Books books books. Can we have too many?! I say no. Coffee table books are one of my favorite decor items because you can place them just about anywhere. A good one will provide inspiration, good advice, and give you pretty photos of course. Years ago I dreamed of having a tabletop library with stacks and stacks of large books - I think I'm getting closer.
I get my books all over the place. I stop by the bookstore, order online, and of course hunt for them at thrift stores. Check out my favorites below as well as some tips styling tips to consider!
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Build A STRONG Collection
If you can't travel the world, do it with a book.
You can't too many books, or can you? Let's assume no. When I look for books I make sure they excite me. Of course I'm always down for a good interior design book, but also find interest in landscape design, nature, animals, vintage photography, and even pop culture. Look at it from the perspective of a gallery curator. What story do you want to tell? What identifies with you. Curating a 'home library' that reflects your interests makes it more intentional.
Display Them Openly
A simple way to have fun with your space is by leaving a book open on the coffee table. Why? because this gives you (or your guests) something interesting to look at. Maybe it's an elegant interior, a controversial portrait, or a serene landscape that sparks a walk in the park later.
Slow Down
There's something refreshing about holding a physical book for inspiration. We live in an age of Pinterest boards, Instagram, and digital photos in general. A book can slow down the visual consumption and allow you to digest.
Stack Them Up
Bookshelves are great and all but sometimes it's nice to use your tabletops. Stack them in tall groups and it may look like a designer edited your space. It's cool. That's all.
- Superlight : Rethinking How Our Homes Impact the Earth - $18
- Tom Kundig: Houses 2 - $42
- Bernard Trainor: Ground Studio Landscapes - 28
- Casa Mexico: At Home in Merida and the Yucatan - $48
- Wabi-Sabi Welcome: Learning to Embrace the Imperfect - $22
- Inspired by Nature - $25
- Wild at Home: How to style and care for beautiful plants - $21
- Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon -$29
- Pacific Natural at Home - $40
- Oil Painting Secrets From a Master - $25
- Color Me Floral - $19
- Bill Cunningham: On the Street - $35
- Yellowstone: A Land of Wild and Wonder - $42
- West: The American Cowboy - $41
- The Life and Love of the Sea - $31
- The Art of Movement - $33
*stock and pricing at the time of posting
Graciela Montemayor says
Love everything you do, videos, dyi, this web site, thanks to you the books left the dust and get alive all over my house, thanks ❤️ (Now I’m a hunter of branches 😂)
Jorge Gómez says
I love that! Yes, I enjoy decorating with books that are also interesting. Sometimes I will leave one open and change the page every few days 😁
LaLisa says
Omg I am loving your site!! I’m going to try this idea for coffee table books! I’ve been wanting to do this but hate the $100 plus prices of these books I see at the stores! Thanks a million!
Jorge Gómez says
You’re welcome! Thanks Lisa 🙂