5 Eye-Catching Coffee Table Books
Coffee table books are more than a great décor piece for the home. They can also help start conversation with guests and show off your interests and hobbies. From compilations of alluring photos to short stories and recipes, the title options are endless. Here are five of our top suggestions for coffee table books.
The Bucket List: 1,000 Adventures Big & Small
Kath Stathers
For: The traveler
With its beautiful mountainside river cover, The Bucket List immediately captures people’s attention and gets them daydreaming about everything the world has to offer. From wildlife encounters and museums to sports and spectacles of nature, Kath Stathers uses hundreds of beautiful pictures and enticing descriptions to showcase interesting experiences across the globe. Whether you’re looking to add to your travel bucket list or just want to savor the stunning imagery, this book is exceptional for those who love to explore and adventure.
Humans of New York: Stories
Brandon Stanton
For: The people-person
Conceptualized in 2010, the Humans of New York series began when photographer Brandon Stanton took pictures of strangers he met on the streets of New York City and shared their stories on social media. With the online series gaining a significant following, Stanton compiled 500 heartwarming and heartbreaking snapshots and stories into this collection—each page offering a glimpse into the life of a stranger. This is a great addition for NYC lovers, empaths, and anyone who appreciates a compelling story. No matter which page you turn to, you can engage with a new face and journey.
Chinatown Pretty
Andria Lo and Valerie Luu
For: The fashionista
Similar to Humans of New York, Chinatown Pretty is a collection of photographs and interviews, this time focusing on senior citizens living in the Chinatown area of San Francisco, California. Created by Andria Lo and Valarie Luu, the book was driven by the duo’s love for the area and the fashion of senior citizens who reminded them of their own grandmothers. With a strong emphasis on style, this coffee table book showcases outfits and accessories—think bold colors, pops of print, and layered neutrals—and offers an educational dive into culture and history. Ideal for fashionistas, creatives, and advice-seekers, the book’s dazzling displays of style and words of wisdom deserve to be front and center on your coffee table.
Nopalito: A Mexican Kitchen
Gonzalo Guzman and Stacy Adimando
For: The foodie
Fantastic for foodies, this award-winning cookbook brings recipes from the renowned San Francisco restaurant, Nopalito, right into your home. Whether you’re ready to get cooking or simply have an appreciation for stunning food photography, visual representations of moles, salsas, and tamales are sure to provide some delicious inspiration. With 1000 recipes for regional Mexican cuisine, you’ll likely end up in your kitchen whipping up one of its savory suggestions.
Mid-Century Ads
Steven Hiller and Jim Heimann
For: The historian
If you’re someone who enjoys taking a trip down pop culture memory lane, Mid-Century Ads is the perfect choice for you. With advertisements from the 1950s and 1960s, the book is fun to flip through, giving readers a peek into how technology, style, and society have changed over the course of generations. With each ad digitally remastered, colors pop off the page as you journey through a piece of mid-century America. Open it up to look into the past and get inspiration for the future.
More Books for Your Home Library
While coffee table books are fun to peruse, every home needs a few classics on its shelves. Check out our article, “The Best Classics You Must Read Right Now,” to help get your collection started.