Coffee Table Book: Decorative books for the home

Normally one buys a book because its content interests one. Then it usually finds space on the bookshelf, where novels, biographies and specialist literature are stacked or lined up next to each other. With a coffee table book, however, it is not just the content that entices you to buy, but the overall look. Because this type of book is intended for reading or browsing, but also as a decorative element.

What is a coffee table book?

Coffee table books are often illustrated books that impress with their breathtaking photography – and of course have a handsome cover. This is usually a hardcover. Because many of these books are very heavy and large, they are not intended for long reading and tend to have more pictures or photographs than text. Smaller variants are also provided with a lot of reading material.

Styling ideas for coffee table books

Coffee table books can be staged in many ways. You can stack them, for example: the best way to do this is to put the largest book on the bottom and the smallest one on top, and at the end place a vase or decorative object on top. It looks especially nice when there are at least four books.

Or you can place a coffee table book open in the apartment to draw attention to certain pages. For example, you put it open on the coffee table or a side table or put it open on the windowsill and decorate closed books and decorative objects around it. But you can also place them individually in the apartment and stage them on tables, chests of drawers and window sills. If you like it particularly creative, you can also place a high stack of attractive books in a corner of the living room or use a “coffee table book stack” as a kind of side table.

The books are therefore visually appealing and act as decoration, but also as inspiration. For example, these five issues are pretty and at the same time great for browsing through and getting inspired:

1. Mario Testino: Bye

Mario Testino’s shots are open and intimate at the same time and made the Italian one of the most influential fashion and portrait photographers. Testino shows an extraordinary, visionary eye for different worlds and cultures and is always up to date. His book is great for browsing and sets lively, colorful accents.

2. Peter Lindbergh: A Different Vision on Fashion Photography

This large-format photo book shows Peter Lindbergh’s penchant for cinematic productions that produce such seductive photos and show, among others, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell. The Coffee Table Book brings together more than 300 images from his forty-year career.

3. Tim Flach: Dogs

Tim Flach’s multi-award winning sequel to the acclaimed “Equus” delves deep into the psyche of the enduring bond with dogs and presents an exquisite study of “man’s best friend”. Also included impressive photographs – ideal for dog fans.

4. The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small

Everyone has things they would like to do if it weren’t for work, family, school, money or other responsibilities. The Coffee Table Book is a guide to fun and life-affirming activities, offering an eclectic selection of ideas such as self-improvement, exercise, natural wonders, cultural experiences, culinary delights and more.

5. Banksy: Wall and Piece

The Coffee Table Book by Banksy convinces with the ingenious street art of the exceptional artist as well as with appealing texts that explain his art. It also includes comments by the artist.

Tip: Coffee table books make a great gift for Christmas or other occasions. Of course, the book should fit the subject of the person you are giving it to and, ideally, it should also look good in their home. But especially in Corona times, something pretty for the four walls that also helps against boredom is a great gift.

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