33 Gift-Worthy Coffee Table Books

Sarah Lyon
Sarah Lyon
Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer based in New York City who covers interior design and lifestyle content. She is constantly on the hunt for eye-catching pieces to add to her space and believes that a home is never truly finished being styled.
updated Nov 9, 2021
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Living room with white sofa, colorful pillows, wooden cabinet, large chandelier, and a cat on the coffee table.

Coffee tables are a small yet mighty gift idea that you might not consider at first, but definitely should. Once you start investigating, you’ll realize that there is basically an endless amount of coffee table books out there across every category imaginable, from photography and design to animals and astrology. That means that whether you’re shopping for someone who loves to travel or someone who’s a proud homebody, you’re guaranteed to find something special they’ll love. Check out these 33 options that you’ll want to keep in mind next time you’re shopping for someone who already has it all. (And for even more ideas for people who adore reading, try this list of gifts for book lovers.)

de Gournay: Hand-Painted Interiors
$75$51

We know by now not to judge a book by its cover... but honestly, the cover on this one is just too good to ignore. Open it up to admire de Gournay designs in fabulous homes all across the world.

$51 at Amazon
Rattan: A World of Elegance and Charm
$65$35

Who doesn't love rattan furniture? Whether someone is just now hopping on the rattan bandwagon or has long loved this style, they'll be thrilled to learn all about rattan furniture's history and its everlasting style. Give one to your friend who loves boho decor and another to your coastal chic pal — they'll both enjoy flipping through.

$35 at Amazon
The House That Pinterest Built
$65$31

Everyone loves a coffee table book that doubles as an instant conversation starter, and your friend and their dinner party guests alike will immediately want to flip through this fun read after seeing the apt title and the author (everyone loves Diane Keaton!).

$31 at Amazon
The Little Book of Cottagecore: Traditional Skills for a Simpler Life
$18

Your friend who appreciates life's simple pleasures will enjoy this tiny yet informative book all about cottagecore. It makes for the perfect cozy read during the chilly winter months and is full of ideas on how to get your craft on at home.

$18 at Urban Outfitters
Amalfi Coast
$95

The jetsetter in your life will be thrilled with any of the vibrant books in this series, no matter their luxe travel destination of choice. No matter if they dream of kicking back in the Hamptons or on the Amalfi Coast, there's a book for that — and the covers alone are truly works of art.

$95 at Anthropologie
Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People by Hamish Bowles
$85

Whether they're a religious Vogue magazine reader or just like to swoon over stunning interiors and people living their best lives, they'll fall for this thick read that will provide hours upon hours of inspo.

$85 at Pottery Barn
Design Secrets
$29

British interiors are having a major moment, and Kit Kemp is one of our favorites to turn to when we're craving classic English style. (You may know her from the fabulous Firmdale hotels she's designed in NYC and London!). For those who love doing a deep dive on a new designer, this is the right book.

$29 at Target
In With the Old: Classic Decor from A to Z
$35$14

A to Z books aren't just for kids! This one is a guide to major furniture types and styles — all of which you'll want to keep in your back pocket as you decorate your own home. Design novices and experts alike will enjoy this chic guide.

$14 at Amazon
Live Beautiful
$45$31

Who isn't obsessed with Athena Calderone? Just in case your friend doesn't own this book already, I'm including it here with high praise. The designer and creative shares her own residences and others, and your giftee is bound to fall even more in love with her thoughtful, textural touches.

$31 at Amazon
Rental Style
$25$16

Longtime NYC renter Chelsey Brown put together a helpful how-to for others looking to take their rental apartments from drab to fab. Gift this to your friend who will soon be moving into their first solo place; it's full of clever ideas that are both sophisticated and budget-friendly.

$16 at Amazon
Entertaining Beautifully
$55$31

Good design and fabulous parties go hand in hand, and the serial host in your life will appreciate this helpful book by lifstyle expert Aerin Lauder. After all, who's more of an entertaining pro?

