specifically designed for relaxation with organised sections by mood
Nature and Botanicals
Best for: Nature lovers and those who find peace outdoors
Floral and botanical colouring books connect you with the natural world, even when you’re stuck indoors. They’re particularly lovely for those who enjoy experimenting with different colour palettes found in nature.
- Botanical Wonderland by Rachel Reinert – Stunning flowers and plant life with room for creative interpretation
- Floribunda by Leila Duly – A year of flowers with beautifully detailed illustrations
- The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady Colouring Book – Classic British countryside illustrations
Fantasy and Whimsy
Best for: Those who want to escape into magical worlds
These books allow you to step entirely away from reality, featuring everything from fairytale cottages to mythical creatures. They’re brilliant for sparking imagination and inner child work.
- Enchanted Forest by Johanna Basford – A magical journey through a fantasy woodland
- Lost Ocean by Johanna Basford – Underwater adventures with intricate sea life
- Fairy Tales by Grimm Press – Classic stories reimagined as sophisticated colouring pages
Art Therapy and Affirmations
Best for: Those working on self-development and emotional healing
These books combine colouring with positive psychology, featuring uplifting quotes and prompts alongside designs. They’re wonderful tools for building self-esteem and practising gratitude.
- The Mindfulness Colouring Book by Emma Farrarons – Anti-stress art therapy with varied difficulty levels
- Coloring for Grown-Ups – Includes activities and prompts alongside colouring pages
- The Positivity Kit by Lisa Currie – Combines colouring with journaling prompts
Essential Supplies: Beyond the Basics
One of the joys of adult colouring is that you can begin with whatever you have to hand. However, investing in quality supplies can dramatically improve your experience and results.
Colouring Tools
Coloured Pencils: The most versatile option for beginners and experts alike. Look for soft-core pencils that blend well. Derwent and Prismacolor offer excellent quality at various price points. Watercolour pencils add extra versatility, allowing you to add water for a painted effect.
Gel Pens: Brilliant for adding metallic or neon accents. They work particularly well on darker papers but can require patience as they need time to dry.
Fine Liners and Markers: Perfect for bold, vibrant colour. Be mindful that some markers may bleed through thinner papers, so always place a protective sheet behind your work.
Alcohol Markers: Professional-grade tools that blend beautifully. They’re an investment but offer stunning results for serious colourists.
Paper Quality Matters
Budget colouring books often use thin paper that struggles with anything beyond basic pencils. If you’re investing in quality supplies, consider books printed on thicker, acid-free paper. Alternatively, you can photocopy pages from your favourite books onto quality paper, which also allows you to colour the same design multiple times.
Techniques to Elevate Your Colouring
While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with simply filling in spaces with your favourite colours, learning a few basic techniques can transform your pages from pleasant to professional-looking.
Colour Blending and Layering
The secret to depth and dimension lies in layering multiple colours. Start with your lightest shade and gradually build up darker colours, using light pressure and small circular motions. This technique works beautifully for creating realistic skin tones, sunset skies, or the subtle gradients found in flower petals.
The Power of Limited Palettes
Choosing a restricted colour palette—perhaps three to five complementary colours—creates cohesion and sophistication. Consider nature’s approach: a single flower might contain various shades of just two or three colours. Try selecting colours from a favourite piece of artwork or photograph to train your eye for harmonious combinations.
Adding Texture and Pattern
Don’t feel constrained to solid colouring. Try adding tiny patterns within larger spaces: dots, stripes, or cross-hatching can add visual interest and make your work uniquely yours. This technique is particularly effective for clothing, backgrounds, or architectural elements.
Embracing Negative Space
Sometimes, leaving areas uncoloured can be just as impactful as filling them in. Strategic use of negative space can create highlights, suggest light sources, or simply give the eye a place to rest in intricate designs.
Making Coloring a Sustainable Practice
Like any wellness practice, consistency matters more than intensity. Here are some tips for incorporating colouring into your regular routine:
- Create a dedicated space: Even a small corner with good lighting and your supplies within reach makes it easier to begin
- Set a regular time: Many colourists find 20-30 minutes before bed helps them unwind for sleep
- Start small: Begin with simpler designs to build confidence before tackling intricate pages
- Join a community: Online colouring groups offer inspiration, tips, and supportive connection with fellow enthusiasts
- Let go of perfectionism: The goal is relaxation, not a masterpiece. Some pages will delight you; others won’t—and that’s perfectly fine
Final Thoughts
Adult colouring offers something increasingly rare in our fast-paced, productivity-obsessed culture: permission to do something simply for the joy of doing it. There’s no deadline, no client to please, no right or wrong approach. Whether you spend twenty minutes or two hours, whether you produce something frame-worthy or simply enjoy the process, you’re giving yourself a gift of presence and creativity.
So gather some coloured pencils, find a book that speaks to you, and allow yourself the luxury of play. Your nervous system will thank you, and you might just discover a hobby that brings you years of pleasure and peace.
Have you tried adult colouring? What are your favourite books or techniques? Share
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