13+ Tote Painting Ideas for Book Lovers
If you’re the kind of person who always has a book in your tote, why not decorate it with designs inspired by your love of reading? From cozy classics to whimsical illustrations, here are 13+ fun painted tote bag ideas just for book lovers.
1. Stack of Books Tote
Paint a colorful vertical or horizontal stack of books—simple, bold, and instantly bookish.
2. Open Book with Stars
An open book painted so that stars, moons, or butterflies seem to float out of its pages.
3. Quote + Brushstroke Background
Choose your favorite short book quote and paint it against a soft watercolor-style wash.
4. Bookshelf Design
Mini painted shelves with lined-up books, mugs, and little plants for a cozy aesthetic.
5. “Currently Reading” Tote
Paint the fun phrase “Currently Reading” with doodle-style book icons or open pages.
6. Literary Genre Icons
Draw small repeated symbols like magnifying glasses (mystery), dragons (fantasy), or quills (classics).
7. Coffee & Books Combo
Paint a steaming coffee cup sitting on a stack of painted books.
8. Vintage Library Card Design
Recreate the look of an old-school library checkout card with painted lines and dates.
9. Whimsical Book Creatures
Draw animals or characters carrying or riding on books for a playful design.
10. Minimalist Book Spine Art
Paint just a few bold spines with handwritten titles in a clean minimalist style.
11. Starry Reading Silhouette
A silhouette of a person or animal reading, with the inside filled in using a galaxy painted effect.
12. Favorite Author Tribute
Paint a symbolic design connected to your favorite author (like a raven, a rose, or a typewriter).
13. Floating Books Pattern
Scatter little flying books all over the tote, like a repeat pattern.
Final Thoughts
Book-inspired tote designs are meaningful, stylish, and perfect for carrying your current reads. They also make amazing handmade gifts for fellow bookworms and literature lovers. Whether you lean toward bold literary icons or cozy reading vibes, these DIY tote painting ideas will help you wear your love for books proudly.