Books

45 coffee table books that belong in any well-appointed home

Curate a stack of beautiful tomes to reflect your style and personality.
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Image Courtesy of Assouline Publishers

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The best coffee table books are as much about aesthetics as content, making them the ultimate, panache-giving accessory for any stylish home. Whether you’re into interior design, photography, travel or cooking, a stack of beautiful books on your coffee table not only serves as a great conversation starter but also as an eye-catching decor addition in is own right.

When curating your collection, consider titles from renowned publishers like Assouline, Taschen, and Phaidon. These high-quality, hardback books are filled with stunning visuals and captivating stories. For those looking to infuse a bit of glamour, books by Rizzoli and Vogue are also must-haves, showcasing the best of fashion, art, and culture. Know your Virgil Abloh from your Louis Vuitton, and want to show off about it? Let your coffee table do the talking.

If interior design is your bag, coffee table books and chunky magazines from the likes of Soho Home and Architectural Digest are essential. These high quality design books offer a peek into the most stylish homes around the world, from minimalist apartments in London to lavish estates in Hollywood. Get ready to be inspired.

For travel lovers, titles featuring iconic cities like Paris, Milan, and New York are ideal. They capture the essence of these vibrant places, making them a perfect gift for anyone with a serious case of wanderlust. Books on America’s vast landscapes, or Japan’s unique culture can also bring an international flair to your coffee table.

Any photography enthusiast will appreciate coffee table books by Slim Aarons or National Geographic, which showcase breathtaking images and stories from around the globe. A photography book is not just about pretty pictures; it offers a window into different worlds, making it a starting point for dreaming up your next trip. Permission to get carried away.

If you're looking for something a little more niche, large-scale books featuring sporting greats, political activists, or even houseplants can reflect your personal interests and make your coffee table truly stand out. Amazon offers a wide selection of best seller coffee table books, making it easy to find the perfect selection of tomes for your living room centrepiece.

So whether you’re looking to showcase your love for design, travel, or art, ultimately, the best coffee table books are those that resonate with you and your living space, reflecting your personal interests and style. Dive in!

The best coffee table books – at a glance

African Adventutres
£85 at Frankbros
Fashion's Big Night Out: A Met Gala Lookbook
£16.99 at Urban Outfitters
Blvck Cook Book
£118 £95 at Wolf & Badger
Architectural Digest at 100: A Century of Style
£90 £55.11 at Amazon
If I Could Tell You Just One Thing
£18.99 at Oliver Bonas

Scroll for our full edit of the very best coffee table books of 2024.

  • DIVA

    A joy to dip into, this book explores the personas of iconic performers, examining what exactly makes a diva. From 19th-century opera stars to modern superstars like Beyonce and Lady Gaga, the book celebrates their unique artistry and impact. Delve into the glamour of Hollywood legends, the activism of artists like Billie Holiday, and the ground-breaking identities of Madonna and Freddie Mercury.

    £30 at Foyles

  • Barbie

    Fans of the film will love this book, which delves into the history of the iconic doll. Created by feminist visionary Ruth Handler, Barbie defied 1950s norms, offering women roles beyond wife and mother. The book explores Barbie's evolution from 1959 to today, with fascinating facts and unseen images. From Marilyn Monroe to Margot Robbie, you can discover Barbie's impact as a cultural phenomenon, showcasing over 250 careers and diverse identities.

    Save when you shop for the best coffee table books with these Amara discount codes.

    £85 at Amara

  • Vivienne Westwood: Catwalk

    The legendary British designer who vowed to "destroy the word conformity" has revolutionised fashion for over five decades. Celebrating 40 years of her catwalk creations, this bestselling book showcases her visionary designs alongside those of her collaborator and husband, Andreas Kronthaler. With insights by Alexander Fury and personal biographies, it offers a rare glimpse into this ground-breaking fashion house.

    Save when you shop for aesthetic coffee table books with these H&M promo codes.

    £59.99 at H&M

  • African Adventures

    Assouline's African Adventures is a vibrant book that transports you through Africa's most awe-inspiring destinations. Featuring Aline Coquelle's stunning photos and Deborah Calmeyer’s curated itinerary, you can explore Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta, Kenya’s Great Migration, and Rwanda’s silverback gorillas. Enjoy luxe lodges, helicopter rides, and breath-taking wildlife experiences… and get planning your own bucket-list trip.

    £85 at Frankbros

  • Fashion’s Big Night Out

    Oh to be a fly on the wall! This book uncovers the dazzling history of fashion's biggest night – the Met Gala. Brimming with stunning images and fascinating insights, it showcases unforgettable looks like Katy Perry's iconic chandelier dress and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's daring 'Tax the Rich' gown. A must-have for the sartorial set.

