If you’ve stepped into a bookstore or scrolled Bookstagram and BookTok recently, you’ve likely noticed an increasing number of books with beautiful sprayed edges, or as book lovers call them, “spredges.” This is a design feature where the edges of the book pages are beautifully embellished with color or intricate designs. Sprayed edges might sound like a fun new bookish trend, but they’ve actually been around for centuries. Dating back to the 10th Century, books and sometimes Bibles often had detailed scenes painted on their edges. This practice was called fore-edge painting and now it’s having a renaissance! In recent years, books with sprayed edges have started adorning shelves everywhere, and their immense popularity is only growing. We talked to book pros about why readers are so drawn to this trend, what makes sprayed edges so special and more.
Keep scrolling to find all the answers about this aesthetically pleasing book trend — and where you can find these tomes!
What are books with sprayed edges?
Books with sprayed edges are books with a color or detailed design painted or printed on the edges of the book’s pages. And sometimes the edges are simply embossed or gilded. “Sprayed books have been around for a long time, but I think the recent popularity comes from more and more readers appreciating the customization — which makes their favorite books even more special,” explains Kathy Hille, artist and owner of Kathy’s Bookish Shop, a sprayed/ printed edges shop established in 2020.
Oftentimes the books are made with colors, patterns or stencils that match an overall theme or plot point of the book. These come in both hardcover or paperback depending on the book.
Why are these books so popular?
When asked why “spredges” are so beloved among readers, book pro Cassie Malmo, founder of Malmo Public Relations, a boutique book PR firm, says these gorgeous editions feel like a treat for readers. “As a reader, when I’m investing in a custom edition of a beloved book, sprayed edges feel decadent and special, like the dessert of the book world — they are truly a feast for the eyes! When a book holds a special place in your heart and then you see it receive that extra attention to detail, it makes it feel all the more remarkable.”
And these books have seen an astounding spike in popularity in recent years. Many book professionals think it’s partly because of the runaway success of bestselling romantasy (romance and fantasy) novel Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. “The first edition Fourth Wing books had digitally printed edges on them,” says Madison Fann, owner of Custom Sprayed Edges. “But any editions after the first run did not have the digital edges. This created an insane demand with very limited supply.” Before this recent Fourth Wing craze, special large-scale printed editions like this were rare, hard to find or only came from subscription boxes.
Which books will get sprayed edges?
While the official decision mostly depends on the publisher, certain genres are more prone to receiving this treatment, including romantasy, romance and young adult have seen the most sprayed edges. “Sprayed edges have an extra expense involved in production, so they will mainly be focused on authors with a larger audience, campaigns that could be a breakout book for an up-and-coming author or book of the month picks,” says Malmo.
Plus, highly anticipated books on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok will likely tip publishers off to which books or series should receive the sprayed edge treatment. However, “offering a sprayed edge on a less-popular book could very well also boost interest and sales,” says Kathy. Readers can also get custom sprayed edges from Etsy or shops like the ones Madison and Kathy own and operate. These may be a bit pricier, as the artists are taking time and resources to create their masterpieces, but it’s a fun, niche option for book lovers who wouldn’t be able to find certain books sprayed at big retailers.
How are bookstores and publishers approaching the trend?
Right now, sprayed edges are in high demand and readers are eager to get their hands on the first print run of books to ensure they get the pretty edition. And major publishers and retailers are leaning into the trend as well. “Sprayed edges are a new way to make a book stand out in the marketplace. If readers judge a book by its cover, that added touch of special packaging draws the eye even more,” says Malmo. “I’ve noticed Barnes & Noble taking some thoughtful steps to build out this area of the market in their stores, too. Between choosing books with sprayed edges for some of their monthly picks to a section of their site now focused just on this topic pithily named “Judge a Book by Its Edges,” it’s clear retailers are taking note of the demand and growing their supply.”
Madison adds that a lot of the sprayed edges are digitally printed, but some “trad publishers will work with small book spraying businesses and allow them to spray small batches of their author’s books.”
In the bustling world of books, this is one trend that is certain to make your next “shelfie” shine.
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