Why Coffee Table Books Are Back (and How to Style Them Like a Pro)
- Staff
- May 14
- 2 min read
In a digital world full of scrolling and swiping, there’s something grounding about holding a book in your hands especially one filled with visuals, meaning, and stories. Enter: the coffee table book.
What used to be a status symbol in the 80s and 90s is now making a bold and beautiful comeback and for good reason. From modern design lovers to creative entrepreneurs, everyone is rediscovering the power of the coffee table book to set a vibe, start conversations, and showcase culture in real time.
But First, Where Did Coffee Table Books Come From?
The term “coffee table book” became popular in the 1960s, though its roots go back to the late 1800s. Initially created as oversized, visually rich books meant for display—not deep reading—they were designed to be looked at, admired, and shared.
Think of them as artistic décor meets printed storytelling.
Artists, photographers, and historians quickly saw coffee table books as an opportunity to showcase a curated world of ideas—from fashion and architecture to identity and political expression.
Why They're Trending Again (Especially in 2025)
Here’s why coffee table books are having a serious main character moment again:
They’re personal. A great coffee table book says something about who you are, what you value, or how you want your space to feel.
They’re timeless. In a world of fast content, a book feels like it has weight—literally and emotionally.
They’re functional art. A book can be art. A stack of them? A mood.
They’re collectable. More and more artists (especially Black and disabled creators) are reclaiming this medium to tell their stories, on their terms.
How to Use Coffee Table Books in Your Space
1. Create a Visual Focal PointLayer a coffee table book with a candle, a small sculpture, or a textured tray. You just created an entire vibe.
2. Rotate With the SeasonsFeeling bold in the summer? Add colorful or abstract art books. In winter? Go moody with minimalist or black-and-white photography.
3. Use Them to Start ConversationsBooks that reflect your culture, identity, or passions spark real talk. Choose titles that mean something to you or align with your creative energy.
4. Elevate Small SpacesDon’t have a coffee table? Use books on a nightstand, shelf, or even stacked beneath a plant. Instant upgrade.
Why Artists Love Creating Them
For artists like me, coffee table books aren’t just collections they’re portable exhibitions.
They offer a way to:
Tell a story through curated visual journeys
Document growth, healing, and creative evolution
Connect with people offline in a slow, intimate way
And they become keepsakes, especially for those who may never walk into a gallery, but can still feel something powerful flipping through pages at home.
Final Thoughts
Coffee table books are more than décor—they’re identity, expression, and presence in print. Whether you’re an art lover, a collector, or just someone who craves beauty in your space, a coffee table book is a stylish and soulful way to say: this is what matters to me.
So the next time you’re thinking about making a space feel more “you,” skip the trendy trinkets—and start with a book that speaks.
Hint: Something beautiful is coming soon
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