I think the best coffee table book is one that brings you joy, sparks conversation, and reflects your personality and interests. As a designer, I am looking for large format books, in a variety of subjects with maximum color on the inside and out. In this case, do judge a book by its cover and make sure it is beautiful! When I am choosing coffee table books, I include pretty or otherwise striking books with topics like works by a favorite artist, types of architecture or a particular architect, a favorite fashion designer or maybe a category like shoes, favorite travel destinations reflecting whimsical photography, Audubon or botanical prints, or even a favorite animal – the sky really is the limit!
As an interior designer, some of my favorites are design books by Jonathan Adler. Others include personal favorites Ultimate Collector Cars by Taschen, Hunt Slonem’s Birds by Taschen and The Color Teil: Life, Work, and Inspiration by artist Tiel Duncan. If I am choosing for a client, I really like Taschen for a wide variety of subject matter and very cool imagery. Other sources to check out are Assouline, Phaidon and Rizzoli.