There’s nothing like a beautiful coffee table book. Weighty, heavy, and well-bound, a coffee table book serves not only as a way to distract company while you wrangle together a couple of cocktails and an acceptable platter, but as a means of self-expression, with each coffee table book providing a glimpse into the interests of its owner. Spanning interior design, travel, photography, and fashion, the best coffee table books offer a rich display of imagery and inspirational text, making for pieces of decor in themselves and elevating even the humblest of coffee tables.
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To get your coffee table book collection off to the right start, these are a few of our favourites.
1. The Sartorialist India
This coffee table book by Scott Schuman (alias: The Sartorialist) conjures up both fashion inspiration and wanderlust in one. Schulman captures the vibrant, multifaceted beauty of India’s major cities and their inhabitants, imbuing each photograph with his discerning eye for photography and appreciation for beautiful design.
2. Montblanc: Inspire Writing
Tapping into the old adage that pen is mightier than the sword, this tome explores the power of old-fashioned handwriting through the Montblanc lens; a brand synonymous with refined writing culture. Authored by journalist Alex Fury, Montblanc: Inspire Writing uses beautiful product visuals in conjunction with archival images and documents to showcase the unique identity of Montblanc, while reminding us of the power of putting pen to paper.
3. Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott
Creative duo Mert and Marcus have shot some of the most iconic faces and renowned campaigns of our time; from Kate Moss and Madonna to Givenchy and Gucci. Influenced by photographer Guy Bourdain, their sultry, glamorous style has cemented them as two of the most defining photographers in fashion today.
4. Chair: 500 Designs That Matter
Remember Kramer’s coffee table book on coffee tables? We think he’d appreciate this coffee table book on chairs. True to the title, this tome focuses on the humble chair, exploring how hundreds of internationally renowned designers create works of art by reinterpreting the inherently utilitarian object.
5. The Rihanna Book
The Rihanna Book takes readers (or skimmers) from her childhood in Barbados to her sold-out tours, showcasing intimate photographs of Rihanna’s life as an artist, performer, designer, and entrepreneur. With over a thousand photographs, including many that have never been seen before, The Rihanna Book is a necessity.
6. Camp: Notes On Fashion
Still confused about that 2019 Met Gala theme? Say no more. This coffee table book by Andrew Bolton draws from Susan Sontag’s seminal 1964 essay ‘Notes on Camp’, exploring the sartorial manifestations denoted in the essay while adding new insights to the concept in the form of images and text. In true camp style, it comes housed in chic pink pastel form.
7. Zuber: Two Centuries of Panoramic Wallpaper
An unflinching celebration of luxurious design, this coffee table book explores the widespread influence of Zuber & Cie wallpapers since its founding in 1797. Zuber: Two Centuries of Panoramic Wallpaper is rife with dreamy interior design inspiration, featuring stunning photographs of borders, ceiling roses, and walls from homes across the US, France, and the UK.
8. The Architecture of Chanel by Peter Mariano
Charting the storied relationship between American architect Peter Mariano and French fashion house Chanel, The Architecture of Chanel is a masterclass in commercial architecture. Having designed over a dozen Chanel stores in major cities, Mariano expertly showcases how a black-and-white colour palette can be interpreted in myriad ways and effortlessly adapted to various locations. As well as glossy images of each Chanel boutique, this coffee table book also includes floorplans and original sketches, providing a unique insight into the mind of a master.
Words by Theo Rosen
Feature image courtesy of Nancy Nolan
