Colouring isn’t just for kids anymore. In recent years it’s become one of the most popular ways for adults to unwind, switch off from screens, and give a busy mind something gentle to focus on. Whether you’re looking to relax after a long day, ease stress, or simply enjoy a quiet creative moment, colouring pages for adults have become a firm favourite for many.
We asked Abby Wynne, healer, author and self-confessed colouring book enthusiast, to share her recommended picks for the best colouring pages and books for adults.
#1. Colouring for Contemplation by Amber Hatch
Pick up your pens and pencils and begin your journey with Colouring for Contemplation, published by Watkins Media. This beautiful colouring book has been created to help you be mindful — to slow down, breathe, and find inspiration to live more fully in the present.
Each illustration is paired with an accompanying quote to guide your contemplation as you colour. Divided into three parts — Mindfulness, Insight and Inspiration — it’s designed as a colouring journey. Dip in and out, or work from beginning to end.
“It has space for doodles, nice quotes and some beautiful images.”
#2. Stress Menders Series by Angie Grace
Best-selling colouring book artist Angie Grace invites you to relax and explore the intricate, exquisite world of stress-mending circular and whimsical art. Stroke by stroke, shade by shade, tension and worries fade away as you transform Angie’s black-and-white line drawings into your own unique, personal keepsake.
This book is aimed at more experienced colourists and works well for adults and older children using fine-tipped markers, coloured pencils or brush-tipped markers. It contains 50 detailed original designs, each printed on one side of the page.
“They’re great at different levels of complexity.”
#3. Mindfulness by Emma Farrarons
This stunning, pocket-sized colouring book offers a practical exercise in mindfulness that draws on your creativity and hones your focus. Beautifully illustrated, The Mindfulness Colouring Book is filled with intricate scenes and sophisticated patterns, prompting you to meditate on your artwork as you mindfully and creatively fill the pages with colour.
Take a few minutes out of your day, wherever you are, and colour your way to a little more peace and calm.
“This book is lovely and I love the pocket size — perfect for a handbag!”
Recommended Reading: Best Sites for Free Colouring Pages for Preschoolers
#4. Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Colouring Book
This interactive activity book takes you on a ramble through a secret garden created in beautifully detailed pen-and-ink illustrations, each one hiding all kinds of tiny creatures just waiting to be found.
There are also parts of the garden left for you to complete yourself. Appealing to all ages, the intricately realised world of the Secret Garden is both beautiful and inspiring.
“I think it is too complex for mindful colouring — it’s got too much detail in it to be able to relax with, well for me anyway.”
#5. Affirmations Colouring Book by Louise Hay
World-renowned teacher Louise Hay has helped millions of people free themselves from cycles of fear, stress and guilt. This colouring book, created in collaboration with Alberta Hutchinson, features 44 affirmations, each paired with an exquisite illustration and decorative border.
It’s ideal for anyone who wants to bring their work with affirmations to a new level through an enjoyable, relaxing and meditative activity.
“I love the new Louise Hay book, it’s really nice.”
#6. Notes from the Universe Colouring Book by Mike Dooley
Best-selling author Mike Dooley shares his popular messages alongside beautiful artwork in this colouring book for adults. In his fun, warm and down-to-earth style, Mike combines uplifting quotes with lovely images that awaken our inner child and remind us that anything is possible.
This isn’t your ordinary adult colouring book — it’s a gentle tool that invites you into your inner world and reminds you of your own quiet strength.
“Just fun!”
#7. ColoringNotebook
ColoringNotebook is a paper notebook that combines the look and feel of a stylish notebook with the appeal of a traditional adult colouring book — described as “a happy combo of stylish paper notebooks and traditional adult colouring books.” It features a hard cover, quality acid-free paper and a design that lies flat when open, so each page is easy to use for jotting down notes, sketches or ideas alongside your colouring.
You’ll also find more colouring pages for adults on colouring-focused sites and blogs around the web if you’re looking to build up your collection.
Do you have a favourite colouring book you’d recommend? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has colouring become so popular with adults?
Many adults find colouring a simple, screen-free way to relax. The repetitive, focused nature of filling in a pattern or picture can help quiet a busy mind, similar to other mindfulness practices.
What supplies do I need to get started?
Most adult colouring books work well with coloured pencils, fine-tipped markers or brush pens. Many colourists like to start with pencils, as they’re easy to control and blend.
Are adult colouring books only for stress relief?
Not at all. While many people do use colouring to unwind, it’s also simply an enjoyable creative hobby — a nice way to spend a quiet evening or take a short break during a busy day.
Do I need to be artistic to enjoy colouring books for adults?
No artistic skill is required. The designs are already there — colouring is about choosing colours and enjoying the process, not creating the artwork from scratch.
More Rainy Day Ideas
Looking for more ways to fill a quiet afternoon at home? Browse our collection of rainy day activities and creative ideas for the whole family, or save this article to come back to next time you fancy picking up your colouring pencils.
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