I love coffee table books. I love the opportunity to skim through something interesting and beautiful. You get to learn something in a short period of time, while being visually charmed.

Here are a few of my favorite coffee table books.
Click on any picture or title for more information.

Art: Over 2500 Works From Cave to Contemporary
This book is so incredible, it is filled with so many masterpieces. I love that I can sit and enjoy incredible art work in a wide array of styles and eras in such a small package. As a bonus the cover photo is by Gustav Klimt, my favorite artist.

National Geographic:
Stunning Photographs &
Destinations of a Lifetime
Both of these books are fantastic. Stunning Photography speaks for itself, it is stunning.
I love the variety and depth each photo brings. Destinations of a Lifetime is such a great book for me because I love to travel, but cannot at this stage in my life. So, it is a great book to have around to connect you with the other worlds around us.

Humans of New York
This is such a great and interesting book. It is full of character, charm, and craziness. I love learning a little bit more about all of us humans and our many many differences. This book really captures the culture of New York.

Henna Sourcebook: Over 1,000 Traditional Designs
and Modern Interpretations
This book is exquisite. The designs are so intricate and I love the deep rich colors and texture. Henna is so pretty and I love that this book brings together a variety of traditional and modern craft. Very visually pleasing and informative as well.

The World Atlas of Coffee &
The Art and Craft of Coffee
I couldn’t do a coffee table bit without including these two.
They are both awesome and packed full with tons of information. I really enjoyed all the great pictures as well. World Atlas focuses more on the many different cultures of coffee. Art and Craft has a bit more of a contemporary modern coffee house vibe.

Akiane: Her Life, Her Art, Her Poetry
This is one of my all time personal favorites. This book is so beautiful and inspiring. It shares with us the story and works of Akiane. Akiane is a child art protege, with an amazing gift and insight. Seeing all her amazing art work and reading her poetry is truly enchanting.

Now these are just a few great books I like, but the number  goes far and wide. What books you show off may differ greatly and that is wonderful. The great thing about coffee table books is that they mirror our personal interests and style. They are an opportunity to show what intrigues and delights us.

For Any Coffee Table Choice
Book Bean: Spiced Mocha to warm up with
Home brewed coffee of choice, drizzle in chocolate, add cream,
then sprinkle with clove & cinnamon powder. If you are brave substitute
clove with an itty bitty dash of Cayenne powder.

Fun Fact: The best selling coffee table book of all time is Madonna’s “Sex,” but it is out of print.

New interests, seasons, and hobbies can all bring out a variety of table toppers. At the moment I have Domino: The Book of Decorating and  Anna Maria’s Needlework Notebook, because right now I am really into home design and needle and stitch work. Both books are beautiful and informative. I love to change it up!

So, share with me. What’s on your table?