Editor’s Picks: 5 Coffee Table Books That Deserve A Spot In Your Living Room

In an era where interiors are becoming increasingly expressive and personal, coffee table books function as both visual anchors and narrative devices. They set the tone of a space—whether moody and minimal, lush and maximalist, or somewhere in between. For some, they offer a passport to faraway cities and eras; for others, they preserve the spirit of design legends, fashion revolutions, or cultural shifts in printed form.

To help navigate this layered world of design-forward titles, our editor has handpicked three aesthetic directions—each defined by a unique mood, visual rhythm, and intellectual depth. Whether you’re drawn to modernist calm, eclectic nostalgia, or contemporary cool, these editor-approved selections promise to elevate both your interiors and your imagination.

1. Tom Ford 001 by Tom Ford and Bridget Foley

Bold, sleek, and unmistakably glamorous, this book is a staple in the world of fashion and interiors alike. Chosen for its visual weight and cultural significance, the book’s cover is a masterclass in bold minimalism: a high-gloss black backdrop emblazoned with “TOM FORD” in stark white, all-caps typography. Published by Rizzoli New York, it mirrors the designer’s signature aesthetic—glamorous, polished, and unapologetically modern. The cover alone delivers a sculptural, graphic impact, making it a natural choice for dramatic interiors. But it’s what’s inside that makes it iconic: a sweeping visual archive of Ford’s transformative work at Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, captured through arresting imagery and editorial precision. Whether placed on a monochrome lacquered table or against a smoked glass surface, it anchors any room with style and substance. Simply put, Tom Ford 001 is more than fashion—it’s a design statement that reflects a lifestyle of refinement, confidence, and bold individuality.

2. Miami Beach by Horacio Silva

Miami Beach by Horacio Silva is more than a coffee table book—it’s a mood, a colour palette, and a slice of cultural history wrapped into one. Chosen for its irresistible visual charm, the cover bursts with saturated pastels and sun-washed tones that instantly evoke the city’s retro-cool energy. The book is part of their coveted travel series, and it stands out for its playful yet polished aesthetic. From Art Deco facades to neon-drenched nights, the imagery inside captures the sensual textures of Miami’s unique cultural mash-up—Latin flair, beachside glamour, and architectural nostalgia. The book’s cover alone acts like a ray of sunshine in any interior, making it ideal for a neutral or minimalist setting that could use a pop of colour and personality. Display it on terrazzo, whitewashed wood, or even rattan—this is the book you choose when you want your space to feel like an eternal summer.

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3. Axel Vervoordt: Portraits of Interiors by Michael James

Published by Flammarion, this volume on Belgian designer Axel Vervoordt is a poetic tribute to the art of quiet living. Known for his soulful minimalism and intuitive sense of space, Vervoordt creates interiors that feel timeless, meditative, and deeply human. The book captures his signature style—raw beams, wabi-sabi textures, aged patinas, and light-soaked volumes—with a sensitivity that feels almost spiritual. Each page is a study in restraint, yet nothing feels cold; instead, there’s warmth in the materials, emotion in the emptiness, and clarity in the composition. It’s this balance of minimalism and soul that makes the book an essential object for those drawn to design that transcends trends. As a coffee table book, it’s best paired with a raw wood or travertine surface—materials that reflect its earthy, tactile essence.

4. Give Me Love by Yayoi Kusama

Give Me Love is a vivid window into the psychedelic universe of Yayoi Kusama—one of the most influential artists of our time. Centred on her acclaimed 2015 exhibition at David Zwirner Gallery in New York, the book captures the full sensory impact of Kusama’s immersive installations and iconic polka-dot motifs. More than just a visual spectacle, the work invites viewers into a space where fantasy meets emotional depth, joy intersects with repetition, and colour becomes a language of healing. Page after page, Give Me Love reveals Kusama’s singular voice—playful, surreal, and poignantly autobiographical. As a coffee table book, it’s both a bold colour accent and a conversation starter, perfectly suited to vibrant or experimental interiors. Style it on an acrylic or coloured glass table, or atop a lacquered surface to reflect its glossy, otherworldly charm. It’s not just a book—it’s an invitation to live a little more imaginatively.

Also Read: Eat, Stay, Explore: Discover Copenhagen Through The Lens Of Design

5. Ai Weiwei by Uli Sigg

Part monograph, part manifesto, Ai Weiwei by Uli Sigg is a compelling deep dive into the life, work, and relentless activism of one of contemporary art’s most radical voices. The book spans Weiwei’s evolution—from conceptual installations and architectural projects to his powerful critiques of censorship, surveillance, and political oppression in China. Through sharp essays and potent visuals, it documents not only the work but also the world it challenges. The cover itself is arresting—minimal, weighty, and charged with intention—mirroring the provocative nature of its subject. This is not a book you casually flip through; it demands presence, contemplation, and space. Best styled atop a sharp-edged stone or matte metal surface, it becomes an object of reverence—an altar to resistance, truth, and unapologetic expression. Whether you’re a design lover or a cultural observer, this volume ensures that your coffee table speaks louder than words.

A good coffee table book doesn’t just fill space—it defines it. These five editor-curated titles stand out for their design value, visual richness, and cultural depth. Each one brings something distinct to the table—be it bold photography, compelling architecture, or layered craft. Styled with candles, ceramics, or on their own, they instantly elevate a console, centre table, or shelf. If your home celebrates aesthetic clarity and personality, this selection is not just recommended—it’s essential.