We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Home Decor The 35 Best Coffee Table Books for Every Interest Add these books to your home and reading list. By Kalea Martín Kalea Martín Kalea Martín has written over 1,000 articles published across a variety of nationally distributed outlets. Her extensive lifestyle and commerce coverage highlights everything from recipe reviews to product recommendations. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 15, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Reviews FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Alli Waataja Despite its name, a coffee table book isn’t just reading material that you park on your coffee table. With all the varying sizes and cover designs that exist, it can also function as a piece of decor that can transform a space in the same way artwork might. They give you a chance to display your interests, adding a homey feel to your space. When determining the best coffee books to put in your home, there are a lot of factors to consider, including the subject matter, the colors on the cover, and whether they complement your home’s aesthetic. Fortunately, we've scoured the web and consulted our experts to help you narrow down the options. Ahead, you’ll find a roundup of several highly rated titles, including recommendations from Jen Bienvenu, interior designer and owner of J. Bienvenu Interiors, and Elana Mendelson, interior designer and founder of Elana Designs. The Flowers of Provence PHOTO: Amazon $16 at Amazon $16 at Target $25 at Barnesandnoble.com Decorating your house with live flowers is always a reliable design choice, but using a coffee table book written about flowers can have just as much of an impact. The Flowers of Provence is filled with images of the flowers that flourish in both the neighborhoods and natural landscapes of Provence. The book also provides guidance on turning these flowers into floral arrangements for your home, accompanied by plenty of sample photos. Dimensions: 6 by 1 by 7.5 inches | Number of Pages: 304 | Year of Publication: 2023 The Art of Home PHOTO: Amazon $17 at Amazon $26 at Target $20 at Walmart In this guide on interior design and decoration, Shea McGee demystifies her famous approach to turning a house into a home, as seen on Netflix series Dream Home Makeover. With each chapter dedicated to a room of the house, McGee reveals all the techniques she uses in her own design business, Studio McGee, and shares stories, projects, and helpful tips you wouldn't otherwise see on her TV show. Dimensions: 9.36 by 1.62 by 11.25 inches | Number of Pages: 408 | Year of Publication: 2023 Accidentally Wes Anderson PHOTO: Amazon $23 at Amazon $23 at Target $16 at Walmart Ah, Wes Anderson. It's hard not to fall in love with his eternally quirky and kitschy films and knack for stylized, symmetrical interiors. While the places in Accidentally Wes Anderson aren't found in his films, they do look like they could belong in his world—in fact, Anderson has given his stamp of approval and even wrote the foreword for the book. Accidentally Wes Anderson highlights well-known landmarks and undiscovered gems from all over with a fascinating description that tells you the story behind each location. You’ll get some major travel inspiration for your next vacation, as well as a craving for some Courtesan au Chocolat. Dimensions: 7.6 by 1.45 by 9.3 inches | Pages: 368 | Year of Publication: 2020 Sea Pools PHOTO: Amazon $29 at Amazon $29 at Barnesandnoble.com $33 at Bookshop.org Discover the allure of sea pools in this in-depth exploration of man-made swimming enclosures within the sea. Complemented by visuals of 70 eye-catching sea pools from around the world, Sea Pools covers the design, fascinating history, and universal appeal of this unique aquatic structure. Dimensions: 8.85 by 0.95 by 11.2 inches | Number of Pages: 192 | Year of Publication: 2023 Let’s Get Lost: The World’s Most Stunning Remote PHOTO: Amazon $20 at Amazon $20 at Target $20 at Walmart Let's Get Lost is an excellent companion for passionate travelers. Showcasing the otherworldly beauty of the natural world, this coffee table book is filled with more than 200 photographs of landscapes left largely untouched by humans. Whether it’s the volcanoes in Rwanda or the waterfalls in Scotland, the