Best Coffee Table Books | 2023 Guide
13 Coffee Table Books That Will Delight Any Design Enthusiast
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As any home design expert or interior decorator will (probably) tell you, one of the best ways to give your living space some serious character is to incorporate a quality coffee table book or two (or three or four) into it. Books help to immerse us in different worlds and spaces — sometimes taking on the form of literal destination guides for travel, and other times simply providing visual inspiration in the worlds of art, pop culture, design, and even food. Coffee table books, in particular, can prove to be a worthwhile investment in a wide variety of ways. Besides elevating your home with a more adult flair, this decor accent can also help to show off your personality to guests and put your interests on display in a whole new way.
From luxury coffee table books that depict the work of fashion icons like Tom Ford to interior design coffee table books that provide decorating inspiration aplenty from beloved creatives like Joanna Gaines, and even photography coffee table books that showcase the most defining images of the century, these books celebrate just about every interest or creative space imaginable — and deserve a permanent spot in your home, as such. Whether you're looking for new ways to elevate your living room this season, or you're in search of a great housewarming gift to give a loved one, we've rounded up the best coffee table books for decorating that are sure to delight any design enthusiast. Give your coffee table some more character and browse our selects ahead!
Best Fashion Coffee Table Book: "Vogue on Location: People, Places, Portraits"
Whether you love fashion, travel, or just have a deep appreciation for high-end photography, you can enjoy it all through this "Vogue on Location: People, Places, Portraits" ($43, originally $79) novel. The coffee table book was put together by Vogue's top editors, and even features travel writing excerpts from journalists like Jan Morris, Truman Capote, Lee Miller, Lesley Blanch, and Frances FitzGerald.
A Bestselling Coffee Table Book: "Humans" by Brandon Stanton
If you have an Instagram account, it's likely you've come across the Humans of New York page at least once or twice before. Started by Brandon Stanton, the photoblog honours the lives of New York's most interesting characters through street portraits and biographical excerpts. Now, through the "Humans" Leather-Bound Book ($135), fans of the brand can see Stanton's authentic sense of storytelling brought to life in a whole new (and more global) way.
Best Poetry Coffee Table Book: "Heart Talk: Poetic Wisdom for a Better Life"
Dubbed as the "millennial Oprah," poet Cleo Wade has cemented herself as of one of today's most important writers through her series of short-stories, poems, and daily mantras that offer lessons in life, love, inspiration, and grace — many of which have also been conveniently compiled into this "Heart Talk: Poetic Wisdom for a Better Life" ($24) hardcover book.
Best Coffee Table Book For Decorating: "Homebody"
When it comes to home design and interior decorating, we're firm believers that if something is Joanna Gaines-approved, then you know it's really good. If you (like us) are just as obsessed with all things Magnolia, then this "Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave" ($21) book definitely deserves a spot on your coffee table.
Best Photography Coffee Table Book: "National Geographic Ultimate Visual History of the World"
History-lovers and those with a deep appreciation of timeless visuals will have so much fun flipping through the pages of this "National Geographic Ultimate Visual History of the World" ($39, originally $50) volume. The coffee table book features photos that cover central moments in our world's history, including everything from the Persian Gulf War to the discovery of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and so much more.
Best Travel Coffee Table Book: "Ibiza Bohemia"
If you're looking to gift a trendy housewarming gift or just grab something unique for your own space, you really can't go wrong with this Assouline "Ibiza Bohemia" Illustrated Hardcover Book ($95). The volume is a favourite of celebrities and influencers alike (just watch any Architectural Digest home tour for further proof), and serves as an illustrated guide filled with photos and tips of this can't-miss Mediterranean destination.
Best Design Coffee Table Book: "Architectural Digest: A Century of Style"
Nothing screams "quintessential design coffee table book" quite like this "Architectural Digest: A Century of Style" ($125) book, which encompasses a legacy archive of Architectural Digest's most prominent visuals and narrative writings, all of which help to document the evolution of interior design over the past century.
Best Art Coffee Table Book: "Tom Ford" by Tom Ford and Bridget Foley Book
If you're looking to splurge on more of a high-end, designer coffee table book, look no further than this "Tom Ford" by Tom Ford and Bridget Foley Book ($86, originally $140), which is somehow just as stylish on the outside, as it is on the inside, too. The luxury volume features over 200 photographs of the famed designer's most impactful work for brands like Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent.
Best Pop Culture Coffee Table Book: "100 Movies Of The 2000s"
The movie-connoisseur in your life will have the best time reminiscing on the most defining films of the century (so far) in this "100 Movies Of The 2000s" By Jürgen Müller ($50) book. The oversized coffee table book spans across film genres in rounding up the best pieces of modern cinema, all while mixing in plenty of visual elements that include movie stills, behind-the-scenes shots, and more.
Best Coffee Table Book Set: "West Coast Inspiration" Book Bundle
Those hoping to create a more cohesive spread on their coffee table should consider investing in this West Elm "West Coast Inspiration" Book Bundle ($145). The set features a trio of oversized books, all geared towards West Coast-inspired design trends and aesthetics that are perfect for creating a more minimalistic and low-key home.
Best Biographical Coffee Table Book: "Vital Voices"
Given that a well-designed home is meant to help inspire and recharge your spirit, we think this "Vital Voices" ($60) coffee table book from Assouline will definitely provide plenty of inspiration. The colourful book is composed of over 100 narratives of truly "exceptional women" that have made strides towards a more just and equal world through their respective fields.
Best Interior Design Coffee Table Book: "Minimalista"
With the new year, comes a new urge to suddenly clean out all of our closets and majorly simplify our lifestyles. If you (like us) are also hoping to embrace a more muted and minimalistic lifestyle this year, you'll find design inspiration galore in this "Minimalista" Home Design Book ($30).
Best Celebrity Coffee Table Book: "Icons by Oscar"
Give the pop culture-obsessed friend in your life a housewarming gift that will keep on giving with this "Icons by Oscar" ($145) coffee table book. Filled with never-before-seen photographs that are just as iconic as the celebrities they feature, the leather-bound book is sure to be a fun staple in anyone's living room for years to come.
