Amy MariettaWhen it comes to decorating your home and choosing gifts to give, there are two items that no one can ever have enough of and you really can’t really go wrong with giving: high quality candles and coffee table books. I’ve always been obsessed with candles and books because they add so much more character to a space and make it personal. Similar to how clothes speak for themselves, home decor does as well.
Coffee table books are timeless artifacts that show one’s interests whether that be art, architecture, cars, design, fashion, films, food, history, inspiring quotes, music, or travel.
There is a coffee table book for everyone.
Giving a coffee table book as a gift shows that you are thoughtful and took time to find a book that someone specific would truly enjoy for years to come. Coffee table books are timeless items that have multiple uses – whether you use them traditionally by placing on your coffee table or stack them up and use them as a side table. They are one of the most versatile home decor items that can truly transform any surface and space by adding a little character. I also find coffee table books as great conversation starters and fun to flip through when you need some extra inspiration that doesn’t come from the internet. These perfectly, oversized, visual books will surely help get your creative juices flowing again.
Anytime I buy a lovely oversized coffee table book for someone else, I usually end up treating myself too. It’s art and knowledge mixed into one object so why not right?
With all the research I have done on this topic, I thought it was time to create an ultimate coffee table book list to share with you.
I’ve rounded up the ultimate coffee table book list which is comprised of 50 of the best coffee table books.
Have you guys come across any new coffee table books I should add to my list?
SHOP
50 OF THE BEST COFFEE TABLE BOOKS TO SHOP
Poolside With Slim Aarons
Chanel by Francois Baudot
If there’s one female leader in history who truly forged a new path for women, it’s Coco Chanel. The bold fashion designer revolutionized style all while building her own global empire that is now considered one of the world’s most luxurious houses. She was the original #ladyboss. Her modern aesthetic and bold attitude liberated women from their traditional garb and showed them the power of a chic pantsuit. She inadvertently changed the entire fashion landscape with her revolutionary style. ($49)
Love Style Life by Garance Doré
Garance Doré has charmed us with her effortless French style, impeccable wit, and fresh approach to fashion on her self-titled site. If like us, you’re one of the millions of fans who’ve bookmarked her blog, then you’ll adore this beautiful behind-the-scenes compilation of her life, travels and candid tales. Consider this your backstage pass to the world of Garance. ($20)
When Art Meets Design
In The Spirit Of St. Barths
In The Spirit Of Bali
20th Century Classic Cars
($20)
The Book Of Palms
1000 Nudes: The History of Erotic Photography 1839-1939
Chic Stays: Conde Nast Traveller s Favorite People on Their Favorite Places
($67)
Elements of Architecture Rem Koolhaus
($125)
Fontana
Veuve Cliquot
Visionary Women
For the strong females in your life. ($29)
New York Portrait of A City
75 Years Of Capitol Records
Rolling Stones – Taschen
Extraordinary Records
For the music lovers and artists. ($20)
Frank Sinatra Has A Cold
Timeless classic. ($200)
All The Songs – The Beatles
Great gift for dad or anyone who loves The Beatles. So everyone. ($49)
Tom Ford
For men and women – this is a must have. ($93)
Milk and Honey By Rupi Kaur
For the intellectuals. ($32)
Peter Lindbergh: A Different Vision on Fashion Photography – Taschen Books
Explore the extensive works of world-renowned fashion photographer Peter Lindbergh who has shot some of pop cultures most famous figures.($50)
Venetian Chic- Taschen Books
Bring the luxury and elegance of Venice into your home with this beautiful book. ($62)
Ibiza Bohemia- Assouline Books
This book brings the vibrant, bohemian-chic energy of Ibiza into your home, and will definitely stand out. ($60)
The Big Book of Chic-Assouline Books
The Big Book of Chic shares selections of superstar interior designer Miles Redd’s lavish decors. It’s not just a book; it’s also constant design inspiration! ($80)
Nomad Deluxe – Assouline Books
A breathtaking book that will take you on a trip around the world, and satisfy your wanderlust while you’re at home. ($57)
