An Unexpected Home Decor Statement: Coffee Table Books
- The Betty Edit
- Oct 30, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 20
If there’s one home accessory that I can unabashedly get behind, it’s not the expected throw blankets, trendy pillows, or even a flickering candle. Nope—it’s books, hands down. If you've read other posts in this blog, you'll likely pick-up that I'm a huge reading nerd. I want, I NEED, to be surrounded by books in my home. Stacked on nightstands, bookcases, endtables, even the floor - looking at books around instantly calms me.
So, maybe you don't agree wtih piling reading material on the floor. I get that. But books, when actually styled around the house, bring depth and a touch of authenticity to any room that a simple vase or tray just can’t match. Coffee table books have a magical ability; they’re not just pretty decor, but a window into your world. They spark conversations, showcase your interests and curiosities, and look chic and polished sitting on your coffee table.
Sure, we can scroll endlessly for inspiration, but there’s something truly satisfying about holding a glossy, artfully crafted book in hand. The best part? Coffee table books aren’t just showpieces—they’re usually pages packed with ideas that you’ll want to revisit. To save you some time, I’ve rounded up my favorite coffee table books that are both beautiful and useful. Keep reading for my top picks!
How to describe what is cool? I don't. I just know it when I see it. But this author, Michael Kockrtiz, does a darn good job at explaining what's cool through photographs, brands, music, stories and history. This coffee table book is a great conversation starter, if there ever was one.
Buy on Amazon: Coolness: The Pure Elegance of Freedom by Michael Kockritz
If you're going to start anywhere with collecting coffee table books, this is the perfect starting point. A classic!
Buy on Amazon: Architectural Digest at 100: A Century of Style
Anything having to do with my hero, Ruth Bader Gingsburg, count me in! This is an awesome book full of inspirational portraits of some of the most bad a*s women in history.
Buy on Amazon: Roar!: A Collection of Mighty Women
One of my favorite pasttimes as a little girl was writing (and receiving) letters. It's actually an art form that has unfortunately gone by the wayside in our age of digital everything. This book is endlessly fascinating. A collection of some of the letters written that impacted and changed history. My personal favorite? Abigail Adams to John Adams... Check it out!
Buy on Amazon: 100 Letters That Changed The World by Colin Salter
I actually discovered Lauren Liess on Instagram as she has some of the most beautiful inspiring posts. This book is nothing less than than the fabulousness that her IG account portrays. My goal for my own home is to feel comfortable and relaxed. This is great to thumb through when I want additional design inspiration.
Bill Cunningham has such an artistic eye for streetwear over the decades in both New York and Paris. Man, oh, man - this guy belongs in the Coolness coffee table book himself. This isn't just about fashion but the ever changing humanity in the city over the years. Definately one of my favorites.
Where are my dog people? This one is for you! This book brings me so much joy. It captures the peresonalities and quirks of so many of the "goodest boys and girls". My son loves to pick this up and make up funny stories about all the different loveable goofball dogs in this gem of a book. Happy, happy, happy.
Buy on Amazon: Dogs by Tim Flach
Oh man, do I ever love the 36 hours column in the NY Times. This one is for my weekend warriors who want inspiration for the best weekend getaways. It's also a fantastic conversation starter when someone is over and flips to a location that is near and dear and comes with a fun anecdote of their own experience.
Buy on Amazon: New York Times: 36 Hours USA & Canada
Admittedily, I don't own this one but it's a recommendation from a friend. For those of you into the beauty of gardens, flowers and the loveliness of nature - add this to your collection.
Buy on Amazon: Bunny Williams: Life in the Garden
For those of you who love Paris or dream of going there, this coffee table book will transport you to the City of Love/Lights. Beautiful photography - if you want to travel from your couch to somwhere dreamy - add this to your list.
Buy on Amazon: Timeless Paris: Ateliers Emporiums Savoir Faire
This book is awesome. End of story. Period. The End. Women are so powerful, wonderful, curious, ambitious, beautiful, gritty, complex and multifaceted. If you appreciate the women in your life for any and various reasons, get this. Get it and read it and be proud yourself, the bad ass women before us and those about to make thier mark. #nothumble
Disclaimer: The Betty Edit is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. If you purchase something through the links above, I may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. I'm a former digital marketer turned stay-at-home mom looking to make a few extra bucks for coffee runs and new books. I only recommend products I genuinely like, use, or come recommended by trusted friends. Thank you for supporting me!