breathtaking visuals are sure to evoke a deep sense of awe in anyone who flips through this book. Dimensions: 8.6 by 0.95 by 10.5 inches | Number of Pages: 240 | Year of Publication: 2021 Japanese Interiors PHOTO: Amazon $59 at Amazon $80 at Barnesandnoble.com This book explores 28 residential homes that showcase different styles of Japanese interior design and chart its evolution. You'll get plenty of decor ideas in the seaside digs, historical abodes, and urban dwellings that grace the book’s pages, all tied together by a design philosophy that blends natural elements with one's living space. Many of the residences have a minimalist approach to design, but they don't feel sparse or sterile. Rather, each living space has a functional approach that you can incorporate into your home or use as inspiration to tidy up your home. Additionally, the book includes tours of homes designed by celebrated Japanese architects, such as Kengo Kuma and Arata Endo. Dimensions: 8.25 by 1.13 by 10.7 inches | Pages: 256 | Year of Publication: 2022 Top Dogs PHOTO: Amazon $53 at Amazon $80 at Barnesandnoble.com View on Rizzolibookstore.com British dogs and their home lives are at the center of this coffee table book. Featuring interviews with dog owners of various professions, as well as photos depicting the different ways they live, Top Dogs is a casual read that dog lovers and interior design buffs are sure to enjoy. A percentage of the proceeds are also donated to the British organization Medical Detection Dogs. Dimensions: 9.25 by 1.26 by 11.25 inches | Number of Pages: 304 | Year of Publication: 2023 Barbie Takes the Catwalk PHOTO: Amazon $35 at Amazon $35 at Target $60 at Barnesandnoble.com Showcase your appreciation for fashion and history by adding a copy of Barbie Takes the Catwalk to your coffee table, which explores Barbie’s dual role as both a toy and style icon. Spanning over 60 years of fashion history, this book sheds light on all the trends, runway looks, and famous designers that have shaped Barbie's carefully curated wardrobe. Dimensions: 9.25 by 1.1 by 12.75 inches | Number of Pages: 224 | Year of Publication: 2023 The Computer PHOTO: Amazon $67 at Amazon $75 at Bookshop.org An engaging read for any tech enthusiast, this coffee table book details the fascinating history of how our technology-filled world came to be. Packed with photos of old prototypes, infographics, and stories about legends like Ada Lovelace, Alan Turing, and Steve Jobs, this book follows the evolution of computer and software development, and its impact on culture, politics, and science. Dimensions: 10.25 by 1.75 by 15.25 inches | Number of Pages: 672 | Year of Publication: 2023 Architecture PHOTO: Amazon $33 at Amazon $33 at Target $47 at Bookshop.org Since the mud structures of the BCE ages, architecture has come a long way, and this coffee table book delves into all the defining moments in its evolution. Featuring an extensive compilation of photographs, CGI replications, and research from the Smithsonian Institution that covers thousands of years of recorded architectural history, you’ll likely learn something new every time you or your guests open up this book. Dimensions: 9.5 by 1.25 by 11.31 inches | Number of Pages: 440 | Year of Publication: 2023 Hayao Miyazaki PHOTO: Amazon $31 at Amazon $50 at Barnesandnoble.com $52 at Bookshop.org Hayao Miyazaki films are like no other. His movies have captured audiences for generations with their supernatural twists and stunning visuals, which look just as gorgeous on paper as they do on screen. This book covers all 11 of Miyazaki's feature films, including My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Spirited Away, in a whole new light, combining film stills with storyboards, character designs, backgrounds, concept sketches, and never before seen artwork from the Studio Ghibli archives. As the cherry on top, you can also read about Miyazaki's creative process and animation techniques to learn all that goes into creating your favorite Ghibli films. Dimensions: 9 by 1.2 by 11 inches | Pages: 288 | Year of Publication: 2021 Negatives PHOTO: Amazon $20 at Amazon $41 at Target $23 at Barnesandnoble.com Relive the golden era of emo music with Negatives, a coffee table book that vividly captures what the emo music scene was like from 