When working with clients their interior styling requirements differ. Some clients like minimal coffee tables, for example a tray with a vase of flowers. While others like a lot of decorative pieces on their coffee tables, including books. Here are my must have coffee table books.
Books about things you love
To create a unique and personal space you need to choose coffee table books about topics you love.
Rather than buy and display the stock standard books such as Chanel and Tom Ford. Unless you truly love fashion there is something forced about displaying these types of books.
On a recent trip to Readings in Carlton I noticed coffee table worthy books on a range of topics, from craft, nature, art, design, architecture, travel, food and so on. Pick books on topics you love for a personal touch to your space.
These books also don’t have to be big. I have novels on my coffee table as well as a big chunky books.
Some of my favourite coffee table books
The selection I’m about to share reflects my personal interests, both personal and professional. My first book has to be Why Design Matters by Debbie Millman.
Until recently I didn’t know who Debbie Millman was but I learnt about her listening to a Brene Brown podcast. Turns out Debbie Millman is a highly successful graphic designer, podcaster, author, etc etc.
I enjoyed this podcast so much and hearing from another creative explain her process so articulately was heartening.
Another book I love is from the Brene Brown. In a beautiful illustrated book called Atlas of the Heart she talks about all the different emotions and feelings which helps us to explain our needs more precisely.
Another book I like for my coffee table is Resident Dog by Nicole England. Nicole is an architecture photographer and her images of beautiful spaces are made more interesting with the resident dog.
Second hand coffee table books are just as good
Another coffee table book I picked up recently is the Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jacku. I mention this book because I bought it in a second hand book store. So while coffee table books can be expensive, second hand book shops can yield gem finds.
There are so many other coffee table book that I am interested in on travel, my favourite artists and art in general, my love of film, just too many to mention.
Not only do these books help elevate your styling but they also tell your guests a little bit about you and your life and design story, which I think is really nice.
Books like this also tend to be good conversation starters and if your guests have similar interest they can also bring people together. So they’re my favourite coffee books and I hope you choose books that mean something you.
