Coffee table books bring that sophisticated, chic element to my living room that always seems to elevate the space. I’ve tried just about everything from magazines, books on art and science, novels, photo albums and even textbooks.
While I’ve had such wonderful books over the years, I’ve made a list of my favorites that I think you’ll love too.
But, don’t think you have to go out and get yourself these books to make your living room feel like a sanctuary. Oh no! You can use the books you already have too! And, if their covers don’t go with your color scheme, you can pop some paper or fabric over them.
Just like that, you can create your very own beautiful coffee table books that serve double duty as decorative elements and actual reading material. They are sure to be conversation starters and flipping through them can be great screen-free fun.
If you enjoy decorating, be sure to check out my posts on fall coffee table decor. Oh and Christmas table ideas too.
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Choosing the perfect coffee table books
Color
Color is one of the more important considerations for coffee table books. The color of the spine and covers should match your overall living room aesthetic. Hot pink books certainly won’t go with a minimalistic living room, right?
So, it’s best to go for books that match or stay true to the vibe you are going for. Neutral spaces would be great for gray, whites, and muted earth tones. Pops of color also work well too. For bolder living rooms, you can choose complimentary accent colors.
The key is to be intentional with the color so the books feel like they belong in the space, as opposed to being random.
Aesthetics
If you have a soothing living space, a linen-bound or paperbound cover would fit perfectly. For more glam spaces, fashion and designer books with metallic writing would go so well with metallic sculptures.
It’s okay to prioritize the aesthetics of the books over actual reading material. Seeing pretty things will make you happy. Flipping through a book of hundreds of fashion photos can also be thought-provoking! A photo is worth a thousand words anyway!
Personal vs off-the-shelf
You don’t have to get magazines off-the-shelf for your coffee table – you can actually create your own and have them printed. I think Canva and a couple other companies provide this service.
You can design and edit your own magazine, add photos of your life and travels, and have it printed on that glossy paper we love!
You can also take a completely different route and use photo albums in place of the books and magazines. Whether it’s actual old photos or Polaroids or modern print outs, you can certainly create your very own unique coffee table book.
Of course, you have the classic off-the-shelf books that are all about fashion, photography, travel, art, autobiographies, hobbies and even recipe books! I’ll get into some options later.
Size and stacking
Coffee table books are usually larger than average since they add visual interest while anchoring your displays. But, the size of your coffee table will dictate the size of books you get.
You wouldn’t want huge books taking up too much space and making the table look cluttered. Proportions matter here!
Then, there’s stacking. Our eyes enjoy looking at an odd number of things – and that includes books. One book looks more appealing than 2; and 3 books look like they are meant to be. If you are creating a stack of 3, you’ll want to vary the sizes of the books so the largest one is below and smallest is on top.
If the books are hard cover, you can also stand them up or use cute bookends to keep them vertical. The horizontal stack though can also be great for displaying small sculptures, vases and candles.
Coffee table books to get
All things fashion
If you love fashion, there are a couple coffee table books you must have! The Chanel: Collections and Creations book takes you on a visual journey of clothing, designs, accessories, and just luxurious beauty.
Its black cover and white spine complement almost every space but work best in modern and neutral settings.
The Tom Ford book is a great compliment to the Chanel (and is slightly bigger). It shares design work that Ford did while working for Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. And, it’s a classic with its bold black cover and simple white writing.
Design
There are so many interior decorating and design books. But, one of my favorites is The Art of Home by Shea McGee. I love her style (and her Netflix show!). Besides being a great design resource for styling, the book goes so well with modern, boho, and neutral decor.
A slightly larger book that has a similar color and vibe is Architectural Digest at 100. The book features photos throughout the decades of interior decor including spaces created by renowned architects and designers.
For a richer, earthy tone, get Call It Home by Amber Lewis. It’s a great interior decorating book! But, if the brown isn’t your style, open the book to one of her gorgeous photos. There are so many wonderful options to choose from.
Travel
National Geographics are a classic! So, anything from them, be it paperback magazines or hardcover books, would be a hit on your coffee table.
The Traveler’s Atlas of the World is new and great if you have curious kids around!
The Travel Book from Lonely Planet is another gorgeous option. It has stunning photography from all over the globe and features travel tips for just about everywhere. It has a floral cover with reflective writing and certainly is a conversation starter.
Unique
For a unique, lifestyle book, The Book of Hygge is perfect for you! It’s a great read and reminds you to get comfy and enjoy the present. The cover is whimsical and can go with most decor styles especially cozy aesthetics.
Fake books
Yep, faux books are a thing! And there are lots of options. If you want to go the spiritual route, you can this rustic display that says ‘with God, all things are possible.’
Or for a more cultured set, these art books have Van Gogh and Leonardo Da Vinci on the spines. These would go so well with modern, elegant, contemporary, and cozy styles. Plus, they make great hiding places for the remote!
These are just some of the many coffee table books you can find for your space. Hopefully, you found one that fits your style here.
If you are looking for more decor ideas, check out these coffee table designs for Christmas and fall!