1996 to 2006. This exclusive collection of candid photos gives a behind-the-scenes look into the lives of over 80 iconic emo bands including My Chemical Romance and Jimmy Eat World. It also covers personal stories of those who shaped the genre, all published for the first time. Dimensions: 8.8 by 1.2 by 11 inches | Number of Pages: 320 | Year of Publication: 2023 New York City Ballet PHOTO: Amazon $31 at Amazon $31 at Target $55 at Barnesandnoble.com Dance meets fashion in this coffee table book about the New York City Ballet, and how its stage has evolved into a runway. Following 75 years of collaborations with luxury brands like Valentino and Alexander McQueen, this book examines the relationship between costume design and dance choreography. It also provides insight into the creative process, from preliminary sketches to the final presentation involving the dance company’s ballerinas in action. Dimensions: 9.81 by 1 by 12.25 inches | Number of Pages: 208 | Year of Publication: 2023 The New Black West PHOTO: Amazon $20 at Amazon $32 at Target $38 at Bookshop.org When you think of cowboys, you probably think of old Wild West films featuring tall guys in cool hats, which is a narrative that The New Black West challenges. This monograph documents modern Black cowboys at the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo in Oakland, which draws cowboys from all across the country to enter thrilling competitions and celebrate cowboy culture. Gabriela Hasbun has been snapping the event for years and includes photographs from her many attendances as well as anecdotes from her experiences and the cowboys themselves. You'll pour over its show-stopping images of cowboy stunts and laid-back photos of backstage antics that depict all that goes into being a 21st-century cowboy and brings a community that's often overlooked to life. Dimensions: 8.8 by 0.75 by 11.35 inches | Pages: 144 | Year of Publication: 2022 A History of Basketball in Fifteen Sneakers PHOTO: Amazon $21 at Amazon $21 at Target $35 at Barnesandnoble.com Basketball shoes are known for being both a fashion statement, as well as functional footwear for athletes, but their constant evolution also carries a cultural and historical significance. Using photos, advertisements, and design sketches of 15 iconic basketball shoes, this coffee table book walks readers through how basketball culture and the sport itself have changed alongside the footwear of the players. Dimensions: 7.48 by 0.79 by 10.24 inches | Number of Pages: 256 | Year of Publication: 2023 Museum Bums PHOTO: Amazon $19 at Amazon $20 at Barnesandnoble.com $19 at Bookshop.org A copy of Museum Bums is sure to add a touch of wit and sophistication to the home of any art history buff with a sense of humor. Curated by heritage scholars Mark Small and Jack Shoulder, this book takes a humorous approach to discussing the world's finest art by bringing attention to the rear ends that are featured in them. More than just a series of photos to flip through, Museum Bums strikes a balance between informative and approachable by also providing historical and social context for every cheeky piece of art. Dimensions: 8 by 0.75 by 9.25 inches | Number of Pages: 160 | Year of Publication: 2023 Greco Disco PHOTO: Amazon $42 at Amazon $65 at Barnesandnoble.com $61 at Bookshop.org To add a pop of color to a room, Mendelson recommends Greco Disco, which she praises for its “fun, funky design.” In addition to whimsical illustrations and photos, the book contains snippets from literature as well as Luke Edward Hall’s creative musings, which all come together to help the reader understand the artist’s ingenuity. Drawing inspiration from Ancient, English, and modern styles, Hall’s creations can easily serve as a constant source of colorful and eclectic decor ideas. Dimensions: 9.83 by 0.96 by 12.6 inches | Number of Pages: 224 | Year of Publication: 2019 The Collars of RBG PHOTO: Amazon $20 at Amazon $20 at Walmart $28 at Bookshop.org Beyond the unassuming cover of this coffee table book lies a deeper narrative about Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's collars. Supplemented with quotes and pictures of her wearing 25 of her most iconic collars, this book explains the symbolic meaning and stories behind each accessory, all while chronicling