Best Coffee Table Books for Interior Design Enthusiasts
- Staff Writer
- Aug 10, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 12, 2024
If you’re searching for the perfect gift for an interior design design lover, it’s hard to go wrong with coffee table books! Not only do they add a stylish touch to any room, but they’re packed with inspiration ranging from gorgeous interiors, creative photography, and stories of legends in the industry. These books aren’t just pretty to look at — they’re filled with fresh ideas that can spark anyone’s imagination. Let’s explore some of the best coffee table books that any aspiring interior designer will love.
1. Eames: Beautiful Details
Eames: Beautiful Details is a stunning tribute to the creative genius of Charles and Ray Eames, offering a unique and intimate glimpse into their lives and groundbreaking work. The book serves as a visual scrapbook filled with a rich collection of photos that showcase the Eames couple’s far-reaching influence on design, from furniture and architecture to toys and films. With its beautiful slipcase inspired by one of their inventive children's designs, the book is not only visually captivating but also a delightful exploration of their innovative spirit. For anyone who appreciates mid-century design, this extensive coffee table book is a visual feast that highlights the timeless appeal of their iconic creations, including the Eames lounge chair, which remains a symbol of enduring style and ingenuity. This book is truly a joyful and meaningful addition to any design lover’s collection.
2. Atlas of Interior Design
Featuring over 400 beautifully captured spaces, Atlas of Interior Design by Dominic Bradbury showcases work from iconic designers like Kelly Wearstler and Axel Vervoordt, while also shining a light on lesser-known, yet equally fascinating interiors from Africa, Australia, and Asia. Whether the style is classic, contemporary, minimalist, or maximalist, each home tells a story that reflects its unique cultural context, providing readers with a broad and captivating look at the world of design. This book’s attention to detail is remarkable, from the high-quality photography to the insightful commentary that accompanies each interior. Each photo not only highlights creative uses of color, lighting, and materials — but also allows readers to appreciate the nuances of design across different time periods, from the 1940s to today.
3. The Finer Things
Through stunning photography and rich insights, Christiane Lemieux has created an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to understand the art of selecting heirloom-quality furniture, textiles, and decor that will stand the test of time. The Finer Things: Timeless Furniture, Textiles, and Details goes beyond surface aesthetics, offering a deep dive into the craftsmanship and expertise behind timeless design. By interviewing leading experts in wallpaper, textiles, furniture, and more, Lemieux provides readers with the knowledge they need to recognize the hallmarks of well-made pieces. For anyone who appreciates a balance of history, craftsmanship, and modern-day design, this book is a must-have. It’s filled with practical information about mixing antiques with contemporary pieces and understanding the creation process behind fine decor.
4. How to Live with Objects
How to Live with Objects: A Guide to More Meaningful Interiors is a thoughtful guide for anyone looking to create a home that feels genuinely personal. The book goes beyond typical design advice by focusing on the emotional connection we form with the objects we choose to surround ourselves with. Through home tours and expert tips, this coffee table book teaches readers how to curate your space with intention. What makes this book stand out is its ability to connect readers to the idea that a well-loved object has value far beyond its aesthetics. It encourages a mindset of collecting based on meaning, style, and personal connection rather than trends or price tags. From vintage-hunting tips to styling ideas, it helps readers transform their space, no matter their budget or design experience. Beautifully crafted and visually captivating, this hardcover edition adds sophistication to any coffee table while offering endless inspiration for making your house feel like a home filled with stories.
5. Architectural Digest at 100
Architectural Digest at 100: A Century of Style is more than just a beautiful coffee table book; it’s a journey through 100 years of incredible design, architecture, and the personal spaces of iconic figures like Barack and Michelle Obama, Michael Kors, David Bowie, and more. It’s a treasure trove for anyone with a love for interiors and architecture. With its unique hardcover texture and striking aesthetic, this book doesn’t just sit on a coffee table — it enhances the entire room. Its weight and size give it a presence that feels more like a piece of art, inviting people to flip through its pages. The vibrant, large photos pull you in, letting you imagine yourself in the elegant, cozy spaces it captures. Whether it’s displayed on a shelf or coffee table, it’s sure to catch the eye and spark conversations, making it a timeless addition to any home.
6. Home Therapy
Home Therapy: Interior Design for Increasing Happiness, Boosting Confidence, and Creating Calm by Anita Yokota brings a refreshing blend of design and mental wellness, offering a unique perspective on how the spaces we live in impact our emotional and mental well-being. With her background as a licensed therapist and interior designer, Anita shares practical ways to create a home that not only looks beautiful but also supports your mind, body, and spirit. From choosing the right lighting and furniture to organizing spaces with purpose, this book guides readers in designing homes that bring calm, balance, and intentionality into everyday life. Yokota’s insights into how our homes can nurture our mental health add an extra layer of depth, making this book a thoughtful and meaningful resource for those looking to improve both their environment and their inner well-being. It's an inspiring addition to any home, helping you create a space that truly feels like a sanctuary.
7. Live Beautiful
Athena Calderone’s Live Beautiful is a stunning blend of visual inspiration and practical design advice, making it much more than a decorative coffee table book. Calderone takes readers on a personal journey through beautifully crafted homes, sharing photos, stories, and thought processes behind each design. With insights from top decorators and tastemakers, this book provides a unique combination of aspirational beauty and actionable ideas. It’s a book that readers can come back to again and again, not just for its aesthetics but for the valuable tips and thoughtful design breakdowns. Calderone’s writing adds a personal touch, making it feel like you’re getting advice from a sophisticated friend who knows exactly how to bring warmth and elegance into a home.
8. British Designers At Home
British Designers at Home offers a rare and captivating glimpse into the personal spaces of some of the most influential names in British design. This beautifully photographed book takes readers on a journey through over 20 designers’ homes, showcasing not only their interiors and personal style, but also their creative processes and design philosophies. It’s a visually stunning and deeply engaging resource for anyone curious about how designers bring their ideas to life in their own living spaces. From charming cottages to grand country homes, the variety of styles featured ensures there's something for every design lover to appreciate. Readers will love how relatable and timeless many of the spaces feel, particularly those that highlight classic British charm.
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