The Best Coffee Table Books
Whether you want to spruce up your own home or give a friend a thoughtful gift, a well-appointed coffee table book is the way to go. Adding a gorgeous coffee table book or two to any living space is a great, foolproof way to decorate. And, there are tons of cool, chic books out there to pick from, according to your specific style and literary interests. To assemble this list of our favorite coffee table books, we asked ourselves a few questions: Is this book beautifully compiled, with lovely illustrations or photos? Is it a book that will inspire and excite you when you read it? And does it add artistic value to your home? Both 99% Invisible City: A Field Guide to the Hidden World of Everyday Design and Humans by Brandon Stanton will encourage empathy and an interest in the world around you. And, Glory: Magical Visions of Black Beauty is a powerful, beautiful work to behold. Read on to find out more about why we picked each of the books on our list.
The 99% Invisible City: A Field Guide to the Hidden World of Everyday Design
Cities can feel confusing, loud, and seemingly endless. With all of the hustle and bustle, it may be difficult to understand how it all functions on the granular level, from cell phone towers to sewer grates. This book breathes new life to the places you know so well. Whether you’re interested in urban design and planning or you simply want to discover more about the cities you love, this book is sure to please. Spark conversation with this intellectually stimulating book on how design shapes the world we live in.
Pros:
- Lovers of the 99% Invisible podcast will appreciate how much this book is an extension of the podcast, telling stories about cities in an accessible, informative way.
- The prose sparkles — you don’t have to have an interest in urban design to appreciate this book, simply because of how well-written and entertaining it is.
Cons:
- This book would benefit from the inclusion of photographs, rather than just drawings.
Glory: Magical Visions of Black Beauty
Black is beautiful
If you’re looking for a powerful coffee table book, this is the one for you. Challenging the beauty standards of the age we live in, the photographs use visual storytelling to situate Black beauty at the forefront. In acknowledgment and celebration of Black culture, hair, fashion, and beauty, this book tells the stories of the past, shows the glory of the present, and inspires the future to come. Sure to spark conversation, this coffee table book is one you just need to add to your collection.
Pros:
- In a time of racial injustice and white supremacy, this book is an important work that encourages white children and families to valorize Black art.
- To see Black children, from all over the world, represented in such a bold, stylish, artful way encourages inclusivity and unity.
Cons:
- There’s no audiobook version available.
Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics
Behind the scenes
Whether you love country music or not, Dolly Parton is truly an iconic celebrity. This book reflects on countless songs, including the lyrics and the inspiration behind them. We’re sure you’ve belted the classics in your car, like My Tennessee Mountain Home or Jolene. You can take a deep dive into the inner workings of the production of these songs, what inspired them, how they came to be. For an intimate look at her work, this book is sure to keep your attention.
Pros:
- The photographs are beautifully arranged and add depth to the stories and lyrics.
- Dolly’s lyrics are printed next to their origin stories, which gives the reader a fun, rewarding insight into how she writes her songs.
Cons:
- This heavily-weighted book may not be ideal for certain tables.
Humans by Brandon Stanton
People of the world
Whether they live next door or across the world, the people around you hold stories that you may never know. This book delves into the experiences of a disparate range of people across the globe, with stories that span the whole human spectrum, from inspirational to heartbreaking to awe-inspiring. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with our own lives, and sometimes only another person’s story can shake us from this stupor and remind us what it means to be truly human. Through storytelling and photography, the diverse experiences relayed through the book’s narrators will certainly spark conversation between you and your guests, so place it out on the coffee table for great discussion.
Pros:
- The author has a knack for providing deeply personal glimpses into people’s lives — the stories definitely have the effect of encouraging empathy and connection, which is especially important in our current moment.
- The bite-sized format makes this book perfect for the coffee table or for before-bedtime reading.
Cons:
- The matte cover may show fingerprint marks.
Made for Living: Collected Interiors for All Sorts of Styles
Design ideas for your space
Transforming your space can be daunting. What color walls should you choose to complement your furniture? What textures should you pick for your throw pillows? With so many rooms in a home, the questions seem endless — so much so that you might be left with your head spinning. This coffee table book will add a touch of elegance to your space while providing you with trendsetting design ideas and tips and tricks for layering. With many included photographs of well-designed spaces, you can recreate the looks in your own home. A cohesive look isn’t far-fetched with this book on your side.
Pros:
- This book functions as both a super-beautiful piece of decor and an inspiring, helpful guide for how to refresh your living space, with gorgeous full-color photos and professional design insight.
- It’s even better than scrolling through design Instagram, so you’ll be encouraged to stay off your phone.
Cons:
- There’s no dust jacket for added protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I have a coffee table book?
A book is practically essential for any coffee table. It stands as an effortless decor piece, adding to the aesthetic of your room. But more importantly, it also serves as a useful conversation starter for your guests. And if your guests find themselves with a moment to themselves, a coffee table book provides them with something stimulating with which to occupy themselves. A good coffee table book can help fill those gaps, spark new thoughts, and spice up your decor.
How do I know what coffee table book to get?
Your coffee table book should speak to who you are as a person. If you love traveling, pick a book that has awe-inspiring photography. If you’re passionate about people, choose a book that discusses anthropology or current events. If cooking is your hobby, choose a book about recipes or your favorite chef. If you’re looking to add to your decor with a simple piece, try to pick a book that has an intriguing cover. If you’re hoping to foster conversation with the book, pick a topic that guests would find interesting.