12 of the coolest coffee table books to level up your living room

Check out the coolest coffee table books, which are just as interesting as they are beautiful.

THE FOREWORD

Display of books on a coffee table arranged aesthetically.

Looking to spruce up your coffee table with a few cool books? 

Go beyond the book cover with these picks, which are just as interesting to read as they are to look at. From fashion to geography and everything in between, this list has something for everyone.

Explore cool coffee table books

1. Slim Aarons: La Dolce Vita, Slim Aarons and Christopher Sweet

Get lost in a world of glamour with Slim Aarons’ iconic photography. From mansions to castles, beaches to resorts, this book features 250 photos of opulent living in beautiful places.

2. Annie Leibovitz At Work, Annie Leibovitz

This 2018 revised edition of Leibovitz’s seminal work is essential reading for all photographers. Directly addressing aspiring photographers and fans of the art form, Leibovitz covers photojournalism, studio work, photographing different professions, and the transition from film to digital cameras.

3. Japanese Interiors, Mihoko Iida

Japanese Interiors by Mihoko Iida book cover.

From the former executive features editor of Vogue Japan comes this stunning book exploring Japanese residential interiors. Exploring the philosophy of bringing the natural world into the home, the book catalogues twenty-eight private homes – from city apartments to seaside escapes.

4. History of the World Map by Map, DK

Smithsonian History of the World by Map by DK book cover.

History and geography fans will love this gorgeous history book, published in association with the Smithsonian Institution. With striking illustrations, 140 maps and historical deep dives, this book will broaden your understanding of the forces that have shaped our world.

5. Bauhaus, Magdalena Droste

Bauhaus by Magdalena Droste book cover.

History and geography fans will love this gorgeous history book, published in association with the Smithsonian Institution. With striking illustrations, 140 maps and historical deep dives, this book will broaden your understanding of the forces that have shaped our world.

6. The Elements of Brand Design, Katharina Sussek and Jens Müller

The Elements of Brand Design by Katharina Sussek and Jens Müller book cover.

What is the it-factor that makes a brand stand out? Katharina Sussek and Jens Müller explore the art of branding as an alchemy in which all elements (colour, typography, imagery, sound and motion) must all work in tandem to create something truly memorable. With over 100 case studies, this book deconstructs the design DNA of the world’s most recognisable brands from Nike to Netflix and beyond.

7. By Invitation Only, Bruce Keebaugh

By Invitation Only by Bruce Keebaugh book cover.

From the founder of Australia’s leading premier events company, The Big Group, comes the ultimate look inside some of the world’s most opulent affairs. Tracing 35 years of the group’s adventures, the book features fun photos, a selection of recipes and recollections from truly unforgettable events.

8. Guitar: The Shape of Sound, Ultan Guilfoyle

Guitar by Ultan Guilfoyle book cover.

Learn about the 100 most iconic guitars of all time. Spanning more than 300 years, this book tells the story of the finest and most innovative models from the 17th century to the present day, alongside the musicians who changed the face of popular music with the instrument.

9. Morning, Noon, Night, Soho House UK Limited

Morning Noon Night by Soho House book cover.

In 1995, Soho House was founded as a private members’ club, creating a new way of living focused on design, food, and drink. This 300-page, cloth-bound book takes readers behind the scenes, sharing tips for the ‘Soho House’ lifestyle, from preparing a vegan breakfast to curating a calming bedroom.

10. Tom Ford, Tom Ford and Anna Wintour

Tom Ford book cover.

Fashion fans can attest that this book is almost as iconic as the designer himself. Published to coincide with Ford’s departure from Gucci, this chunky tome features more than 200 photographs and reflections on the designer’s career and craft. Created with Ford’s full cooperation, this is the inside story of Gucci’s turnaround and the boundary-pushing designs of Tom Ford.

11. Feline, Tim Flach

Feline by Tim Flach book cover.

From one of England’s most prolific wildlife photographers comes this book of over 180 photographs featuring fantastic felines. From show champions to internet stars, this book catalogues compelling cats with stunning photos that capture the spirit of the popular – but polarising – domestic pet.

12. Marc by Sofia, Sofia Coppola

Marc by Sofia by Sofia Coppola book cover.

When Sofia Coppola and Marc Jacobs first met over twenty years ago, the friendship was almost instant. In this companion book to the documentary of the same name, this book captures the filmmaker’s portraits of Marc Jacobs’ life and work in fashion, from studying at Parsons to his 2024 runway show.

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