Give your Christmas wish list a twist with these larger-than-life fashion and interior coffee table books—sure to impress guests and elevate your home
Ah, the festive season—when deadlines loom large for students, London’s streets shimmer with Christmas lights and the scent of mulled wine mingles with... stress. Yet, amid the chaos, there’s always room for a bit of indulgence. This year, why not ask for something truly spectacular? Forget the usual socks and pyjamas—instead, aim for a collection of XXL coffee table books that will elevate your interiors and spark conversation.
So, why wait? Let’s dive into the four most coveted coffee table books for fashion lovers, interior design aficionados, and anyone whose aesthetic dreams come to life in the pages of a beautifully bound tome.
The Gold and Silver Medalists in the Race for the Best Coffee Table Fashion Books to Add to Your Collection
Let’s start with a shared belief that every catwalk enthusiast and beyond can agree on: there’s nothing quite like a carefully curated selection of the finest coffee table fashion books.
These shortlisted titles will not only enhance your decor but also deliver the kind of inspiration that makes scrolling through Instagram feel outdated. From iconic fashion volumes to stunning photography fashion books, we’ve got something for everyone. Shall we dive in?
The Undisputed Champion of 2024: “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” by Andrew Bolton
Calling all fashion lovers, dreamers, and incurable romantics! “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” by Andrew Bolton comes straight from this year’s MET exhibition—yes, the one that had us all Googling, “Who exactly is Jun Takahashi of Undercover?”
Why invest? Well, this is a stunning work of art. Comprising a sumptuous 494 pages, it features photography by the renowned Nick Knight, capturing over 200 fashion creations from the world’s leading couturiers and fashion houses. Divided into three sections—Earth, Air, and Water—the book explores the ephemeral nature of garments and their intimate relationship with the body.
View this post on Instagram
“Nature, like fashion, depends on the widest sensory engagement for its fullest sensorial expression,” said author Andrew Bolton, curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City.
Town & Country didn’t mince words: “For fashion fans, there’s no better gift than the book that accompanies the exhibit.” And they’re not wrong. A must-have among the best coffee table books for fashion lovers, it’s the kind of gift that screams, “I have taste, darling.”
A Close Second: “Diverse Beauty” by Alexi Lubomirski
If “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” is a romantic’s dream, then “Diverse Beauty” is a modern manifesto for inclusivity. Photographer Alexi Lubomirski, inspired by Lupita Nyong’o, created this book to celebrate the breadth and depth of human beauty—without caveats or exceptions.
The industry may still be plagued by phrases like, “She’s stunning, but…” (a real quote Lubomirski received when casting models with diverse looks); however, this fashion photography book turns such outdated notions on their head. With striking imagery and undeniable elegance, it stands as a reminder that beauty requires no permission to exist.
View this post on Instagram
More than just an essential addition to your collection of iconic fashion books, it’s a celebration of diverse female beauty. It elevates all forms of beauty and encourages every woman—regardless of race, size, colour, or sexual orientation—to recognise her uniqueness.
In an industry often characterised by exclusivity and a snobbish attitude, Lubomirski proves that inclusivity and openness can be just as effective—if not more so—as Faith Cummings aptly noted in Yahoo Beauty.
The Two Interior Design Coffee Table Books to Suit Every Taste—No Matter How Discerning
Of course, fashion isn’t the only thing worthy of prime coffee table real estate. The festive season often calls for a refresh of your interiors; after all, staring at the same four walls for months on end doesn’t exactly scream “chic,” does it? That’s where the best interior design coffee table books come in—ideal for those seeking inspiration among the top home decor books.
And the Winner Is... “Interiors: The Greatest Rooms of the Century” by Phaidon Editors
“If you happen to be a decorator, there has never been a better time to be a traditionalist. […] Now you are cool,” declares Los Angeles-based interior designer and writer David Netto in this masterwork. And, quite frankly, he’s spot on.