    Save money on fashion-focused coffee table books with these Urban Outfitter discount codes.

    £16.99 at Urban Outfitters

  • Earth, Sky & Water

    Ever dream of escaping to serene Scandinavian retreat? This beautiful coffee table book offers up a visual feast of calming properties. Showcasing deceptively simple designs, it inspires with stunning remote homes and offers aspiring architects a blueprint for creating their own sustainable studios. Featuring a foreword by renowned architecture writer Kenneth Frampton, it is positively swoonful.

    £30 at Sweetpea & Willow

  • Italian Coastal: Recipes and Stories from Where the Land Meets the Sea

    Following her hit A House Party in Tuscany, Amber Guinness journeys from the Tuscan coast to Sicily, exploring the rich history, stories, and flavours that inspire her kitchen. Her recipes, like ricotta and 'nduja crostini, zucchini and mint lasagne, and Amalfi lemon cream cake, offer authentic, delicious Italian bites with minimal effort. Yum…

    £30 at Sweetpea & Willow

  • STILL

    Mary Jo Hoffman’s decade-long project captures nature’s beauty every single day. STILL presents 275 awe inspiring photos from her vast archive, revealing profound insights about connection, place, and life. Hoffman's perceptive and often humorous essays accompany the powerful images, making this book a true feast for the senses.

    £39.95 £29.45 at Hive

  • Tattoo You

    Tattoo You: A New Generation of Artists is a cutting-edge illustrated survey of 75 contemporary tattoo artists redefining the industry. Featuring nearly 700 images, this book profiles ground-breaking talents like Grace Neutral and Claudia De Sabe. Discover their influences, creative processes, and the future of this revolutionary art form.

    £39.95 at Waterstones

  • Naomi

    Naomi Campbell is a fashion phenomenon, reigning supreme for nearly four decades. Her trailblazing work continues to make headlines, pushing fashion's boundaries. This book, featuring an interview by Tim Blanks, showcases 20 iconic ensembles chosen by Naomi herself, and delves into her roles as model, muse, brand builder, and cultural leader. With gorgeous looks from Azzedine Alaia to Alexander McQueen, it’s a captivating glimpse into the world of an enduring fashion icon.

    £35 £26.49 at Hive

  • Museum Bums

    Based on the viral Twitter sensation of the same name, Museum Bums celebrates classical art, history, and shapely derrieres with a playful twist. Discover the finest rear ends from Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary art, paired with witty commentary by Mark Small and Jack Shoulder. A cheeky but educational addition to your coffee table. Sit your own tush down and enjoy.

    £14.99 at Waterstones

  • Skateboard

    Jonathan Olivares' Skateboard accompanies the Design Museum’s major exhibition, charting the skateboard's journey from the 1950s to today. This book delves into the design evolution, materials, shapes, and iconic figures like Tony Hawk and Natas Kaupas. It is a must-read for insights on skateboarding's daring and innovative history.

    £39.95 at The Design Museum Shop

  • The House Romantic

    In The House Romantic, Haskell Harris dives into crafting a meaningful home, sharing how designers create authentic spaces inspired by life’s special moments. With stunning photos of her Charleston home and other creatives’ abodes in the US, UK, and Europe, this book is packed with tips on embracing romanticism in interior design.

    £35 at Foyles

  • Great Women Painters

    This is a luxurious collection showcasing over 300 women artists spanning nearly five centuries. The coffee table book features renowned names like Frida Kahlo and Yayoi Kusama alongside emerging talents. With 300 pages of stunning images, it offers a richer, more diverse art history. Curator and writer Alison M. Gingeras introduces this essential volume for any art lover.

    £49.95 at Tate Shop

  • Archive

    Sofia Coppola's first book captures her influential film career through personal photos and rare ephemera. From The Virgin Suicides to the Priscilla, it delves into her unique cinematic journey. Edited by Coppola herself, it offers intimate insights and an extended interview with film journalist Lynn Hirschberg.

    £55 at Blackwells

  • Alexander McQueen: Unseen

    This beautiful coffee table book captures the imagination like no other. Opening with an essay on McQueen's genius, it unfolds chronologically with Claire Wilcox's expert insights. Discover iconic creations and candid backstage moments with stunning, unpublished photos by Robert Fairer. This treasure-trove is a must-have for fashion and photography lovers alike.

    £60 at The Design Museum Shop

  • SOL: At Home In Mallorca

    In this beauty of a coffee table book, author Nic Holden invites you into 15 stunning Balearic Island homes. Embracing both rustic charm and contemporary flair, these sun-soaked properties blend tradition with modern design. And it features gorgeous photos by Lucia Gorostegui and intimate interviews.

