The coffee table book is a way to bring culture and art into our living rooms. They allow people to learn about different subjects in an interesting yet less threatening manner. The best coffee table books are those that can be picked up, browsed through and learned from.
One of the most popular types of coffee table books is a photography book, as they allow the viewer to experience places and events without being there. It is a great way to live through the photographer’s eyes for a moment in time.
Another popular coffee table book is one that contains a compilation of images on a particular theme or subject. Themes range from images of nature to images of celebrities. These types of books can be a great way to learn more about a particular subject or become acquainted with a new subject altogether.
These books also make for great gifts as well. You can give them to just about anyone who likes art or photography, and you can be sure that they will appreciate it. They also make for great coffee table decor.
Looking for a beautiful and inspiring coffee table book to give as a gift or for your living room? We’re here to help! Below, we take a look at some of the best coffee table books available in Australia.
1. Wine Simple: A Totally Approachable Guide From a World-Class Sommelier
Wine Simple is a great coffee table book for anyone with an interest in wine or who would like to learn more about wine. This book gives great information on different types of wines and different wine tasting events. The author has made the complex subject of wine into something simple and easy to understand.
This book makes for great coffee table decor, for your home bar, or if you are a host for parties. It can help you learn more about wines and help you choose the right wine for your guests.
2. The Ultimate Sneaker Book
The Ultimate Sneaker Book is a fantastic coffee table book full of high quality photographs and information on different types of sneakers. This book is sure to be a topic of interest and conversation among your guests. For anyone who is passionate about sneakers or is interested in fashion, this book would make an excellent addition to any coffee table.
3. Australian Dreamscapes
The book Australian Dreamscapes is a collection of stunning photographs of Australian gardens. The photographer, Claire Takacs, shares with us a wide variety of gardens and gardeners from across Australia with a focus on a more naturalistic approach to planting.
The book features 22 beautiful gardens along with essays from the garden owners or designers. These essays detail the story of the gardens, including their motivation, struggles, and rewards.
4. Epic Hikes of the World
The book Epic Hikes of the World is a collection of the most beautiful hikes in some of the most beautiful places on Earth. Each page features vivid photographs, descriptions of the hike, directions and everything else you need to know to complete these amazing hikes.
This book is great for anyone who loves hiking or nature and would make an excellent addition to any coffee table or bookshelf.
5. The Obama Portraits
The Obama Portraits is a beautiful coffee table book showcasing the paintings of American President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. The book also features exclusive behind the scenes images of the Obamas during their sittings, along with a transcript from the unveiling ceremony, which includes comments by the Obamas and the artists. The iconic paintings were first unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery in 2018 to critical acclaim.
6. The Atlas of Beauty
The book The Atlas of Beauty is a beautiful collection of photographs and descriptions of everyday women from around the world. Each photograph displays the natural beauty of the women, no make-up, hair styling or photographic tricks are used.
7. The Hidden Life of Trees
The Hidden Life of Trees is a fascinating book on how trees are actually sentient beings that form friendships, fall in love and have families. The author describes a whole range of human-like emotions and behaviours exhibited by trees.
This book has been criticised by some for being too imaginative but it has also gained a huge following among others who say it has changed the way they look at trees.
This book would be very interesting to anyone who has an interest in nature and trees in particular.
8. Near & Far: Interiors I Love
Near & Far: Interiors I Love gives an insight into the world of interior design. The book was created by Lisa Fine, who is a world-renowned interior designer who has worked on some of the most famous homes in the world. Her creative style has made her one of the most sought-after designers in the industry.
9. The Incomplete: Highsnobiety Guide to Street Fashion and Culture
The Incomplete is the latest book from the highsnobiety magazine. This is a resource for anyone who is interested in street fashion, sneakers, skateboarding, music, art and culture in general.
The book is a guide that features reviews of some of the best places to shop for fashion items, breaks down some of the most popular street fashion trends, and even includes a list of music and films that every culture enthusiast should see or listen to.
The book also features the latest in technological innovations in clothing as well as guides to help you find your own personal style. This is the perfect gift for anyone interested in street fashion and culture.
10. New York by New York
One of the most iconic cities in the world, New York, is a center of business, entertainment and culture and it has a long and interesting history. In this stylish book, Martine Assouline takes us through the most important periods of New York’s history with glimpses into important areas and events that have shaped the city we see today.
11. World Architecture Masterworks
The book World Architecture Masterworks is a collection of what the author considers to be the best architecture from around the world. The book features reproductions of some of the most famous buildings in human history, along with information about each building’s unique history and importance in the world of architecture.
This book is perfect for anyone interested in architecture or who would like to learn more about this fascinating topic.
12. Waves: Pro Surfers and Their World
Waves: Pro Surfers and Their World is a book that gives an insight into the world of professional surfing. The book follows the lives of three different pro surfers over the course of one season. From injury to championship contendership, this book takes you through the life of some of the most famous surfers on the planet.
This book is perfect for anyone who likes surfing or sports in general.
13. Tom Ford
The book is about the fashion designer Tom Ford and his rise to becoming one of the most well-known and important names in the world of haute couture.
14. Grace: Thirty Years of Fashion at Vogue
Grace: Thirty Years of Fashion at Vogue is a book that gives an insight into the world of fashion magazine publishing. The book is broken up into different sections that focus on specific decades, with each section being introduced by a famous editor from that time period. The book includes photographs from different photo shoots that were featured in the magazine over the years, with each one giving a unique insight into how fashion has changed over the past thirty years.
15. Mr. Ken Fulk’s Magical World
Ken Fulk is a world-renowned interior designer who has worked on some of the most famous homes in the world. His unique style has made him one of the most sought-after designers in the industry.
16. The Perfect Kitchen
The Perfect Kitchen is a book that gives an insight into the world of kitchen design. The book is broken up into different sections that focus on specific aspects of kitchen design. The book includes photographs of kitchens to inspire, along with information about why they are so unique and special.
17. prettycitylondon: Discovering London’s Beautiful Places
The book Prettycitylondon: Discovering London’s Beautiful Places is a collection of photographs and descriptions of some of the most beautiful places in London. This book is great for anyone who loves architecture or design and would make an excellent addition to any bookshelf.
18. Interiors (Orange Edition)
Interiors (Orange Edition): The Greatest Rooms of the Century is a collection of photographs and descriptions of some of the most impressive interiors in the World. Each photograph displays the interior, including all the little details that make each space unique. This book is great for anyone who loves interior design.
The book was first published in the year 2000.
Tips for Choosing a Coffee Table Book
There are several factors to take into consideration when you’re choosing a coffee table book.
The most important factor to consider is the theme or topics covered in your chosen coffee table book. If it’s a gift, you want to choose a book the person you’re giving it to will enjoy. A popular choice is a book about celebrities or famous people, these books usually contain hundreds of pictures of the celebrities in question. These are great for anyone who loves movies, fashion, and culture.
Another popular choice is a book about landscapes. These books usually contain hundreds of pictures of landscapes from all around the world. These are great for anyone with an interest in nature, photography, or travel.
The size of the book is another consideration. You want to choose a book that fits nicely on your coffee table, but you don’t want it to be too big or too small.
Other factors to consider are the price, the number of pages, and the pictures inside. Usually the more expensive the book, the bigger and better quality it is. For extended browsing pleasure, you want a lengthy book that full-colour pictures throughout.