Five Must-Have Coffee Table Books (And How to Style Them)

Is there anyone out there who can deny the design power of a coffee table book?

The added elements of texture, depth, elevation, color — and let’s not forget personalization — are often just the final touch a space needs to make it feel lived-in and complete. While there are endless options for amazing coffee table books, from gems found at your favorite antique store to heirlooms passed down from loved ones, today I’m sharing with you five of my favorite can’t-pass-up books if you’re on the search for something to take your bookshelf or coffee table up a notch.

But before sharing my list (and maybe loading up your shopping cart), I first want to give you my rapid-fire, top three tips for styling whatever coffee table books make their way into your home:

• You hear about the rule of odds in design over and over again for great reason — odd-numbered groupings truly do look best.

• Don’t forget about your coffee table book’s accomplices — books are made to be paired with other decor items. Add in height or texture by stacking a bowl, vase, or decorative object on top. Personally, I love the look of beads or a chain draped over a stack of books for a lived-in, effortlessly chic touch.

• Finally, the shape of the table itself can also provide some styling insight. For a large square or rectangle table, I love four separate stacks of three books. (Tip: When creating stacks, be sure to consider the color of the book itself! Sometimes taking the jackets off will compliment the colors better, and the beautiful, linen texture can add a level of sophistication.) For a round coffee table, imagine the space as a triangle.  Have a stack of books at one point, a tray with some candles at another point, and a vase or pot at the last.

But above all else, let your coffee table books show off your personality — both in the page-turners you add to your cart, and also in the way you style them. Have fun with it and enjoy the process.

Now, onto some of my go-to recs…

Five Coffee Table Books to Elevate Your Space

Architectural Digest at 100: A Century of Style

With a stunningly neutral cover on the outside and striking photographs inside, this classic volume is a no-brainer. Not only does this book fit in with just about any design style in any home, but it’s also a well-loved guilty pleasure for design junkies around the world.

Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World’s Most Amazing Places

As a lifelong travel lover, it should come as no surprise that I gravitate towards books that bring the beauty of the world into my home. This book is a favorite of mine for a few reasons: it’s such a joy for me to flip through and reminisce on places I’ve visited, and it constantly has me adding new destinations to my bucket list — every page I flip through gives me more and more of the travel itch!

Humans of New York: Stories

I am always reminding my kids: “Never judge people, because everyone has a story.” And this book epitomizes exactly that — ”Humans of New York” tells the stories of some of the city’s own. While the photographs themselves are so captivating, the quotes from people interviewed throughout are what truly make this book so special. This isn’t the type of coffee table book you’ll flip through — it’s the type you’ll become engrossed in. It only makes sense the reader in me would have a coffee table book you actually read, right?

The Finer Things: Timeless Furniture, Textiles, and Details

If your heart is set on creating a table design that looks chic and sophisticated, this book will undoubtedly help you get there (especially when paired with a gorgeous heirloom trinket dish, or a contrasted modern vase on top). The cover is both striking and minimal, and the inside is filled with rich, stunning photos combined with interesting details about the development of design over time. It’s educational, it’s lavish, and it’s an absolute must for the design fanatic in your life.

Sneaker Freaker: The Ultimate Sneaker Book

To be honest, I found this book because I was shopping for my 16-year-old son — but it’s brought me so much joy, and now it’s one I recommend to anyone looking to add some personality to a coffee table. It offers history on some of the most iconic sneaker brands of all time, and it gives me a sense of nostalgia as I reminisce about shoes I once owned or coveted. While it’s not as sophisticated as other books on this list, I love the personality and uniqueness it brings to the (coffee) table. Bonus: It’s definitely a conversation starter! And, if you’re looking to add a touch of high design to a kid’s room, what better way than a coffee table book like this?

I love recommending these five to others — but equally enjoy hearing from you! Which coffee table books do you have in your home?