I am a fan of coffee table books and living with a boy, my style has changed a bit. Instead of all fashion coffee table books they are mainly travel, history, or London focused but I am on a mission to add a bit more diversity in! If you are not familiar with the concept a coffee table book is actually in the dictionary, defined as “a large, expensive, lavishly illustrated book, especially one intended only for casual reading.” And that’s about right.
I love three to five coffee table books stacked in the center of a larger coffee table around a sitting area, usually near other small decorative items and coasters for drinks. These books are usually a foot in length, hardcover, and 200+ pages that are not meant for intense reading – more for flipping through. Thus, couture, runway, and design are all great topics. For example in September as an amazing early birthday gift – a massive coffee table book with 440 pages and weighing over seven pounds. It was called featuring more than 300 images from the famed photographer’s forty year career. I highly recommend this book if you are looking to start your collection and I have rounded up nine others below:
1 | , 300 pages and available for $52
2 | , 352 pages and available for $46
3 | The World of Federico Forquet: Italian Fashion, Interiors, Gardens , 304 pages and available for $49
4 | Supreme Models: Iconic Black Women Who Revolutionized Fashion, 256 pages and available for $49
5 | Vogue and The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute: Parties, Exhibitions, People, 352 pages and available for $30
6 | HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style, 336 pages and available for $23
7 | Ralph Lauren: In His Own Fashion, 352 pages and available for $34
8 | Tonne Goodman: Point of View, 352 pages and available for $49
9 | Chanel: Collections and Creations, 208 pages and available for $20
I do not have any of these nine on my coffee table yet (thoughI have been eyeing the Chanel one) but they really are gorgeous! It seems the vast majority of them are 352 pages which is a very odd number to me but as you can tell there will be serious heft to them!
Do you own any fashion coffee table books?
Peter says
Next to a blog post on non-fashion coffee table books. There must be great ones on wines and Vinyards, vacation travel shots/spots and a whole host of other topics.
We need some thing for the guys.
Sabrina says
Whenever I’m visiting people that I don’t know very well a coffee table book is my go to gift. Thanks for this great suggestions I will add them to my choices . You could never go wrong.
Nicole says
When my friends come over they always gravitate to get to the Dior book.
Great suggestion for anybody.
Lisa says
Such great suggestions . Perfect for Christmas and hostess gifts.
Marsha says
Interesting suggestions. I will have to take a look. I love coffee table books.