15 Most Inspiring Books About Homemaking

Lacking homemaking mojo and looking for inspiring books about homemaking? Read the best homemaking books to get inspired!

Hi there! I’m Chantal.

I’m a homemaking mama of two and I’ve been at it for almost ten years now!

You may be wondering why an article about homemaking would be on a fitness blog…

The short story is that I started blogging SO THAT I could continue to afford to stay home with my kiddos.

But that’s a story for another time.

Go read this post about how to make money blogging if you’re really curious.

All you need to know is that I am both a homemaker and a fitness blogger. 🙂

Anyway…

Whether or not you are new to the world of homemaking, you have probably asked yourself some of the same questions I have. Questions like:

How can I be a good homemaker?

How can I enjoy homemaking?

What makes a good homemaker?

How do you become a modern homemaker in the first place?

What makes a good homemaker?

If you have asked yourself anything remotely similar, then this is definitely the right place for you!

I have been doing this long enough to have felt every emotion, ask every question, and try (and fail) at pretty much all things “homemaker.”

Related Reading: How to Afford To Be a Stay at Home Mom

Helpful & Inspiring Homemaking Books: Everything You Could Need To Know

You’re welcome to scroll down to the list, but I like to give insight from my personal experience first.

Before we dive into the best books about homemaking, here’s a quick overview of what you’ll find in this post:

Why every homemaker should read these books + how they can make you a better homemaker
Tips for the budding (or struggling) homemaker
My list of the best books on homemaking – from everything to decluttering, household management, cleaning, cultivating home, old-fashioned and traditional homemaking skills, and more!

Let’s get to it!

Why You Should Read These Homemaking Books

Becoming a homemaker (and thriving) can be really difficult in an age and society where family and moms just aren’t valued the way they used to be.

It can be incredibly lonely and challenging to be a SAHM (stay at home mom).

For me personally, learning how to be a homemaker and actually enjoy it took a couple of YEARS.

Yep, years.

Not only did I initially struggle to manage my household (laundry, dishes, cooking, you name it!), I also struggled with contentedness and boredom.

You Might Also Like: 30 Ways to Be A Happier Mom When Things Are Tough

Truthfully, I hated my first few years as a homemaker!

That was due in part to the pressure society puts on moms to be big career women, but it was also because I wasn’t raised by a homemaker.

I had no clue how to balance all of my responsibilities while also taking care of my health (mental, physical, emotional, etc.).

The struggle was complex as I was unable to find peace and happiness at home. I was looking at it through the wrong lens, but I didn’t understand that until I had a few more years of homemaking under my belt.

I personally struggled with all aspects of homemaking, but whether or not that is the case for you, I really think reaching for some homemaking books can help!

It wasn’t until I started connecting with other homemakers online and reading more books about homemaking that I really began to value my role.

Reading about why cultivating home is so important and how to successfully manage my time was truly life-changing.

Now my perspective about my time here with my kids at home has totally changed. I see it as a huge blessing instead of solitary confinement. Lol!

Tips For The Budding (Or Struggling) Homemaker

Before we get to my list of the best books about homemaking, I want to quickly share a few tips for the budding homemaker. While I could go on and on about this topic, I promise to keep it short.

My top tips for homemakers:

View your time as a homemaker as a season. It will likely eventually pass, and it goes faster than you think.
Do not neglect personal mental or physical health. It always backfires.
Find ways to make mundane tasks fun. Play music, set a timer, light a candle, etc. Eventually, that thing you hate doing will become a ritual you don’t mind.
Keep a journal. Reflect on what works for you and what doesn’t. It takes time but you will find a rhythm.
Know that becoming a good homemaker takes time. Build upon your skills and be patient with yourself!

Like I said, I could go on and on when it comes to this topic. But you’re here for the best homemaking books, so let’s get to it!

Related Reading: 7 Must-Read Homemaking Tips For Beginners

15 Most Inspiring Books About Homemaking

1. The Life Giving Home

The Lifegiving Home: Creating a Place of Belonging and Becoming is a must-read homemaking book by Sally Clarkson.

If you are struggling with purpose, passion, and contentedness in your role as a homemaker, this one is definitely worth a read. (This is actually my favorite homemaking book that I own.)

It will not only give you tips and ideas on how to cultivate home, it will help you understand just how important your role is! In short, reaching for this homemaking book will give meaning to your role as a homemaker.

2. Little House Living

If self-sufficiency and frugal living are important to you as a homemaker, this might be one of the best books on homemaking.

Written by popular self-sufficiency and simple living blogger Merissa Alink (from the blog Little House Living), this book is full of relatable stories and practical advice.

Should you be interested in DIY projects and cooking or raising your own food, it’s a must-read, so add it to your book list!

Get Little House Living: The Make-Your-Own Guide to a Frugal, Simple, and Self-Sufficient Life here!

3. The Hidden Art of Homemaking

This book on homemaking is older but super popular – and for good reason! (If you’re into vintage homemaking books, definitely grab it!)

In it, author Edith Shaeffer romanticizes the world of homemaking with beautiful poems, pictures, and words. The idea is that beauty and art can be found and expressed in everyday life – even for us homemakers!

If you’re feeling discouraged and want to learn to enjoy the little things in a seemingly mundane role, this is definitely one of the best books on homemaking! It will shed new light on the role of a homemaker.