RBG’s 27 years on the Supreme Court. Dimensions: 8.28 by 0.88 by 9.3 inches | Number of Pages: 224 | Year of Publication: 2023 Dolce Vita PHOTO: Assouline View on Assouline.com If you're looking for a coffee table book that fits a "sophisticated, modern, bold, and colorful" aesthetic, Mendelson says you can't go wrong with any book from the Assouline collection. This one, Dolce Vita, highlights the timeless elegance of the Italian lifestyle. It consists of a mix of vintage and modern photos of Italian landscapes, everyday living, and celebrities from the ‘60s, all presented in a style reminiscent of the classic film of the same name. Dimensions: 9.72 by 1.46 by 13 inches | Number of Pages: 320 | Year of Publication: 2023 Women Holding Things PHOTO: Amazon $17 at Amazon $26 at Walmart $33 at Bookshop.org When everything went into lockdown in 2020, artist Maira Kalman began to paint women holding things in both a physical and metaphorical sense—her subjects hold everyday objects like dolls, cakes, and balloons, but also feelings like sadness, grief, and joy. Women Holding Things includes 67 portraits of regular and well-known women, interwoven with Kalman's anecdotes and ruminations, that reflect on all the objects and expectations that women carry. Her vivid portraits make for a coffee table book that's equally beautiful and inspiring, especially if you need a pick-me-up. Dimensions: 6.94 by 0.98 by 8.76 inches | Pages: 176 | Year of Publication: 2022 Matisse, Derain, and the Origins of Fauvism PHOTO: The Met $39 at Amazon $42 at Target $33 at Walmart Brought to you by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Vertigo of Color transports readers back to the summer of 1905 as it unpacks the origins of Fauvism, the French art movement that unexpectedly came about as a result of Henri Matisse and André Derain’s visit to a fishing village in the eastern Mediterranean. With over 70 masterpieces and a never-released English translation of 21 of the artists’ letters, this book is sure to engage any art enthusiast interested in learning more about how Fauvism influenced contemporary art. Dimensions: 9 by 0.75 by 11 inches | Number of Pages: 192 | Year of Publication: 2023 Dream in Red PHOTO: Amazon $39 at Amazon $39 at Target $39 at Walmart Flip through 70 years of Ferraris in this photographic archive of the famous Italian car. The book features over 300 pictures of every Ferrari model to exist thus far, accompanied by detailed statistics, expert commentary, and fascinating backstories behind each vehicle. Even the most discerning car enthusiast is bound to be impressed by the sheer volume of Ferrari images in this coffee table book. Dimensions: 9 by 1.25 by 11 inches | Number of Pages: 320 | Year of Publication: 2023 James Bond Destinations PHOTO: Assouline $120 at Amazon View on Assouline.com James Bond may be a spy, but he's also a world traveler. This coffee table book takes readers to all the places that have defined 007’s legendary adventures, as seen in Hollywood films. Through stills, photos, and inside scoops from people who were on the sets, James Bond Destinations doubles as both a cinematic travel guide and a behind-the-scenes look at the movies. Dimensions: 9.88 by 1.53 by 12.99 inches | Number of Pages: 328 | Year of Publication: 2023 Coolness PHOTO: Rivay NYC $54 at Amazon $52 at Walmart View on Abebooks.com Being “cool” has always been something people strive to be, but it doesn’t have just one definition. Paired with commentary from experts from different backgrounds, this coffee table book reflects on the concept of coolness from a sociological standpoint, exploring its timeless relevance with visual examples of what people considered to be cool throughout history. Dimensions: 9.52 by 1.1 by 12 inches | Number of Pages: 272 | Year of Publication: 2023 Slim Aarons PHOTO: Amazon $76 at Amazon $72 at Walmart $175 at Barnesandnoble.com The best of Slim Aarons’s photography is all in one place in Slim Aarons: The Essential Collection. The book covers Aarons’s entire groundbreaking career, from the photos he took during his army days, to the editorial and fashion shoots he did later in life. Highlighting hundreds of the legendary photographer’s works, this wide-ranging collection is filled with a mix of rare, unreleased images, and iconic