15 Best Coffee Table Books for Your Interior

Interior Design: Sarah Elizabeth Design - Photo Carly Jara Photography

I cant say enough about the effects books have on a space. A home just isn’t complete without them, and the more the better to add warmth and character. Nearing the end of each project an intergral part of our job as interior designer is to find accessories and many times books for our clients. This can range from a few great coffee table books, to suites of books to fill newly built bookcases we designed, or to put into pretty piles with a bud vase or interesting ceramic piece on top, placed on a bookshelf or coffee table for example. Seeing that finding the best coffee table books may not come naturally to many, we compiled a list of our favorites from over the years, ranging from design and art books, to photography, fashion and travel books. Hope this edited grouping of books brings you some joy and ease in starting or adding to your collection, and offers your space the finishing touches needed to make a house truly a home filled with personality.

Interior Design: Sarah Elizabeth Design - Photo Carly Jara Photography

ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY BOOKS:

Described as painted poetry - Cy Twombly’s work never stops inspiring, whether seeing his work in person at a museum or gallery, or in the pages of one of his books. Unlike other painters, his unique use of lines and at times writing, combined with vibrant colors is wonderfully unexpected, and unlike other art from the 60’s and 70’s, or even now.

Slim Aarons, the iconic 60’s-70’s photographer’s newest book is a must purchase, transporting you to exotic islands and chateau’s alike, while you find yourself wanting the outfits worn by his models that seem as relevant today as they did a half century ago.

Because everyone should have some pop art in their home and Andy Warhol’s book gives a bite size dose of that.

An all-time favorite artist who’s influenced so many since, who’s brilliant use of color instantly inspires by simply opening a page, De Kooning A Retrospective is a must addition to your home library, and perfect to place on a coffee table.

The trailblazer who didnt conform to norms and paved the way for women artists everywhere, Georgia O’Keefe’s work is ever inspiring and relevant.

Spotted in Rizzoli Bookstore last year, I was mesmerized by Anne Brigman’s magical photographs and had to have her book. Prepare to be enchanted.

interior design books:

Kelly Wearstler’s maximalist style is so captivating, while filled with bold color, texture and vibrance, it supplies endless inspiration even just flipping through a few pages. You’re bound to be awed and inspired by her fearly designs.

Ilse Crawford’s book Home Is Where The Heart Is is the first design book I ever bought 15 years ago when it came out. I poured over the pages and find the interiors just as beautiful and timeless now as i did then, not to mention the lush red satin book cover…

Jacques Grange is another long time favorite interior design and one I always thought should be a household name for design with his masterful mix of French furniture mixed with important contemporary designs, something i hadnt seen done so well before viewing his work.

Not like any other designer or tastemaker, Madeleine Castaing seemed to invent her own style using neoclassical elements mixed with pure whimsy in the turn of the twentieth century. She was a trailblazer who countless looked to and continue to for design inspiration to this day.

Lastly, French House Chic has some of the yummiest authentically French interior shots out there. I stumbled on this book at Rizzoli in New York, and dont think I’ve seen a more beautiful book cover, let alone unique French interiors.

fashion Books:

If you have seen a Dior gown in person, then you just know and will want any book with their masterful designs in your life. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing shows both in Paris and at the MET in New York, and they’ve always left me completely speechless. The level of detail, hand emrbodery and how they fit, and drape, I’d never seen until viewing his gowns. No wonder there is a movie about his gowns, Mrs Harris Goes to Paris, with designs so fabulous I had to include a second book of their designs, below.

Following suit, Valentino is another iconic designer of some of the worlds most gorgeous gowns. As anyone has seen when walking by one of their boutiques, or seeing their gowns in a museum, like the MET, their designs are flawless and the epitome of haute couture fashion. What better than to bring a tiny piece of it home, if not a gown itself.

I‘ve always had a fascination with Japanese Street style as its like no other fashion movement, with a maxamilist mindset, and is showcased from top to bottom of a person, with hair accessorized or dyed a fun color, down to a person’s shoes adorned and accessorized. It all reads as fun and whimsical, with nods to Japanese cartoon characters and anime, and bring a sense of curiosity and playfulness - something we all need more of!