Essential Coffee Table Books
I’ve always had a thing for coffee table books. You’ll always find them at the top of my lists for Christmas and birthday gifts, and it just so happens that they are my favorite gifts to give as well! They are the most fashionable accent for guests to flip through during cocktail hour, and they immediately elevate any space they’re placed into. I’ve acquired quite the collection over the years, and honestly have not regretted a single purchase. Much like the theory of the throw pillow, they are great for being cycled in and out of storage to immediately freshen up a space without the added expense of changing the neutral “foundation” of furniture. Maybe some day, I’ll have an entire bookshelf to showcase my collection, but for now, our coffee table and media console play host to the few I have on display, with the rest waiting their turn in our storage armoire. Below, I’m listing a few of my favorites I’d suggest adding to your collection, whether you are filling out your stock or just getting started (or perhaps, looking to give a gift and aren’t sure where to start!) Fortunately, there’s a coffee table book out there for almost any interest, so also consider these a jumping off point to research publishers & collections if these specific topics don’t strike your fancy. Enjoy!
Architectural Digest at 100: A Century of Style
Behold, the staple centerpiece of any stylish living room in the year 2023. There’s a reason this is such a best-seller! Walk through the best highlighted homes of celebrities and designers alike from the past 100 years of AD. If you’d jump at the opportunity to snoop through your neighbor’s homes for design inspiration, this one’s for you.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Masterpiece Paintings
The Met, predictably, has a knack for putting together the best collections of books highlighting its iconic exhibitions through the years, due in great part to its preeminent hallways of everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to famed Impressionist paintings. Purchase this book to begin curating your personal collection, and fill in with exhibition-specific books, like Alexander McQueen’s Savage Beauty or Heavenly Bodies.
Public Parks, Private Gardens: Paris to Provence
This book in particular holds proud real estate on my own coffee table as a gift from The Met Store from our 2018 partnership. It’s become a favorite I’m drawn to when needing to escape to the French countryside (because don’t we all, from time to time?)
Golden Light: The Interior Design of Nickey Kehoe
A staple to add instant warmth to your interior. This one is currently sitting on our coffee table and provides all the interior inspiration. It also photographs beautifully next to my morning cup of coffee, I might add.
Chanel: The Vocabulary of Style
Every coffee table collection needs a fabulous Chanel book.
Bonus: This edition comes with a gorgeous velvety-pink sleeve to protect this treasure.
Veuve Clicquot
An Assouline book is the gift of all gifts. This is such a fun one for your guests to flip through during cocktail hour, preferably while sipping on a glass of Veuve!
Slim Aarons: La Dolce Vita
Slim Aarons’ photographs have a capability of transporting you to a different time and place like no other. Open this one with an Aperol Spritz in one hand and your laptop close by—you’ll be prepping for your next European vacay in no time.
John Singer Sargent: Oversize Edition
A nod to my personal favorite American expat painter. Explore some of his best works—of course, including our muse, Madame X.
Ralph Lauren
Keep things classic with this enlarged homage to Ralph Lauren’s best works & a peek into his home life. If you’re just beginning to build your coffee table book collection, start here.
In Vogue: An Illustrated History of the World's Most Famous Fashion Magazine
It’s true that they don’t make them like they used to. Lean into your nostalgia for the days of Vogue issues past with this classic.
Accidentally Wes Anderson
My love for coffee table books extends beyond fashion + home aesthetics every once in a while. If you’re a fan of Wes Anderson’s films, this collection of “accidental” finds matching the filmmaker’s unique aesthetic out in the world is one you shouldn’t pass on!
Live Beautiful
I’m convinced that almost anyone would appreciate this stunning book as a gift. Share it with a fashionable friend to bring all the light and bright home inspiration to their living room.
A Newport Summer: Off Bellevue
As sentimental as a collector’s Christmas ornament is, we prefer to pick up coffee table books highlighting noteworthy family vacations of our own. It’s so nostalgic to look back on sights we’ve visited, as well as to add new ones to our ever-growing bucket list. You simply can’t visit a great place like Newport only once!
Pacific Natural at Home
In another lifetime, without cats or the hope of children someday, my home would look exactly like this. In this lifetime, it sure is fun to escape into the mind of designer Jenni Kayne and do a little dreaming about this clean, organic home aesthetic.
