Coffee Table Books
I have a variety of coffee table books displayed throughout my home. There’s no shortage of spaces to showcase these beautiful books, from bookshelves to end tables to nightstands. I enjoy changing their arrangement regularly to highlight different ones throughout the year. I’ve put together a roundup of some of my favorite coffee table books, along with others that are on my wishlist. Nowadays, you can find a wide selection of options at various price points. Today, I will share some of my recent favorites with you.
Decorative Books for Coffee Tables
Everything is Beautiful Boxed Set
By Mark D. Sikes
The Beautiful trilogy is the perfect gift for anyone who loves interior design. I can’t count how many hours I’ve spent browsing through these books. Mark Sikes is one of my all-time favorite interior designers. This collection has inspired me countless times while planning interiors or styling shoots. There is so much value in this set. You can also purchase the books individually, and all three come in beautiful shades of blue.
Rattan
By Lulu Lytle
For my rattan enthusiasts! This book is dedicated to you. It explores the beauty and durability of rattan, highlighting the craftsmanship and various uses of this lovely material. The spine features a beautifully printed rattan design, making it a stylish addition to any coffee table.
Charm School
By Emma Bazilian & Stephanie Diaz
I love this book! Not only is it beautiful in style, but you’ll also spend hours browsing through the timeless traditional decorating ideas it offers. It features hundreds of stunning rooms designed by some of the finest interior designers. Chintz, wicker, skirted tables, and old-school decorating details are presented with a fresh take.
A Life in Good Taste
By Caroline Gidiere
This book offers a contemporary interpretation of traditional interiors, featuring classic stripes, florals, woven materials, and a blend of old and new elements. It showcases sophisticated and charming spaces, highlighting beautiful interiors while also providing insights into how to live and entertain in these settings. The inspiring designs spark creativity, encouraging readers to envision their own unique spaces. Each page becomes a source of motivation, demonstrating how the fusion of timeless elegance and modern sensibilities can transform any home into a haven of style and warmth.
Island Dreaming
By Amanda Lindroth
This book will inspire you to pack up and move to a warm, sunny coastal location. The many inspiring spaces captured here beautifully reflect the essence of coastal design. It truly makes me want to decorate! Living with island style is all about embracing a relaxed, breezy aesthetic that mirrors the beauty of nature. Amanda Lindroth, one of the best coastal designers, masterfully infuses her work with vibrant color palettes and natural textures that evoke the charm of island life. Her ability to blend comfortable furnishings with tropical elements creates inviting and serene spaces that feel like a perpetual vacation.
Joie
By Ajiri Aki
In this stunningly photographed book, Ajiri Aki explores the essence of French living in Paris. She offers insights on everything from crafting the ideal apéro (happy hour) to embracing the art of strolling through the city like a flâneur (loafer) and discovering hidden treasures at antique markets. As you navigate the charming cafes and boutiques alongside her, you’ll be encouraged to embrace the French approach to leisure, allowing yourself to relish the spontaneous and joyful moments that enrich everyday life.
By Claud Gurney
This is one of the most beautiful coffee table books I’ve come across, and I would be lying if I said I didn’t buy it mainly for its stunning exterior! I knew it would stand out on any surface, so it was a must-have for me. Inside, you’ll explore the world of hand-painted chinoiserie papers and see how they are used in various homes designed by incredible designers.
Island Whimsy
By Celerie Kemble
This beautifully crafted book is filled with ideas for anyone looking to decorate a sunny home or dreaming of spending time in one. Kemble provides inspiration for creating spaces that feel open to the sea, sand, and sky. She includes suggestions for areas to wash off sandy feet, ideal spots for enjoying sunset views with a drink, and tips for infusing spaces with a sense of invitation, welcome, and magic.
Ralph Lauren A Way of Living
By Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren’s artistic vision is captured in “Ralph Lauren: A Way of Living,” a beautifully crafted book published by Rizzoli New York to mark the 40th anniversary of his home collection. This comprehensive volume explores the designer’s distinctive style and innovative approach to lifestyle and design. From groundbreaking contributions to the home industry to redefining hospitality and retail, Lauren has created an emotional world that inspires a more beautiful way of living.
