Good to Know: Our Favorite Coffee Table Books

by Marcie Busath, Stylist

I will never forget touring the family home of a dear friend from college. Their house was not only extremely unique, but beautifully appointed and full of history. Each room had interest that was specific to her family and their story. The most unforgettable room was her father’s study, where there were piles and piles of books all around the room. One could barely walk through and I can still remember the distinct impression of what kind of person he was and what was important to him. I think books have a way of conveying the stories of individuals and families.

One of the easiest ways to personalize a space is to add great books that showcase places you love, subjects that interest you, artists that speak to you and designers who inspire. Today we are sharing a selection of coffee table books that we have in our own homes and love. Many we keep using for our clients, because they are so wonderful. While it is helpful to find books that are beautiful on the outside (cover) it is far more important to find ones that are meaningful to you and the pages inside provide value to your world. Below are just a few of my favorites as well as favorites of our collective.

-Marcie

Cabinet Of Natural Curiosities by Albertus Seba

“The stunning drawings shared in this book are centuries old from pharmacist Albertus Seba. This collection displays hundreds of pages of natures beauty. It’s one of my favorites for its color, detail and size. Definitely a showstopper that everyone can enjoy.”

The Anatomy of Color: The Story of Heritage Paints & Pigments by Patrick Baty

“I love everything about this book. It beautifully catalogues the history, use and science of color and its presence in our every day lives.”

The Architecture of Trees by Cesare Leonardi and Franca Stagi

“Another gorgeous study of how mother nature is the greatest artist. Artist depictions of dozens of trees showcase how each is a scientific miracle.”

OTHER CURATED SELECTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF OUR COLLECTIVE

Women by Slim Aarons

“I'm a fan on Slim Aaron's - his photography composition mixed with the architecture is so great. And I'm fascinated with the 50's era. A fun pop of color book.”

-Marianne Brown

The Things That Matter by Nate Berkus

“I love hearing Nate's perspective on life and how it intersects with design. An all-time favorite for sure. “

-Marianne Brown

Old Home Love by Candis Meredith and Andy Meredith

“One of my favorites to leaf through for old home inspiration. The homes are so well restored/preserved, with lots of charm.”

-Katie Holloman

Fairfield Porter by John Wilmerding and Karen Wilkin

“One of my favorite artists & art books.”

-Katie Holloman

Accidentally Wes Anderson by Wally Koval and Wes Anderson

“This book just makes me glad—cheery, symmetrical, quirky scenes & spaces. Looks even better without the dust jacket.”

-Katie Holloman

Le Corbusier by Jean-Louis Cohen

“I like this series because they’re sort of in between a textbook and a coffee table book—they have great pictures, but feel educational as well.”

-Katie Holloman

Liberty’s Furniture 1875-1915 by Daryl Bennett

“I love this one! But I’m a history nerd. The cover is brown with gold writing. Classic!”

-Georgia Barnes

The Louvre: The History, The Collections, The Architecture

by Genevieve Bresc-Bautier and Gérard Rondeau

“I love this one for the art and architecture.”

-Maddie Kiene

Landscape Painting: Essential Concepts and Techniques for Plein Air and Studio Practice by Mitchell Albala

“I have loved reading this book, its not only pretty for your coffee table but it is very insightful and helpful by teaching you step by step how to paint a landscape and how to do it meaningfully.”

-Maddie Kiene

Time-Life Library of Art - The World of Rembrandt by Robert Wallace

“I love coffee table books, but I lean towards all things old...my favorites are the Life-time Library of Art books. You can still get them on Amazon and I think they are pretty affordable if used. I grew up with an artist mother so very early on I found a love of art. These give a great description of the artist with some of their work. They come in a cool box jacket too.”

-Sara Badger

Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World's Most Amazing Places by National Geographic

“I love to dream of all the amazing places I could go and planning vacations that I know will often never happen, but more than that the world and its beauty amaze me.”

-Lindsay Rosander

Women: The National Geographic Image Collection by National Geographic

“I am a mom of 4 wonderful girls. I love this book that shows them so many inspiring women. Women that are all so different who each do amazing things.”

-Lindsay Rosander