As much time as I've spent studying design, I'm still baffled by the use of coffee table books. Their existence seems to be much like that of a tattoo, purely for display and conversation, although both can be argued as having deeper meaning. Whatever the case, I've never been the type to purchase books for display purposes, and my general attitude toward them was as serious as Kramer's The Coffee Table Book Of Coffee Tables. Which if you've never seen, is just another reason why Seinfeld is genius. Recently my attitude toward coffee table books has been changing, and it's not because of the design aesthetic or because I want to show off my love of obscure subcultures. No, my indifference is waning because, quite frankly, there are a slew of jaw-dropping design books on the market, and I'm like a kid in a candy store. Where else can I place these beloved treasures once the bookcase, closet, and storage boxes are full? Why, a front row seat on my coffee table, of course.
Topping my list of so-glad-I-bought-it books is French Home. Available at Borders, this hardcover edition simplifies the mystique that is French decor thanks to the brains of antiques dealer and stylist Josephine Ryan. Priced at $29.95 for new, (or as low as $12 for used) I received 4.0% Cash Back and yet another book to accompany my Sunday morning coffee routine.
Another juicy, glossy photo book is Style and Substance: The Best Of Elle Decor. Covering the first two decades of Elle Decor, this book deserves proper ogling time, and if I may say so, looks great on my coffee table. Available at Barnes & Noble, I earned 8.0% Cash Back thanks to Travel Week, not to mention saving 28% off the list price and receiving free shipping. With hundreds of expertly designed rooms, I know I'll be reaching for this when I need a little inspiration, or even when I don't. So maybe I do understand the logic behind coffee table books. Maybe their owners aren't the showy type after all, maybe they're design/art/fashion/whatever addicts with storage issues, people who would rather have their passions on hand (or on table) instead of stashed away in a closet. Regardless of how I justify this new design approach, I saved a chunk of change and earned even more with Ebates.
Shop more design deals in our Home and Garden category.
Top image courtesy of Desire To Inspire.
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I agree, most coffee table books are bizarre, but I always love design books!
In my humble opinion you have struck upon why coffee table books came into being. Simply because there is only so much room in a home for storage without going outside and we would never do that to our books. So we stack them by chairs and put glass on them to use for end tables. We stack them on end tables, sofa tables, the floor, the fireplace and the list goes on and on. We try to disguise it as a design element by saying... but they look so lovely there with that chicken on top but the truth is we are book obsessed. We call ourselves bibliophiles in an effort to look educated and knowledgeable but lets face it and admit that we are simply addicted to books. They say the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. But I say hang the recovery, give me my books. So what if I don't have enough shelves, if things get to backed up I'll simply stack them up, drill a hole through them and make a lamp so I can read more books :o)
I’ve looked through both of these books you’ve listed and I agree, they are jaw dropping wonderful. Thank you for the review and the well written article.
Thanks for the comments (and compliments). @Pamela - if you ever make that book lamp please send me a pic! I love the craftyness :)