11 Must-Have Coffee Table Books Every Design Lover Needs

We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Coffee table books tell a lot about a person. They hint at values, goals, or simply what someone finds interesting. My set features interior design, self care, and Taylor Swift. That says a lot about me!

If you’re a design lover, a curated collection of coffee table books is a great way to show off your passions and get inspired. They can be a source of ideas for a future design refresh, or a way to unwind during a quiet afternoon. And when they’re not in use, they make quite the stylish decor objects. Complete your set with 11 different coffee table books to choose from, including Camille’s picks. I’ve separated them by genre, ensuring there’s a little something for everyone.

Mediterranean Design

If salty air, crystal blue waters, and olive trees make you swoon, then pick up Camille’s choice of The Mediterranean Home. Mediterranean interior design is light and airy, inspired by the coastal lifestyle of seaside towns. This coffee table book tours homes set in locales like Greece, Portugal, and Italy, where indoor-outdoor living is a way of life. So if you’re looking to follow suit, this book could be perfect. But keep in mind that The Mediterranean Home is published in Europe, so the title on the spine will appear upside-down when laid flat on a surface. 

Surf Shacks

The surfer lifestyle is famous for its laid-back feel and connection to nature, which appeals to anyone who lives near or far from the shore. Filled with eclectic homes nestled in beach towns, cabins in Hawaii, and even New York City apartments, Surf Shacks is all about how surfers live with the waves in mind. And even if you’ve never surfed, the aesthetic can still be for you. After all, who doesn’t love the look of an endless vacation? Stack these titles beneath shells, or keep them next to a worn-in leather chair—both are casually cool.

Modern Desert

Oasis: Modern Desert Homes Around The World is an ideal option for those drawn to the landscapes of New Mexico, Chile, Texas, and Peru. Camille’s home is full of modern desert design, as is Casa Zuma, so no wonder she suggests this book! The pages take a peek at sun-drenched homes with beautiful architecture in arid locations all over the world. This design style is all about honoring this aesthetic with warm whites, rich hues, and plenty of natural light.

Countryside Style

An English countryside home is utterly charming. Their famously lived-in details make small to large estates feel cozy. Camille likes Rural Retreats, a gorgeous look into countryside living. Unfortunately, it’s out of print, but there are other options that show the craftsmanship that country homes have in spades: overstuffed armchairs, walls full of books, and lots of vintage accents. If you’re craving cozy spaces, this is for you.

California Casual

Jake Arnold is an LA-based interior designer who blends California styling with classic European vibes. His coffee table book, Redefining Comfort, explores nine different projects that exemplify his casual-cool approach, including insights like mood boards, sketches, and swatches. In other words, California style lovers will take this as an informative and inspiring read.

Environment-Based Design

The best interiors often reflect their immediate surroundings. A lakeside cabin, a city loft, or a farmhouse has aesthetic opportunities baked in! Camille picks Sense of Place: Design Inspired By Where We Live for style that sticks close to home. Authors Caitlin Flemming and Julie Goebel showcase 20 examples and discuss how each one pulls from its distinct environment. This book will help take your own neighborhood into account during the design process.