Neutral coffee table books are an example of a home decor item that thrives in both form and function. On the exterior, coffee table books provide all of the elements of visual apeeal – height, texture, depth, and interest. While on the interior, they provide dozens of inspirational images to spark creativity.

Neutral coffee table books were among the first decor items I bought to decorate my first home. This was primarily because I wasn’t yet sure of my design style and I knew that a stack of coffee table books would integrate easily into any style of decor.  The second reason was that this was one of the easiest ways to beautifully fill all of the empty space that comes with a new place.

All of the neutral coffee table books on this list are authored by experienced interior designers who understand how these books will be used and have skillfully crafted hardcovers that double as home decor.  I have carefully chosen not only the most beautiful coffee table books, but also the most helpful books that will help you discover your own unique style.

Best Neutral Coffee Table Books

 

1. Architectural Digest 

This is America’s sweetheart of the coffee table book world. The pages take you on a visual journey through 100 years of iconic designs by top interior designers and architects. If you get only one coffee table book in your lifetime, I would recommend this one.

2.  Made For Living

Amber Lewis gives insight into designing a home that is intentional, yet livable. Lewis grants us the permission we all secretly need to experiment with all sorts of colors, patterns, textures, and styles to create a home that is uniquely and beautifully your own.

3. This Is Home

In an age deeply rooted in consumerism, This is Home, is a refreshing reminder that creating a home is less about how it looks and all about how it feels. This is a perfect book for anyone looking for tips on making their space feel more authentic to them without a complete overhaul.

4. Wabi Inspirations

“Wabi-sabi” is a Japanese interior design aesthetic that can be loosely defined as the appreciation of the beauty in natural imperfection and simplicity. Wabi Inspirations is intended to inspire readers to appreciate the refinement of time-worn objects and the serenity that simplicity can bring.

5. Live Beautiful

Creator of EyeSwoon, Athena Calderone, has a way of making spaces with a seemingly unattainable level beauty and charm suddenly feel within reach. With practical tips and ideas, Athena pulls back the veil on creating a collected and elevated space.

6. Your Space Made Simple  

This is the ideal starter book for an interior design novice who is just trying to find their footing on where to begin. From choosing window treatments to understanding how to arrange your furniture, Ariel Magidson breaks down exactly what to do in each step of the home design process.

7. Eat Drink Nap

This is a book for entertainers. If you are a frequent host or hostess (or aspire to be!), you need this book in your life. Here, the experts of the Soho House, an exclusive members club known for perfectly pairing style and coziness, share their secrets to perfecting the art of gathering.

8. Still

From the author of This is Home, Still is another work that places emphasis on really living and thriving in the spaces we create. Specifically, Still addresses the principles of slow living and turns our attention to how our surroundings can affect our overall well-being.

9. Call It Home

Amber Lewis makes the list again for her newest collection of portfolio images and essays. Based on the dreamy sneak peeks shared on social media, I am confident that this will be a book I will refer back to for inspiration for many years to come.

10. Home Body

Joanna Gaines walks her readers through learning to tell their story through their home finishes. Designed to inspire you to take actionable steps, the book even includes a removable template for sketching your own designs.

11. Pacific Natural at Home

Jenni Kayne invites us in to the aspirational homes of her own and others who share the same elevated, California-cool style. The stunning spaces are all designed by women, who also provide inspiring tips for living well.

12. The Art of Home

Shae McGee shares her portfolio of mouth-wateringly beautiful home designs along with tips for making high-end design attainable for any budget in her debut design book, The Art of Home.

 

 

5  Tips for Styling Coffee Table Books in your Home

 

No. 1 – Buy Used, When Possible

Coffee table books are usually kept in better condition than most other types of books. You can really save big by buying used and still receive a book that is in like-new condition. While coffee table books are not the most expensive piece of decor, they are not necessarily cheap and quickly add up when buying multiple books!

 

No. 2 – Remove the Book Jacket

Most coffee table book that have an outer flap have an even more beautiful and simple hardcover hiding underneath. Many of my favorite coffee table books are ones I’ve removed the book jacket from!

 

No. 3 – Stack ’em

Coffee table books are at their most beautiful when stacked, mixed, and matched.  Experiment with what combinations feel best to you. I like to start with stacking a large book with a book that is slightly smaller than the first book on all sides.  From there, you can decide if you would like stop there or add to your stack with a candle, a floral arrangement, a small tray, or another book on top.

 

No. 4 – Implement the Advice of the Designers

While many people consider these to be purely decorative books, all of the works above are filled with practical tips, design advice, and inspiration from some of the best designers in the world.  Anytime I am feeling creatively stuck, referring back to the pages of any one of these beautiful books always gets my creative juices flowing. Resist the urge to only delight in the stunning photography and treat these books like the wonderful resources they are.

 

No. 5. – Use them Everywhere!

Coffee table books are not just for coffee tables!  Use them to add interest to end tables, console tables, desks, vanities, and open shelves. They make the perfect base for any styling and fit nearly every aesthetic.

 

xo, tjp