In the Spirit of Beverly Hills – Assouline Books
Beverly Hills is the essence of glamour and luxury, and this book is certain to bring some Beverly Hills vibes into your home. ($34)
Oscar De La Renta- Assouline Books
A truly striking book; Oscar De La Renta will captivate you and bring his timeless style and elegance to your home. ($96)
Eames- Taschen Books
Ray and Charles Eames contributed greatly to the world of interior design and making chic design accessible to everyone. Definitely a must have! ($9)
365 Day-by-Day. New York- Taschen Books
Feel what it’s like to be a part of one of the most stylish, energetic cities in the world by having this book on display. ($22)
Pop Art
By Klaus Honnef
For the Andy Warhol fan who wants to expand their knowledge of the art movement beyond the soup can. ($12)
The Movie Book
By DK
If you’re stuck on what to watch on movie night, pick up this book, flip and point—it’ll save you a Netflix battle and teach you a little film history. ($17)
Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World’s Most Amazing Places
By National Geographic
A travel bucket list that can live on your coffee table, always pushing and reminding you to book that flight. ($27)
Beaches By Gray Malin
Inspire summer daydreams at any time of the year with this oversized book. ($28)
1000 Record Covers By Michael Ochs
Essential reading for any Vinyl fanatic. ($20)
Vanity Fair 100 Years: From the Jazz Age to Our Age
By Graydon Carter
All the glamour of the famous magazine looked at through the lense of history. ($58)
For Friends by Alessandra Borghese And Alessandra d’Urso
Slim Aarons Women, by Laura Hawk
Photos of socialite ladies sitting by the pool in Palm Springs and sunbathing on Greek islands abound in the latest Slim Aarons compilation, Women, written by Aarons’s former assistant Laura Hawk. ($57)
David Hockney: A Bigger Book
Okay, it’s $2,500, and not available till January, but if you have the money to spare, a preorder of Taschen’s latest SUMO edition, a massive (literally) monograph of painter David Hockney’s work, is a really special gift.
Wood Architecture Now! Vol. 2
The second volume of this TASCHEN architecture piece takes a look at at one of the oldest raw materials in history. This work, focusing on the sole use of wood in architecture, is certainly interesting and unique. ($38)
Craft Cocktails
Assouline’s latest recipe guide to drinks and spirits explores the “new golden age” of craft cocktails. The Craft Cocktails book highlights the very best in drink concoctions as presented by mixologist Brian Van Flandern. ($35)
The Ride Custom Motorcycle Book
Gestalten’s The Ride is a great work for fans of all things motorcycle. This publication looks to champion those who build and those who ride with 320 full-color pages. ($47)
Airline: Style at 30,000 Feet
This fascinating work looks into a unique topic: Airline culture, and every aspect of it including fashion, food and design. A fun choice for a costume designer or historian friend. ($12)
The Monocle Guide to Better Living
One of our favorite Publications, Monocle, offers their first hardback book. Editor Andrew Tuck explains that the amalgamation of content over the years points to the simple idea of how to live life just a bit better. ($50)
Where Chefs Eat: An International Restaurant Guide Book
Over 400 of the world’s most renowned chefs offer up their favorite places to dine which span from high-brow destinations, to diners, burger joints, and everything in between. Maybe there’s something in your neighborhood. ($16)
Dian Hanson’s History of Pin-up Magazines
TASCHEN Sexy Books editor Dian Hanson compiles the history and evolution of pin-up magazines from 1900 to 1969. ($29)
Hugh Hefner’s Playboy
Hugh Hefner presents his illustrated autobiography covering his wildly successful career and personal life in this massive six-volume set. ($105)
Louis Vuitton City Bags: A Natural History
If you know someone who loves Louis Vuitton bags — or designer bags in general — but you can’t afford to buy them one, this coffee table book on the history of LV’s City Bags is a perfect gift. The book records the evolution of the brand’s iconic leather goods, “mimicking the scientific classifications of animals and plants.” ($53)
The Art of Clean Up: Life Made Neat and Tidy
This title by Ursus Wehrli is an intriguing collection of foods, plants, people, cars, toys, and even people, organized graphically by size, color, and composition. ($10)