$31 at Amazon
Gray Malin: The Essential Collection
$70$53

Gray Malin is at it again with this oversized book full of jawdropping photographs — from all seven continents, believe it or not. Anyone who already loves Malin's whimsical imagery and creativity will need to add this release to their collection.

$53 at Amazon
Bricks & Brownstone: The New York Row
$85$50

That friend who dreams of one day trading their fifth-floor walkup for their very own brownstone will cherish this book all about New York City rowhouses over time, dating back to the colonial era. It takes a look at different architectural styles and, of course, features countless beautiful images of stately homes all across the city.

$50 at Amazon
Feels Like Home
$45$38

Those who love welcoming, down to earth style will want to pre-order Lauren Liess's latest book (you may know her from her first title, "Habitat") to gift to a deserving friend. Liess writes about the ways in which our homes inform our daily lives, which is something many are always eager to learn more about.

$38 at Amazon
Design the Home You Love
$33

Written by the cofounders of well-known home design service Havenly, this book is filled with gorgeous yet accessible images along with tips on how to master everything from determining your own personal interior style to styling the perfect built-ins.

$33 at Lulu and Georgia
Bibliostyle: How We Live at Home with Books by Nina Freudenberger
$35$18

Know someone who is equally passionate about books and interior design? Give them this book. Curated by designer Nina Freudenberger and featuring photography from Architectural Digest photographer Shade Degges, it highlights the private libraries and bookshelves of famous writers and avid readers from around the world.

$18 at Amazon
Little Book of House Plants and Other Greenery By Emma Sibley
$15

If the recipient's coffee table is tiny, gift a cute little book to complement it. This house plant directory is a guidebook to 60 common house plants, including descriptions, care tips, and lovely illustrations. Give it to your friend who loves their plant babies, or someone who's curious about growing plants of their own.

$15 at Urban Outfitters
A Little Bit of Auras: An Introduction to Energy Fields By Cassandra Eason
$10

This little book focuses on auras, aka the unique rainbow-colored energy fields that surround each person. It covers the basics of identifying and interpreting auras, plus includes spirit-enhancing activities to try at home. Give it to your friend who loves astrology and crystals.

$10 at Urban Outfitters
“Be a Peaceful Cloud” and Other Life Lessons from Bob Ross
$18$13

This book is full of Bob Ross wisdom, and who couldn't use a bit more of that right now? Inside you'll find Bob's most famous quotes and more than thirty of his original paintings, as well as meditative essays on living your best life. Honestly, you'll probably want to buy a copy for yourself, too.

$13 at Amazon
Humans by Brandon Stanton
$35$11

Everyone has a story, and Brandon Stanton, founder of social media's Humans of New York, knows how to tell them better than most. Through first-person accounts and engaging photography, this touching (and oftentimes surprising) book brings readers into the lives of average–and not so average–people around the world.

$11 at Amazon
Conde Nast Traveler Where Are You?
$85

Another great option from Condé Nast Traveler, this book takes its inspiration from the magazine's popular "Where Are You?" contest. The editors compiled 100 of the column's best photos (complete with clues!), letting you figure out where in the world each photo is taken. Not only is the book downright beautiful, but it's also a lot of fun to guess the locations.

$85 at Amazon
Terrain: Ideas and Inspiration for Decorating the Home and Garden
$19

If you're into gardening or outdoor living, then you probably already know about Terrain. This book is full of tips and inspiration for decorating your home and garden with an emphasis on nature, and is divided seasonally to focus on what works throughout the year. Each section includes a design philosophy and guide to seasonally-appropriate materials and plants, plus includes examples of each principle in action. Beautiful and practical.

$19 at Amazon
In The Company Of Women by Grace Bonney
$35$17

This is a great book to have on your bookshelf and your coffee table. It profiles over 100 women who are entrepreneurs, artists, and influencers in creative fields, featuring quotes, tips, and so much more. Give it to your friend who needs some inspiration to tackle that project or start on a new career path.

