The Art of the Coffee Table Book
A thoughtful approach to choosing & styling coffee table books
One item that effortlessly blends form and function in home design is the coffee table book. More than just a pretty cover, these oversized books are often a reflection of your interests and a perfect way to add personality to a space.
Coffee table books also anchor vignettes, add height to layered objects, and offer a tactile break from our screen-heavy lives. Whether stacked in piles or opened to a favorite page, they invite curiosity and spark conversation. I love a good coffee table book!
How to Style Your Coffee Table Books
Stacked: Layer books of varying sizes to stand alone or create a base for candles, catchalls, and decorative accents. For added dimension, fan out a few books or magazines to create an interesting sculptural effect.
Open: Flip to a standout page that complements your room’s mood or season. You can do this on its own or with a book stand to add height and drama to the open pages.
Tip: Use an object to keep the page open. I like to use my grandpa’s old lighter for a personal touch and functional use.
Color-coded: Group books with similar spine colors for a streamlined, intentional mood or look.
Bookends: Use sculptural or eye-catching bookends to group books vertically, adding height to your tablescape while keeping each book easily accessible.
♠ Grace House Rule: Only select books that you actually enjoy. Think of them as a reflection of you—your travels, your taste, your obsessions. A few favorite themes? Interior design, architecture, fashion photography, vintage travel guided, botanical illustrations, and bold art monographs.
COFFEE TABLE BOOK FAVORITES BY CATEGORY:
With Prime Day officially here, I’ve rounded up a curated selection of my favorite finds and organized them for easy browsing in The Book Shop on my website. From inspiring coffee table books on art, architecture, and design to culinary essentials and more, you’ll find everything thoughtfully grouped by category. Perfect for adding a bit of character to your table or gifting to someone who appreciates thoughtful design details.
Choose wisely, display boldly, and let your space tell your story.
*READ IN SUBSTACK
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