How to Choose the Perfect Adult Coloring Book: Themes, Paper, and Format

Adult coloring is a calming, creative escape—but the right book makes all the difference. From theme and complexity to paper quality and format, here’s how to find a coloring book you’ll love using again and again.

Pick Themes You Actually Love

Choose subjects that keep you inspired:

• Nature and botanicals for soothing detail
• Mandalas and geometric patterns for meditative focus
• Cityscapes, travel, and architecture for variety
• Whimsical, fantasy, or abstract for creative play

Browse until a theme sparks joy—when you love the subject, you’ll color more often.

Match the Difficulty to Your Mood

• Beginner: Bold outlines, larger spaces, simple patterns
• Intermediate: Moderate detail with some fine areas
• Advanced: Highly intricate linework for long, focused sessions

It’s okay to own a mix—quick wins for busy days, detailed pages for deep-focus coloring.

Check Paper Quality

Paper affects blending, bleed-through, and overall results:

• Thickness: Heavier paper resists bleed and pilling (aim high for markers)
• Texture: Slight tooth grips colored pencil pigment; smoother stock suits fineliners and markers
• Test areas: Swatch on a notes/test page to check ghosting or bleed

If you print at home, use premium cardstock or marker paper for marker-heavy pages.

Choose a Functional Format

• Spiral-bound: Lays flat, comfortable for right- or left-handed colorists
• Single-sided pages: Ideal for markers and wet media; no reverse art at risk
• Perforated pages: Remove to color on a board, frame, or gift
• Protective sheets: Use a cardstock blotter behind pages to prevent imprint and bleed

Pick what fits where and how you color—sofa sessions, desk time, or on the go.

Consider Your Favorite Tools

• Colored pencils: Slightly textured paper, burnishing-friendly
• Water-based markers/gel pens: Thicker, single-sided pages reduce ghosting
• Alcohol markers: Best on single-sided or tear-out pages with a blotter sheet

Build your setup around the media you enjoy most.

Enjoy the Process

The “perfect” coloring book is the one you can’t wait to open. Follow your interests, choose the right complexity, and prioritize paper and format that suit your tools. That combo turns every session into a satisfying creative break.

Ready to find your match? Explore adult coloring books, marker-friendly options, and premium paper at Local Color—curated picks for every style and skill level.