$17 at Walmart
Bloom Wild by Bari J. Ackerman
$30$24

Have a friend who loves patterns, colors, and all things maximalism? This book is for them. Pegged as a "free-spirited guide to decorating with floral patterns," it's full of tips and inspiration for creating the eclectic home of your dreams. The gorgeous photos just seal the deal.

$24 at Amazon
The Dogist By Elias Weiss Friedman
$13

When in doubt, go with a book about dogs. "The Dogist" is a classic for a reason, and includes 1,000 photographs of dogs of every size, breed, and age. It's based on the popular website and Instagram account of the same name, and is the ideal gift for dog lovers everywhere. (Just make sure they don't already have it!)

$13 at Chewy
Farrow & Ball: The Art of Color
$60$43

Farrow & Ball, the popular paint company, created this book about decorating with color with artist Brian Coleman. It includes stunning shots of interiors from around the world, all of which use colorful paint and wallpaper to great effect, and serves as the perfect complementary piece to a bold living room.

$43 at Amazon
The New Black Vanguard: Photography Between Art and Fashion by Antwaun Sargent
$50$43

A celebration of Black photography, this book is full of striking images of Black models taken by Black photographers, plus includes essays and conversations with the photographers. It's a must-have for anyone who loves contemporary photography, or anyone who's interested in the intersection of race, art, fashion, and culture.

$43 at Amazon
Atlas of Furniture Design
$250$192

This book is a beast. At 1,028 pages, it highlights 1,740 objects from 546 designers and 565 manufacturers over a span of 237 years. (Whew.) It's definitely an authoritative volume, and was put together by 71 different authors to bring you not just photos, but also essays to provide historical context to each furniture piece. Give this to the ultimate design fan in your life.

$192 at Amazon
Icons: 50 Heroines Who Shaped Contemporary Culture
$25$18

We're big fans of Monica Ahanonu's art (which you can find on Etsy!), and this book includes her portraits of 50 iconic women in music, politics, human rights, and film. You'll find Aretha Franklin, Dolly Parton, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Yayoi Kusama, and many more heroines in these pages, as well as a short biography on each. Give it to anyone in your life who inspires you.

$18 at Amazon
Tiny House: Live Small, Dream Big by Brent Heavener
$18$11

Tiny house fans, this one's for you. This book comes from the founder of the @tinyhouse Instagram account, and features photographs of the world's smallest homes, including boats, vans, tree houses, and cabins. And of course, it's designed to fit on even the smallest coffee tables.

$11 at Amazon
Faded Glamour: Inspirational Interiors and Beautiful Homes by Pearl Lowe
$35

For those who love the vintage aesthetic, this book is full of inspiration. It's curated by designer Pearl Lowe, and features photographs of her own home, plus the eclectic homes of her friends. Give it to your friend who prefers the subtle glamour of older interiors.

$35 at Amazon
Beautifully Organized: A Guide to Function and Style in Your Home by Nikki Boyd
$23$17

Who isn't soothed by photos of perfectly organized spaces? This book from professional organizer Nikki Boyd is full of tips and inspiration for creating a functional, organized, and beautiful home, complete with seriously satisfying photos of real homes. Give it to your friend who hates clutter in any form, or who just moved into a new place and is ready to reorganize.

$17 at Amazon
Wild Interiors: Beautiful Plants in Beautiful Spaces by Hilton Carter
$25$14

Hilton Carter, aka the "plant doctor," doesn't just know how to take care of plants; he's also an expert at styling plants in real homes to create a welcoming, happy space. His book not only includes a guide to his favorite house plants, but also features 12 plant-filled homes that will provide endless inspiration for decorating with plants in mind.

$14 at Amazon

Additional reporting by Nicole Lund

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