    Save money on beautiful coffee table books with these Anthropologie discount codes.

    £32 at Anthropologie

  • Fragile Beauty

    Over 30 years, Sir Elton John and David Furnish have curated a stellar photography collection. This book features 150 iconic shots from legends like Diane Arbus, Richard Avedon, and Cindy Sherman. With an afterword by Sam Taylor-Johnson and insights from Elton and David, Fragile Beauty is both inspiring and captivating.

    £35 at V & A Shop

  • Gabrielle Chanel

    Accompanying the V&A's Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto exhibition, this exquisite book celebrates Chanel's iconic designs from her 60-year career. Showcasing pieces from Chanel Patrimoine, Paris, and V&A collections, it delves into her timeless style, with new photos and archival images capturing her design evolution.

    £35 at V&A Shop

  • Blvck Cookbook

    Blvck Paris debuts this visual and culinary delight featuring 40 global recipes from top chefs. From cocktails to desserts, this chic book inspires creativity and fun in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a stunning coffee table piece for your living room or kitchen.

    £118 £95 at Wolf & Badger

  • Lonely Planet Wine Trails, Europe

    Looking for your next wine-inspired getaway? Lonely Planet’s Wine Trails, Europe is your ultimate guide. Explore Europe’s hottest wine spots, from Vienna’s urban vineyards to Portugal’s Alentejo. With insider tips from top wine experts, you can discover hidden gems and iconic wineries. Sip, savour, and enjoy.

    Save money on affordable coffee table books with these Amazon discount codes.

    £17.99 £14.69 at Amazon

  • Moon Paradise

    Written by space journalist and TV host Sarah Cruddas, Assouline's Moon Paradise delves into the moon's allure across fashion, art, architecture, and film. With over 200 stunning illustrations and a chic metallic silk cover, this captivating book is a must-have for your stylish coffee table.

    £85 £60 at Net-A-Porter

  • Milan Chic

    Milan blends history with modern flair. Think Stefano Boeri’s Vertical Forest and Rem Koolhaas’s Fondazione Prada, alongside the iconic Milan Cathedral and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Dive into the city's secrets with Massimo Nava and Oberto Gili, exploring designer homes, artist studios, and architectural gems in this stylish city guide.

    £85 at Assouline

  • Antony Gormley

    If you're not familiar with his work, Antony Gormley is a famed English sculpture artist and, for minimalist homeware lovers, this coffee table book will be right at home in your space. It's filled with snapshots of his RA collection from back in 2019 and combines beautiful stonework, thought-provoking iron mouldings and everything in-between.

    £47.19 £38.25 at Amazon

  • Harry Styles and the Clothes He Wears

    If you love the man, the myth, the legend, Mr. Harry Styles as much as we do, then this is the book for you. Filled to the brim with everything from Harry's colour palettes to his inspiration, this pick combines high-fashion with all the quirkiness we love about HS and it's just perfect.

    £22 £15.99 at Amazon

  • Tim Walker: Wonderful Things

    Published to accompany the Victoria and Albert museum's incredible exhibition Tim Walker: Wonderful Things, this coffee table book is a journey through the creative mind of one of the world’s most inventive photographers. It features over 100 photographs to admire.

    £30 £22.48 at Amazon

  • Architectural Digest at 100: A Century of Style

    Architectural Digest at 100 delves into the archives of the iconic magazine and celebrates the best in interior design, including the personal spaces of dozens of private celebrities like Barack and Michelle Obama, David Bowie, Truman Capote, David Hockney and Michael Kors.

    £90 £55.11 at Amazon

  • Chic Stays

    Filled with all manner of gorgeous imagery and a lifetime's worth of travel inspo, this substantial Assouline coffee table book is not only a great dinner party talking point, but comes complete with recommendations from the actual pros at Condé Nast Traveller.

    Save money on luxury coffee table books with our Selfridges promo codes.

    £85 at Selfridges

  • Interiors (Orange Edition)

    There's no better way to get inspiration for your home decor than by gawping at some of the most influential rooms in the world of interior design. These spaces have made their mark on the world in one way or another, and the snaps of them totally beat scrolling through Pinterest for ideas.

    £112.79 at Amazon

  • Vogue and The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute

    Now updated and expanded, this coffee table book uncovers the past five years of the Met Costume Institute’s exhibitions and galas through the lens of Vogue. Running up until 2019's Camp: Notes on Fashion, this book is filled to the brim with beautiful images.

    £50 £35.45 at Amazon

  • Mart Alas and Marcus Piggott

    Photography duo Mert and Marcus have collated their very best work – for brands including Giorgio Armani, Roberto Cavalli, Fendi, Miu Miu, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, and Lancome as well as celebrities like Madonna and Rihanna – into one beautifully put together coffee table book. We're huge fans of this one.