With an introduction by William Norwich, the former interior design and fashion editor at Vogue and The New York Times, and three essays by Graeme Brooker (Head of Interior Design at the Royal College of Art), David Netto, and Carolina Irving (of Carolina Irving Textiles fame), this volume is nothing short of a design lover’s dream.
“Interiors: The Greatest Rooms of the Century” by Phaidon Editors takes readers on a spellbinding journey through 400 extraordinary spaces, including opulent chateaux, sleek penthouses, rustic desert ranches, beachfront escapes, and even tiny urban flats.
View this post on Instagram
Organised alphabetically by designer, this interior design coffee table book casts its net wide, showcasing not only decorators, designers, and architects but also highlighting interiors designed by fashion icons, artists, and cultural trailblazers who have made a significant impact on interior design.
Among the celebrated figures featured are interior design legends like Elsie de Wolfe and Billy Baldwin, fashion moguls such as Giorgio Armani, Pierre Cardin, Gianni Versace, and Coco Chanel, and artistic greats including Pablo Picasso, Cy Twombly, and Georgia O’Keeffe. It also includes an eclectic mix of cultural icons, from Madonna to Jackie Kennedy, creating a diverse and fascinating assortment.
Wrapped in a luxurious black velvet hardcover, this book is more than just one of the best coffee table books for interior design enthusiasts; it’s a piece of design history, ready to demand attention in any living room. Whether you’re flipping through its pages for inspiration or displaying it prominently to impress your guests, it’s the kind of book that makes a statement even before being opened.
This book is also an essential addition for anyone looking for inspiration in home decor. Capturing a century of interior design brilliance across 25 countries, it chronicles the evolution of style from the 20th century to the present day. If interior design is your passion—or even your guilty pleasure—this inspirational treasure deserves a prime spot on your coffee table. After all, who could say no to a touch of black velvet luxury in their home?
Second Place Goes to “How to Live with Objects: A Guide to More Meaningful Interiors” by Monica Khemsurov and Jill Singer
Minimalism may have had its moment, but let’s face it—its austerity often felt a bit joyless. “How to Live with Objects: A Guide to More Meaningful Interiors” by Monica Khemsurov and Jill Singer is a love letter to maximalism—or at least, to the meaningful accumulation of cherished items. This isn’t just another addition to your collection of interior design coffee table books; it’s a manifesto for creating unapologetically personal homes.
Gone are the days of showroom sterility. This book champions rooms brimming with history, personality, and objects that tell your story (or at least a compelling version of it). Packed with inspiring home tours and practical advice, Khemsurov and Singer guide you on a journey to explore the key principles of their design philosophy while addressing essential questions: “What makes an object worth having?” and “How do our belongings shape our lives?”
View this post on Instagram
The book serves as a comprehensive guide to maximising both the visual and emotional impact of your space, regardless of its size, style, or budget. Beyond its stunning imagery, it delves into the art of vintage hunting through personal anecdotes about cherished objects from creatives such as Misha Kahn and Lykke Li, along with expert styling tips that elevate everyday living.
As Artnet wryly notes, “After the Marie Kondo-inspired craze for purging unnecessary objects, this book is a welcome antidote to the idea that accumulating and appreciating stuff is bad.” Indeed, it’s a chic, witty rebellion against the tyranny of tidying up.
What about Modern Coffee Table Books on Architecture? Stick Around to Find Out More.
Not quite ready to stop daydreaming? Step into the world of modern coffee table books on architecture, where the beauty of form meets the function of space. Perfect for architects, design enthusiasts, or anyone who’s ever looked at a building and thought, “If only my house could look like that.”
To discover our handpicked selection, you’ll have to stay tuned—after all, one never reveals all their secrets on a first date.
So, What’s Next?
Whether you’re passionate about modern books on fashion, curating a collection of the best interior design coffee table books, or on the lookout for the perfect coffee table books for architects, these volumes are gateways to beauty and creativity, and your guests are sure to admire them with envious sighs. So go ahead: elevate your home decor, indulge in artistry, and let these tomes transform your space into a sanctuary of style.
Silvia De Vecchi
Librarian, London