When it comes to decorating, there are two items that I don’t think you can ever have enough of: candles and coffee table books. And if you step into my apartment, you’ll see a few of each on every single surface. I love decorating with items that you can use, but also make for super chic décor, and both scented candles and coffee table books fit the bill. And since we’ve blogged about our favorite scents before, I thought it was time to dedicate an entire post to my other favorite home décor item: the coffee table book.
There are many, many reasons why I’m so in love with all kinds of coffee table books… they usually involve some pretty incredibly photography, fun facts, and provide for some interesting reading material. But what I love most is the way their beautiful covers look atop my coffee table… and bookshelf… and console… and side table… and the list goes on. Seriously, a coffee table book instantly transforms any surface, and adds a little extra chic to every corner of your home. So today, I’ve rounded up my 10 all-time favorites, across all different categories. Whether you love fashion, interior design, crafting, travel, or art, there’s something for everyone. Oh, and did I mention that these make for excellent holiday gifts? (With Amazon Prime, they’ll be here by Christmas!) Anyway, take a look below…
1. Yves Saunt Laurent: Style
This one is a must for any fashion lover. Not only are hundreds of YSL’s most beautiful pieces featured, but the pretty pink cover is reason enough to pick one of these up. It adds the perfect pop to any surface you put it on.
2. Valentino: Themes and Variations
I must admit, I bought this one for the cover too. How gorgeous is that gown? However, the inside is even prettier. Hundreds of Valentino’s haute couture pieces grace the pages. It is guaranteed to make you fall in love with fashion all over again.
3. Poolside with Slim Aarons
I’m a big fan of Slim Aarons’ work, and I have a few of his coffee table books. But this one is my favorite. How could you not love pages and pages of glamorous pools? If you want a little escape, take a peek through this one, and you’ll feel like you just went on a mini vacation.
4. Allegra Hicks: An Eye for Design
The cover of this one was what caught my eye, and the pages inside are even prettier. The book takes you through Allegra’s design process, and focuses on her incredible patterns. It’s a must-have for anyone who loves interior design, and will look super cute on any surface in your home.
5. Oh Joy! 60 Ways to Create and Give Joy
Here at LC.com we love to craft. And we also love Joy Cho, aka Oh Joy!. Just like her blog, her book is a bright and colorful guide to adorable DIYs, and each of us has a copy of it. Also, how cute is that cover?
6. When Art Meets Design
This coffee table book is where art and design come together, and it is absolutely stunning. Hunt Slonem pairs vintage furniture with contemporary art in different homes and spaces, and the result is pretty incredible.
7. CZ Guest: American Style Icon
First I fell in love with the cover of this look. The pale pink text, that retro chic romper, and the beautiful dog are a match made in heaven. I also think that C.Z. Guest is one of the chicest women of all time, and this book proves that point over and over again.
8. Domino: The Book of Decorating
I’m a big fan of Domino (the magazine), and have had their coffee table book for years now. It takes you through easy ways to decorate your home, room by room. #ven after all these years, I still find great tips in there.
9. In Vogue: An Illustrated History of the World’s Most Famous Fashion Magazine
No coffee table book collection is complete without at least one by Vogue, and this is my favorite. Also, I love the black and white cover, which is a great contrast to all of the other colorful books I have in my home.
10. The Big Book of Chic
The title really says it all… This book is full of chic interiors, bound to give you some serious design inspiration.
Now, I could go on an on… I have dozens of other favorite coffee table books, but these are my top 10. And, I’m always on the lookout for more. So if you have a favorite that I didn’t list here, make sure to leave it in the comments.
XO Rachel
Team LC
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