As a designer of romance covers, I keep an eye on both new book releases and trends in other areas of graphic design. Though book covers perhaps evolve more slowly over time than, say, web design or branding, there are subtle movements towards—and away from—certain styles, aesthetics, and conventions. Romance readers are also consumers of other media and products. Subconsciously, we are all influenced by what we see, read, consume. So it makes sense to consider what you can incorporate into your book covers to keep them fresh while retaining elements that are tried and true. The following trends are ones I think will become more popular in 2026 and beyond.
1. Illustrated Covers
Covers that are drawn rather than composed of photographs are nothing new, of course. They are, after all, the OG style of paperback cover. But the specific type I have in mind is the colourful, whimsical cartoon-style cover with playful fonts—as opposed to the SIMS-adjacent demon cover your nephew Oscar drew in Paint.
For a number of years in the 1990s and early 2000s, these whimsical illustrated covers were used almost exclusively for what was then referred to as “chick lit”: usually humorous contemporary romances that often explored other aspects of the FMC’s life as well, such as career, family, friendships.
But the term chick lit died, and romance and women’s fiction (another less than stellar genre title!) enfolded these stories into their generous bosoms. Nowadays, illustrated covers are having a definite moment, appearing not only in the contemporary romance section, but in every other category as well. Take your pick of colour palette: everything from pastels to neons to autumnal hues to primary colours will work.
Readers will most likely expect a lighter or humorous story, so don’t use these for your dark, angsty New Adult erotica!
2. Grit and Grunge
This is one style you can use for your dark, angsty book!
If your book has a mafia don, a biker, a broody college student, or some other kind of anti-hero extraordinaire, then a gritty cover is a no-brainer. It’s the love child of dark academia and grunge rock.
Think stark, no-nonsense covers with contrast and grainy or gritty texture. Muted colours or black and white, but you can add a splash of bold red in the title. Usually, there’s a close-up of the MMC, wearing a dashing suit, a torn t-shirt, or nothing at all. Tattoos optional.
Readers will expect angst and (probably) hot s.e.x. (spelling this out so as not to attract the wrong sort of visitor to this page!)
3. Bold and Bright
Perhaps the antithesis of the dark, gritty aesthetic, bold, bright covers are also becoming increasingly popular. Whether illustrated or photo-based, they feature saturated hues and vibrant palettes.
On some, unexpected colour pairings demand attention and serve up drama or whimsy. On others, tried-and-true combinations project a sense of the familiar. Typography may provide contrast and legibility by staying neutral or get in on the act with its own attention-grabbing colour.
Use other elements on your cover to give consumers cues as to the tone of your book, e.g quirky illustrations or a cheekily grinning character signal humour or sass, chaotic composition and fonts read more edgy, a shirtless man = steam.
4. Covers Inspired by Literary Fiction
Literary fiction covers have always tried to distinguish themselves from genre fiction. Instead of alluding to genre-specific tropes, popular character types and settings, they often give away fewer clues about the book (whereas genre fiction covers try to signal the who/what/where and when of the story). Neither approach Is wrong. If a reader is looking for a Regency-set historical romance, then covers with two characters in Regency dress caressing are going to catch their eye (and hopefully make them reach for their credit card). If a reader is looking for a book set in the Regency era with a little romance, a more “literary” cover might intrigue them more.
However, I’ve noticed that the waters are being muddied. Straight-up romance books, but with a literary or women’s fiction style cover, are making an appearance … and doing well.
So, what elements make a cover more literary? Look for the following:
1. Imagery of people, places, or objects that only hint at plot or character, or even abstract, symbolic, conceptual images;
2. Typography that fits with the overall mood of the book and can become a design feature in its own right, although classic, elegant typefaces are often employed;
3. Strong emphasis on colour and composition rather than specific clues as to plot/character/setting.
These are all rather vague descriptions, unfortunately, but it’s usually a case of “you know it when you see it.”
If your book doesn’t quite fit genre-specific expectations, then using a women’s fic/lit fic style cover may find you an audience that appreciates your writing. However, if your book does fall squarely into the romance genre, then this could be a riskier undertaking. Always do your research and see what’s selling.
5. Object-based Covers
Once upon a time, when traditional publishing houses were the only game in town, most romance authors would be given clinch covers that left readers in no doubt what sort of book they were looking at. If an author developed a healthy following, they might progress to a one-character cover or a step-back cover with objects on the outside and characters inside. Break-out authors got the deluxe treatment, graduating to covers that featured anything but the characters.
It’s probably no coincidence that many of these blockbuster authors segued into writing under the broader umbrella of women’s fiction, the covers of which had been featuring objects for years.
But with the advent of indie publishing came the freedom to choose, and these days it’s not unusual to see romance covers without any people on them. The object displayed on the cover—e.g. a wedding ring or a mask—may be integral to the story. Fantasy and fantasy romances have been doing this for decades. Sometimes the cover is less literal and more about the vibe, the aesthetic. You’ve probably seen plenty of pearls, gemstones, lace, ribbons, and flowers gracing romance covers, and they’re not going away. Readers understand and appreciate this kind of cover, even if they can’t “see” your characters; they may even prefer it that way!
Flowers get a special mention here. Keyword analysis shows an uptick in floral-related interest at the moment. Flowers are a perennial (if you’re a gardener, please pardon the pun) favourite. They are beautiful, delicate yet tenacious, ephemeral yet impactful. Plus they can say a lot on a cover: they can signal love and affection, growth and renewal, innocence or sophistication, the cycle of life and nature, even decay or death.
An object-based cover works for either romance or romantic fiction. If your book has romantic elements but is not a romance, this sort of cover may be a more conservative choice than opting for a literary fiction-style cover. Ultimately, you have to decide who your most receptive audience will be, and what will appeal to them.
Design trends come and go, and book covers are not immune from them. Timeless elements will always have appeal, it’s true, but strategic use of trends in style, colour, and typography could be just what it takes to attract potential readers and make your cover stand out from the pack.