photos that made him so famous. Dimensions: 11.4 by 1.65 by14.45 inches | Number of Pages: 432 | Year of Publication: 2023 Gin A Tasting Course PHOTO: Amazon $20 at Amazon $20 at Target $25 at Barnesandnoble.com In this comprehensive guide on gin, expert drink writer Anthony Gladman breaks down everything you need to know about the alcoholic drink, from its Ancient origins to how it’s distilled. While reading this book, you’ll learn about proper gin tasting techniques, and understand the differences between 100 varieties. Dimensions: 8 by 0.92 by 9.56 inches | Number of Pages: 224 | Year of Publication: 2023 Great Escapes USA PHOTO: Amazon $52 at Amazon $46 at Target $30 at Walmart Great Escapes USA offers a glimpse of popular American getaways through the hotels and lodgings that people stay at when visiting them. Along with a series of photos that tell a story about American travel and architecture around the US, it also includes recommendations for literature to read and films to watch to fully immerse yourself in the featured destinations. Dimensions: 9.8 by 1.4 by 12.2 inches | Number of Pages: 358 | Year of Publication: 2021 The New Antiquarians PHOTO: Amazon $46 at Amazon $61 at Bookshop.org If you're looking for a coffee table book that will elevate the vintage charm of a room, consider The New Antiquarians, a coffee table book Bienvenu describes as "great writing meets interiors." The book explores the antique collections of 22 young collectors and their approach to styling objects and furniture. If you’re an amateur collector yourself, this book is certainly a great source of inspiration for incorporating old and new elements into your home. Dimensions: 9.84 by 1.18 by 11.77 inches | Number of Pages: 272 | Year of Publication: 2023 Midsommar PHOTO: A24 $60 at Amazon View on A24films.com Part of A24's screenplay collection, Midsommar turns the experience of watching the 2019 film into a coffee table book. The book includes the entire script, sheet music from the movie’s soundtrack, an analysis of the plot, and captivating stills that capture the film’s critically acclaimed visuals. Fans of Midsommar, Ari Aster’s work, or movie buffs in general are sure to enjoy adding this insightful book to their collection. Dimensions: 8 by 11 inches | Number of Pages: 300 | Year of Publication: 2023 Cleaning PHOTO: Amazon $28 at Amazon $28 at Target $35 at Barnesandnoble.com If you’re looking for a coffee table book that will spark a conversation with guests, Cleaning fits the bill. Kenya Hara, the art director behind Japanese home organization store MUJI, invites you to look at cleaning as both an art and a reflection of human nature in this unique book. Through thought-provoking images and insightful commentary, the book offers a fresh perspective on the seemingly mundane task and its universal presence in societies around the world. Dimensions: 4.72 by 1.38 by 6.3 inches | Number of Pages: 503 | Year of Publication: 2023 Tom Ford 002 PHOTO: Amazon $75 at Amazon $75 at Target $120 at Barnesandnoble.com This second volume of the Tom Ford book gives an overview of the brand through pictures of Tom Ford’s designs, fashion shows, and advertisements through the years. “It is modern, crisp, clean, and bold and would work perfectly on its one in a minimalist interior,” Mendelson says, adding that you can display it by itself because of its size and color. Dimensions: 11.3 by 2.37 by 14.8 inches | Number of Pages: 416 | Year of Publication: 2021 Booze & Vinyl: A Spirited Guide to Great Music and Mixed Drinks PHOTO: Amazon $16 at Amazon View on Wob.com Mastering the perfect drink-song pairing can be challenging, but this boozy coffee table book simplifies the process. Organized by music genre, the 224-page book pairs each song with cocktail recipes inspired by the tune, its lyrical imagery, or artist. Whether you're a music snob or a cocktail connoisseur, this book is an excellent choice. Dimensions: 8.38 by 1 by 8.38 inches | Number of Pages: 224 | Year of Publication: 2018 The Only Woman PHOTO: Amazon $21 at Amazon View on Bookshop.org This breathtaking book showcases the stories of empowering female figures. Featuring various women spanning diverse cultures and professions, this feel-good coffee table book illustrates how inspiring women have overcome gender