    £66.99 at Blackwells

  • Tom Ford

    This coffee table book is a complete catalogue of Ford's design work for both Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent between 1994 to 2004. With beautiful photography and industry anecdotes, it chronicles not only Tom Ford's fashion designs for both luxury fashion houses, but also explores his grand visions for the design of an entire brand, from its architecture to its store design and advertising.

    £100 £68.24 at Amazon

  • If I could Tell You Just One Thing

    If the most successful people of the world could tell you just one thing, what would it be? This coffee table book serves up advice from presidents, actors and influential people of the world. We're talking the likes of Bill Clinton, Clare Balding, Stephen Fry, Dame Judi Dench, Margaret Atwood, Sir David Attenborough, Annie Lennox, Andy Murray, Joanna Lumley…

    Use these Oliver Bonas discount codes to save when you shop for coffee table books.

    £18.99 at Oliver Bonas

  • Pretty City London

    A must-buy for any London dweller – or any London lover, Siobhan Ferguson's Pretty City London is the perfect coffee table book for finding out about the secluded mews, undiscovered cafes and flower markets and tree-lined streets you've never stumbled across. Plus it includes tips on how to photograph and explore the city in a way no other book will tell you.

    £25 at Oliver Bonas

  • Rare Watches

    Whether you're a collector of fine watches or just admire the technology behind a fine timepiece, this beautiful book explores more than 50 of the world's rarest watches. Showing in incredible detail the most expensive and sought after watches with stunning photography, it's a real collector's coffee table book.

    £50 £37.85 at Amazon

  • Rihanna

    Rihanna released her first-ever coffee table book with Phaidon back in 2019, much to the delight of everyone in the GLAMOUR office. It's packed full of over 1,000 photos of herself (yes, really), from shoots to pap shots and stage shots. It's a feast for the eyes, celebrating her life as a musician, performer, designer, and entrepreneur.

    £120 £85.51 at Amazon

  • Roy Lichtenstein: The Impossible Collection

    This limited-edition book celebrates the work of one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century, Mr Roy Lichtenstein. It's packed full of 100 pieces of his most memorable Pop Art from 1963 onwards.

    £850 at Mr Porter

  • Live Beautiful

    The highly anticipated interior design coffee table book by Athena Calderone taps into her network of interior decorators, fashion designers, and tastemakers to reveal how carefully crafted interiors come together.

    £28.99 at Cohen & Co.

  • The Obama Portraits

    This coffee book — written by Taína Caragol, Dorothy Moss, Richard Powell, and Kim Sajet — offers readers a deep dive into the paintings that became some of the most celebrated portraits of a generation when first unveiled, with anecdotes from the American president himself and insights into the world of portraiture as a whole.

    £20 at Waterstones

  • Women: The National Geographic Image Collection

    Perfect for gracing your coffee table or as a gift for the feminist in your life, this book is a collection of female-focused photographs and interviews with women across the world. It also accompanied by revelatory new interviews and portraits of contemporary trailblazers including Oprah Winfrey, Jane Goodall, and Christiane Amanpour.

    £30 £14.99 at Amazon

  • Beaches

    With imagery from more than 20 cities across six continents of the world, this coffee table book by Gray Malin offers up a visually stimulating account of the world's beaches from above. Packed full of aerial photographs of beaches, it will keep you going until your summer holiday.

    £30 £24.85 at Amazon

  • Mad About The House

    In this coffee table book, Katie Watson-Smyth shares her secrets on decorating your home with style, from inspiration for every budget and how to buy a sofa to how to get the lighting right in every room. In addition it includes her top 10 tips that will have your home looking like it was finished by an interior designer.

    £25 £23 at WH Smith

  • 1000 Record Covers

    For any music lover – particularly of the eras spanning the 60s to 90s – this is the perfect coffee table book. Celebrating classic record covers, many of which are now considered works of art and as famous as the music itself. Both a trip down memory lane and a study in the evolution of cover art, this is an ode to this unique artform.

    £20 £16.52 at Amazon

  • Palm Beach

    This aspirational coffee table book is packed with striking illustrations of the glamorous destination, tracing Aerin Lauder's heartwarming memories. A must-read for fans of Apple TV's Palm Royale

    £85 at Selfridges

  • For The Love Of White

    We're already huge fans of The White Company's bedding and candles – who isn't? – and now, we celebrate the brand with this stunning coffee table book. The founder of The White Company, Chrissie Rucker, takes us inside her achingly stylish three homes and inspires us with her minimalist aesthetic.

    £30 at The White Company
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