Aerin Lauder Living with Flowers
By Aerin Lauder
Aerin Lauder’s passion for flowers is a cherished legacy from her grandmother, Estée Lauder, and her mother, Jo Carole Lauder. In “Living with Flowers,” she shares how flowers enhance her home, from cheerful bouquets to floral-themed decor. Whether it’s a simple daisy arrangement for dinner guests or a single bloom on her desk, flowers are integral to her lifestyle.
Palm Beach Living
By Jennifer Ash Rudick
From quaint bungalows to stylish minimalist homes, as well as renovated iconic Mediterranean Revival houses and gardens adorned with large insect sculptures, the residences featured in Palm Beach Living reflect both uniqueness and the shifting design trends on the nation’s most prestigious barrier island.
Provence Style
By Shauna Varvel
“Provence Style” showcases the 18th-century farmhouse, Le Mas des Poiriers, which has been beautifully transformed by architect Alexandre Lafourcade. Nestled among gardens designed by landscape architect Dominique Lafourcade, this home is a perfect example of Provençal aesthetics. The book delves into both the interior and exterior spaces—from grand entrances to cozy patios—offering readers a stylistic journey through the region. The farmhouse is home to Shauna Varvel and her family, and this book captures the stunning residence and its grounds, as well as their unique way of life.
How to Style Coffee Table Books
Display a Favorite Page
Sometimes, an interior page of a book deserves to be showcased! I love leaving my favorite coffee table book open to a specific page. You can change the page with the seasons, making it a unique and beautiful way to highlight a particular illustration or text. For instance, in the spring, I might display a vibrant floral illustration that complements the blooming flowers outside. In the fall, I’ll opt for pages featuring warm colors and cozy themes, evoking the essence of the season. It’s not just about the visuals; I enjoy the conversations that emerge when guests see an interesting page. It creates an inviting atmosphere, encouraging people to come closer, engage, and share their thoughts. Plus, it gives me a chance to revisit some of my favorite works, reminding me of the stories and artistry that inspired me.
On a Pretty Stand
Many beautiful stands are now designed specifically for coffee table books. I love this lucite stand because it showcases a favorite page beautifully. Its sleek design not only highlights the book but also adds a modern touch to any room. Whether you’re displaying a stunning photography collection or an inspiring travel guide, a well-chosen stand can elevate the entire presentation, inviting guests to stop and explore the stories within. Plus, it offers an elegant way to keep your favorite reads easily accessible while enhancing your home décor.
In Bookshelves
A classic, straightforward way to store and display your books is to arrange them by color or create a vibrant mix by combining different colors throughout. I like to place my books vertically and horizontally, depending on what other items I’m decorating the shelf with. For instance, you can use a coffee table book as a base for a vase or picture frame on your shelves. Start with larger books as the base when stacking books horizontally and gradually build your stack with smaller books on top. Additionally, I enjoy storing books vertically and using lucite bookstands to keep them in place.
On a Coffee Table
This is a classic way to display your coffee table book collection! You can stack as few or as many as you like, creating an inviting centerpiece that sparks conversation. I enjoy changing them out seasonally; in spring, I might opt for vibrant travel books that inspire wanderlust, while in the cozy winter months, I lean towards illustrated stories and art books that evoke warmth and nostalgia.
To elevate the display, I always add fresh flowers in a vase—nothing beats the charm of peonies in the summer or a simple bunch of eucalyptus in fall. Sometimes, I even sprinkle in personal touches with small trinkets or curios that hold special memories, allowing each stack to tell its own story. This way, my coffee table becomes not just a place for books, but a reflection of my personality and a warm invitation for guests to linger a little longer.
On a Nightstand
A small stack of coffee table books can add a charming touch to your nightstand or end table. Placing them next to a lamp not only creates a cozy reading nook but also enhances the overall aesthetic of your space. Additionally, if your nightstand features a bottom shelf, you can use this opportunity to style it with these books, creating visual interest and a layered look. This arrangement not only draws the eye but also provides a convenient spot for those cherished reads, making them easily accessible whenever inspiration strikes.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would or have used myself.
