20 Stunning Coffee Table Books and Creative Ways to Style Them

In this post – I’m sharing some of my favorite coffee table books and ways to display them in your home.

As we pull together the look of our new home, I’ve found myself gravitating to large coffee table books. Decorating with books is a great way to add a personal touch to a space. Plus, they’re a functional piece of art, especially if you love to read like I do.

We have ordered a large coffee table that will be delivered (hopefully) soon. In the meantime, it’s a great time to find some new tomes to decorate the top of it with! I love interior design books, but there are so many other great topics to choose from as well, including fashion, travel and the arts. I tend to choose books that have meaning to me and show my personal interests, rather than just for show.

Of course, if I’m going to buy any coffee table books, I want to see them in person. A quick trip to one of my favorite shops in Solana Beach, SoLo, was in order. They have such a gorgeous selection! If you’re interested in finding out more about the shop, you can read this post Shopping SoLo in Solana Beach.

25 Must-Have Coffee Table Books

A well-curated coffee table book collection can instantly elevate your living space, sparking conversation and showcasing your personal style. Whether you’re drawn to art, fashion, travel, or design, there’s a perfect coffee table book for you. Although it was difficult to narrow down the selection, here are my picks for 20 stunning options to get your collection started.

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Art & Design

These books are filled with stunning photography and beautiful works of art. They add a pop of color and a touch of whimsy to a book stack.

• The Art Book – A visually stunning survey of art history.
• Gray Malin: The Essential Collection – Fine art photography
• Art: The Definitive Visual Guide – An illustrated guide to the history of art
• Slim Aarons: The Essential Collection – The very best of his photographs
• MoMA NOW: Highlights of the Museum of Modern Art, New York – 375 goundbreaking works

Travel & Nature

For the traveler, here are some beautiful books filled with gorgeous places to visit. Books about nature and animals are also interesting and fun to look at. I spotted the David Yarrow book below on a friend’s oversize coffee table and knew it had to be included in this list.

• Above: Positano, the Amalfi Coast, and Capri – Unique drone views from above
• Escapology: Modern Cabins, Cottages, and Retreats – A rustic escape into dreamy retreats
• David Yarrow: : Americas Africa Antarctica Arctic Asia Europe: Iconic photos of endangered animals
• Resident Dog [Volume 2] -25 amazing homes and the dogs that live there
• Safari Style: Exceptional African Camps and Lodges – Interior design at eco-safari destinations

Fashion & Lifestyle

It was hard to narrow down this list because there are so many chic books out there. The Tom Ford book is an especially popular book used by many designers for its large size and bold graphic black and white cover.

• En Vogue: An Illustrated History of the World’s Most Famous Fashion Magazine: For all Vogue fans
• Tom Ford – A celebration of work for Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent
• Dior: Catwalk: The Collections 1947-2017– 1,146 images over the last 70 years
• Chanel: Collections and Creations – A must-have for fashion aficionados.
• Yves Saint Laurent: Icons of Fashion Design and Photography – Photographs from the 60’s,70’s and 80’s

Home & Interior Design

For a more neutral book collection, you can’t go wrong with any of these. If I had to pick one I would choose the AD book as my favorite book to display. Its large size and neutral cover go with any decor style. Plus, it’s full of photos of inspirational designer interiors.

• The Art of Home – A guide to creating a beautiful yet approachable home
• Livable Luxe – Over 150 photographs of aspirational interiors
• Minimalista – A lifestyle and home organization guide
• Home Therapy – Tools and ideas to support mental wellness at home
• Architectural Digest at 100 – A century of beautiful interiors.

Creative Ways to Style Your Coffee Table Books

1. Stack with Purpose

Stacking books is not rocket science. Of course, you’ll want to start with the largest book on the bottom of the stack. Try to group books in stacks of two or three based on color, theme, or size. Topping a stack with a small decorative object, such as a candle or a vase, adds depth and interest.

Of course, “coffee table” books can be stacked anywhere. Here, I stacked some books on our console table and added a piece of coral on top for height and interest.

2. Create Height Variation

Mix books of different sizes and orientations. Lay some flat while others stand upright against a decorative object or wall. I often use stacks of books to “bookend” other upright books. There is no right or wrong here, all that matters is that the arrangement is pleasing to your eye.

Another great way to display books is on a clear cross-frame acrylic book holder. I have two that I use to display books opened to reveal the beautiful pictures inside.

A small stack of books, including one on a book holder, top a side table. along A lamp and a stone bird cozy up the top of this small cabinet.

3. Incorporate Trays

Use a stylish tray to contain books along with other decorative elements like coasters, a sculptural piece, or fresh flowers. This keeps the space looking organized and polished.

4. Mix Materials

Pair books with materials like marble, brass, or woven elements to create a layered, textured aesthetic. Bookcases are always more interesting to look at when they also contain other objects, like vases, photos, baskets or artwork.

Using bookends made from beautiful materials adds an interesting touch to a bookshelf. These gorgeous one-of-kind agate ones are from West Elm.

Some wooden beads and a slice of agate top a stack of books on a bookshelf.

5. Rotate Seasonally

Switch out books to match the mood of the season. I like to use beach-themed books in the summer and interior design books in the fall.

Spring/Summer Books

Fall/Winter Books

A beautifully arranged coffee table, console or bookshelf, with the right selection of books can transform your space and showcase your personality. There are so many more beautiful books to add to your collection. I’m really looking forward to having a coffee table soon!

I have so many other books to share with you, so here’s a link to my current wish list. Which of these books will be making their way to your living room?

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