inequality to achieve greatness. The New York Times Explorer PHOTO: Target $36 at Target View on Taschen.com From exotic recipes to worldly illustrations, this New York Times Explorer book will help you satisfy your travel bug. It features a collection of breathtaking photos and first-person accounts from acclaimed New York Times travel writers and photographers, allowing you to get a glimpse of destinations across the globe from the comfort of your home. Face Paint: The Story of Makeup PHOTO: Amazon $24 at Amazon Whether you're an amateur artist or a beauty guru, this New York Times bestseller showcases the history of one of the greatest forms of artwork: makeup. From Egyptian times to the modern age, makeup trends have come and gone, and author Lisa Eldridge seeks to explore the evolution with her beautifully illustrated book. Dimensions: 8 by 1.2 by 10 inches | Number of Pages: 240 | Year of Publication: 2015 Questions You Might Ask What makes a good coffee table book? A good coffee table book, first and foremost, is one that you’d want to read. "This keeps your home authentic instead of feeling staged and trendy,” Bienvenu says. Even though they do contribute to the aesthetic of a room, coffee table books aren’t just props. A coffee table book that’s perfect for one room might clash with another, so you also want to make sure your book’s cover coordinates with your decor. “It’s best to select books that pull out colors from the room and that are visually appealing because they do serve as a layer of art,” Mendelson notes. “They invite and encourage guests to sit down, relax, stay awhile, and flip through beautiful, inspiring, and interesting works of art that reflect those who live in the home." And even when guests aren't around, they can be a helpful source of information. Aesthetics aside, durability is also important, as books with a sturdy spine and high-quality paper tend to last longer, especially since they’ll be on display and flipped through frequently. How can you decorate with coffee table books in your home? In general, any room can benefit from coffee table books. Shelves, entry consoles, and coffee tables (obviously) are suitable spots to place them, but stacking them can also serve a functional purpose. “A neatly stacked tower of coffee table books within arm's reach can serve as a utilitarian place to rest a drink,” Bienvenu says. When it comes to styling your coffee table books, feel free to combine books with different dimensions, colors, and subjects to add visual interest. According to Bienvenu, "layering books on shelves or coffee tables and placing an object or floral arrangement on top can place more emphasis on the object and make a space feel more intentionally styled." Mendelson adds that you should just be mindful of the sizes of the books with their placement: “If the table is small, it’s not wise to select a book that will overpower the entire surface area and leave no room for drinks or other objects." Should you decide to stack your coffee table books, she recommends arranging them with the largest at the bottom and the smallest on top for a more aesthetically pleasing look. Alternatively, you can also lay your books out, or display just one large book as a statement piece. How many coffee table books should you have? There’s no limit to the amount of coffee table books you can collect, however when using them as decor, it’s best not to put every single one out. Mendelson suggests rotating books periodically, sticking between two to five if you’re unsure. For example, if you're styling your coffee table books with other objects such as vases, you won't need as many. However, if you're turning stacks of them into a side table, you’ll likely need between 10 to 15 books. This tip is mainly dependent on the dimensions of both the books and the surface they’ll be sitting on, so adjust as needed. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Kalea Martin and updated by Jamie Fischer, commerce writers for Real Simple. To determine the best coffee table books, she did extensive research on the latest book releases across different genres. In addition to taking customer reviews into consideration, she also consulted interior designers Jen Bienvenu and Elana Mendelson for their insight, recommendations, and expert styling tips.