Coffee table books

decor shopping

The Elements of a Perfectly Styled Coffee Table

Admit it, you've been wanting that Pinterest-esque coffee table for some time now.

Admit it, you've been wanting that Pinterest-esque coffee table for some time now. We'll let you in on a little secret: it's rather simple, and all it takes are a few key pieces. Color is key, and accents that lend a personal touch will make it your own. Use this layout as your step-by-step guide or as inspiration to curate the items you already own. Here's how:

  1. First things first, begin with a base. Start the "layering" process with this brushed metal tray ($125) or one similar. Then, style it with small accessories like a gold artichoke ($170) and a scented candle ($60).
  2. Give your guests something to talk about! Coffee-table books that reflect your passions are a great place to start. The bright covers and content from books like The Flower Recipe Book ($25), Paris in Color ($20), and Living in a Modern Way ($60) have stunning images that turn a good read into actual decor.
  3. Add functional accents, too! Handmade agate coasters ($195) will protect your table, while an initialed matchbox (prices vary) and a candle snuffer ($38) lend a sophisticated touch.
  4. Lastly, complete the look with a bouquet of flowers. This arrangement ($250) is stunning, but you can keep it simple by grabbing an inexpensive bunch (around $7) from your local grocer or farmers market and adding them to your favorite vase.
design

DIYs Inspired by the Biggest Moments in Design History

History buffs and weekend warriors will get a kick out of our latest book obsession, Past & Present: 24 Favorite Moments in Decorative Arts History and 24 Modern DIY Projects Inspired by Them.

History buffs and weekend warriors will get a kick out of our latest book obsession, Past & Present: 24 Favorite Moments in Decorative Arts History and 24 Modern DIY Projects Inspired by Them. Penned by Design Sponge Managing Editor Amy Azzarito, this new book connects influential design eras to current decorating trends. Fascinating (but digestible) essays fill in the historical context, while easy-to-follow DIY projects created by top design talent reinterpret them for the modern home. Keep reading to check out our six favorite projects along with a brief history lesson and final reveal for each!

Marketplace

9 Fabulous Design Books For Your Fall Reading List

Coffee-table-book enthusiasts can get an early start on some of the most highly anticipated and newly released design books for Fall.

Coffee-table-book enthusiasts can get an early start on some of the most highly anticipated and newly released design books for Fall. From tomes that celebrate the legendary homes of the fashion and literary elite to tips-oriented page-turners penned by some of the industry's top tastemakers, this Fall reading list is a must for any design lover. Keep reading to see which books will become your new coffee table staples!

Books

The Best Fashion Tomes For Your Coffee Table

When we're not sifting through the shopping racks or magazines, you can usually find our noses buried in a (stylish) book.
The Best Fashion Books 2011

When we're not sifting through the shopping racks or magazines, you can usually find our noses buried in a (stylish) book. After all, nothing makes for a better conversation piece, and house decor to boot, than a gorgeous fashion coffee table tome. From Alexander McQueen's Savage Beauty masterpiece — the closest you're going to get to the now-closed Met exhibit — to a comprehensive look at Christian Louboutin's delectable shoe candy over the years, we compiled all of our favorite books for you to peruse. Click the slideshow to see and shop our top 10 picks now.

Books

Do You Own Animal Coffee Table Books?

I could literally spend hours in the animal corner of my fave bookstore browsing over all the picture and instructional "how-to" books I can get my hands on.

I could literally spend hours in the animal corner of my fave bookstore browsing over all the picture and instructional "how-to" books I can get my hands on.

When I stopped in at Fideaux St. Helena, I probably should have started to pay rent since I was standing there so long leafing through the glossy pages of books like "Little Dogs," and "Winery Dogs." I have plenty of these types of books myself, I can't help but stop and gush every time I see the cute pups on the covers! Do you own any animal coffee table books?