Because empty wine bottles don’t count as decor.

Words by Tatjana Freund

Newsflash: Coffee table books aren’t just beautifully designed, top-shelf-ready decor. They tell guests what you’re about before you can say a word. “Coffee table books are one of my favorite decorative accents—they introduce texture [and] tone, and provide an insight into your personality,” Natalie Walton, an interior designer, home stylist, and author, told BAZAAR. “They can be used in multiple spaces—not only on a coffee table, but sideboards, shelves, and stools.”

Prince Dimitri & Lavinia Branca Snyder “Once Upon a Diamond: A Family Tradition of Royal Jewels”

SHOP AT AT BERGDORF GOODMAN

This book of royal jewelry designs is what every diamond-loving girl deserves. Whether you’re obsessed with design, all things sparkly, or royal families, this book will provide plenty of accessorizing inspiration.

Dimensions: 10.28 x 1.16 x 13.3 inches

Pages: 228

BEST PHOTOGRAPHY COFFEE BOOK

TASCHEN “Andy Warhol: Polaroids 1958–1987”

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This collection of polaroids taken by Andy Warhol is a classic coffee table book. It’ll give a glimpse into three decades of spectacular outfits and iconic celebrities, and will definitely make you want to start documenting your house parties with your camera.

Dimensions: 9 x 11.4 inches

Pages: 408

BEST INTERIOR DESIGN COFFEE TABLE BOOK

Flammarion-Pere Castor “Axel Vervoordt: Portraits of Interiors”

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Axel Vervoordt is a renowned entrepreneur, known for his eye for design and antique collections. This book highlighting eighteen residences shows his insight into and awareness of space–and will no doubt inspire you to completely re-do your apartment. This book is also a favorite of Walton’s: “Some recent favorite [coffee table books] are both by Axel Vervoodt—Wabi Inspirations and Portraits of Interiors,” she said.

Dimensions: 9.4 x 1.4 x 12.3 inches

Pages: 320

BEST FRIDA KHALO COFFEE TABLE BOOK

TASCHEN “Frida Kahlo: The Complete Paintings”

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Whether you’re an avid fan of Khalo’s work or you’re hoping to learn more, this book gives an illustrated biography of the artist through her work, composed primarily of self portraits.

Dimensions: 15.5 x 11.4 inches

Pages: 624

BEST ARCHITECTURE COFFEE TABLE BOOK

Phaidon “Living in Nature”

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Living in a bustling city leaves a lot to be desired. When you need to imagine a different life, flip through this book that shows how architecture and nature co-exist. But be prepared: you’ll want to move out of the city after page two.

Dimensions: 1.2 x 10.25 x 11.7 inches

Pages: 256

BEST LUXURY COFFEE TABLE BOOK

Alexander Fury “Chanel: The Impossible Collection”

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Chanel redefined luxury, and this book nestles into the fashion house’s collection of high-end, collectible products nicely. A curation of 100 of the brand’s most iconic creations, this book is a must-have for any collector.

Dimensions: 14 x 17 inches

Pages: 232

BEST BEHIND-THE-SCENES COFFEE TABLE BOOK

Assouline “Louis Vuitton Manufactures”

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You know Louis Vuitton’s creations, but how much do you know about the work behind them? Don’t think of this as a fashion book–it explores craftsmanship at the highest level.

Dimensions: 5.1 x 3.7 x 0.6 inches

Pages: 400

BEST COFFEE TABLE BOOK FOR ROYAL WATCHERS

National Geographic “Remembering Diana: A Life in Photographs”

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Princess Diana continues to inspire, whether through her often mimicked street style or her numerous humanitarian efforts. With a forward by Tina Brown, this book contains 100 photographs of the late Diana, showcasing her incredible life.

Dimensions: 8.85 x 0.91 x 8.76 inches

Pages: 200

BEST MAXIMALIST COFFEE TABLE BOOK

“Assouline” Sig Bergamin Maximalism

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Minimalism is out. For house-proud people who want their space to show off their louder-than-life personality, this book on maximalist interiors is all the inspiration you need. From images of wild wallpaper to fierce furniture, this book will make you start decorating as soon as you finish it.

Dimensions: 9.8 x 1.6 x 13 inches

Pages: 304

BEST CITY-INSPIRED COFFEE TABLE BOOK

Susan Kaufman “Walk With Me: New York”

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These photographs are a love letter to New York City. Whether you’re new to the city and want to find the best Instagrammable spaces or you’re a lifelong New Yorker and want to indulge in the beauty of the city, these photographs by Susan Kaufman will make you nostalgic for New York.

Dimensions: 7.3 x 0.95 x 9.3 inches

Pages: 176

BEST YOSHITOMO NARA COFFEE TABLE BOOK

Phaidon Yoshitomo Nara

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You’ve probably seen Yoshitomo Nara’s work, but how much do you know about the artist? Along with a curation of Nara’s most famous pieces, you’ll learn about the inspiration, biography, and style behind this Japanese painter’s beloved artwork.

Dimensions: 11.4 x 9.8 inches

Pages: 330

BEST INSPIRATIONAL COFFEE TABLE BOOK

ASSOULINE Vital Voices

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Who else needs a dose of inspiration today? If reading the news is making you feel hopeless, flip open this book to learn about 100 influential women who are working tirelessly for the world.

Dimensions: 11 x 7.7 x 1 inches

Pages: 220

BEST COFFEE TABLE BOOK FOR DOG-LOVERS

Tim Flach Dogs

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Sometimes the best books to flip through are ones that put a smile on your face. Admire it for the fantastic photography, cute pictures of puppies, or a combination of the two–you won’t be disappointed.

Dimensions: 12.4 x 1.15 x 12.4 inches

Pages: 216

BEST COFFEE TABLE BOOK FOR Y2K FASHION

ASSOULINE Dior by John Galliano

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There’s a whole generation out there that isn’t familiar with the John Galliano era of Dior. If Y2K fashion is really making a comeback, the youngsters need to learn where their TikTok inspo is coming from.

Dimensions: 11.81 x 1.97 x 14.57 inches

Pages: 448

BEST WANDERLUST COFFEE TABLE BOOK

 

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This article originally appeared in harpersbazaar.com