4. Home Management: Plain & Simple

We all struggle with home management from time to time, but it can be especially hard when you’re a new mom or if you weren’t raised in an organized environment.

This book is described as a how-to manual jam-packed with practical advice, suggested systems, and other tips for running an efficient and organized household. It’s truly a great choice when it comes to books on homemaking.

It’s especially useful if you’re new to the domestic arts and you need practical ways to jump in.

Get Home Management: Plain & Simple by Kim Brenneman here.

5. Theology of Home

If you’re in search of Christian homemaking books, this should definitely be on your list! In my opinion, this book has a similar philosophy to Sarah Clarkson’s books, but it is still worth a read.

The idea is that your home and your role as a homemaker are incredibly powerful and important. Moreover, the little things you do to cultivate home really matter.

Learn to create joy and peace in your own home with the help of this book!

Get your own copy of Theology of Home: Finding the Eternal in the Everyday here.

6. Home Comforts: The Art & Science of Keeping House

This is by Cheryl Mendelson and it’s a really popular book about homemaking, with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon!

This guidebook is full of practical how-to instructions on keeping house – from making beds to preparedness (and everything in between)! It’s full of homemaking motivation that will get you up and moving.

Grab your copy of Home Comforts here.

7. Confessions of an Organized Homemaker

Still looking for books about homemaking? This might be the right thing for you if you’re looking for homemaking books focused on strategies and techniques, this might be the one for you.

Confessions of an Organized Homemaker: The Secrets of Uncluttering Your Home and Taking Control of Your Life is one woman’s tell-all book for deep cleaning and decluttering your life. If you struggle with clutter & overwhelm as a SAHM, consider reaching for this book!

8. Radical Homemakers

This is one of my favorite book suggestions for moms living in such a fast-paced world.

The full title of this homemaking book is actually Radical Homemakers: Reclaiming Domesticity from a Consumer Culture and I think that it’s increasingly relevant to the modern day problems we homemakers face.

If you have ever considered your work as a homemaker as some form of protest or political or religious statement, this is the read for you.

If your goal in homemaking is to push against consumerism and an individualistic society, maybe your soul needs this read!

9. The Heart of Simplicity

This book is specifically for those of you on the hunt for Christian homemaking books. If you need to take a new path when it comes to your attitude as a homemaker, add this to your reading list!

The Heart of Simplicity: Foundations for Christian Homemaking addresses our attitudes towards our homes, spouses, children, time, and more. If you sometimes view simple living and homemaking as an oppressive way of life, this is a great book for you.

*So far I can only find this book in ebook form, but that means it’s super affordable. Check it out if you’re still searching for a good homemaking book!

10. The Inviting Life

If you’re in the market for homemaking books that focus on creating a welcoming space and cozy vibes, this is a good choice.

The Inviting Life: An Inspirational Guide to Homemaking, Hosting and Opening the Door to Happiness inspires readers to focus on small joys in the everyday tasks of a homemaker. It especially focuses on hosting and welcoming others into your home, so if that’s of particular interest to you, be sure to check it out!

12. The Homemaker’s Verses

The next title on my list of books about homemaking is a little bit different than the rest. It is a unique read that is meant to be full of little prayers and blessings instead of tips and techniques.

The Homemaker’s Verses: A Collection of Poem for Every Christian Woman is in my mind, where devotional meets poetry. Pick up a copy for encouragement from the perspective of a Christian homemaker.

13. Mrs. Dunwoody’s Excellent Instructions for Homekeeping

This excellent homemaking manual is full of tried-and-true homemaking advice. It honors the author’s grandmother and draws upon her home-keeping wisdom from days past.

If you want to learn to romanticize life as a homemaker while also getting into a good routine, Mrs. Dunwoody’s Excellent Instructions for Homekeeping: Timeless Wisdom and Practical Advice is a great choice when it comes to books on homemaking.

You’ll get time management advice, meal preparation tips, and other practical tools!

14. A Sweet Life in Homemaking

If you’re still searching for homemaking books on frugality and how to live well on a budget, this could be a great choice.

A Sweet Life in Homemaking: A Decade of Thrift, Frugality, and Homemaking is full of stories about real, everyday homemakers who found creative ways to make ends meet (and sometimes more)! If you are looking for encouragement when it comes to finances and building skills that can pay the bills at home, this is for you!

15. Beautifully Organized

Still looking for books about homemaking? Need a little homemaking motivation? This book will do the trick!

I saved this SUPER popular homemaking book for last. (Seriously, it has over 5,000 reviews with an average of 4.5 out of 5!)

Beautifully Organized: A Guide to Function and Style in Your Home is the go-to book for transforming your home into a clean, orderly and cute space. Organization meets interior design in this book, and we’re here for it!

Books on Homemaking: Honorable Mentions

There are so many other great books on homemaking that deserve a place in your home library and I just couldn’t possibly list all of my homemaking book recommendations in one place. While I highly suggest starting with the list above, here are a few others you might like:

There you have it ladies – my favorite books about homemaking!

I hope these homemaking books help you somewhere on your journey to creating a beautiful home and life. I wish you good luck as you dabble in the art of homemaking.

Until next time,

Chantal

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