11 New, Pretty Books to Dress Up Your Coffee Table
When it comes to curating your coffee table, the best books are eye-catching and intriguing. And while the glossy photos inside are a must for anything you showcase on the prime real estate in your living room, it’s a huge bonus when the book is actually worth reading too. All out November, the books we’re sharing accomplish both of these goals. From fashion to decorating and even something for cat lovers, there’s a little bit of everything included here. Plus, keep reading to see which one is worth a whopping $750 — seriously!
1. All in Good Taste by Kate Spade New York ($20): Technically, this book came out in October, but it’s so stylish, we couldn’t help but include it here. Kate Spade and her team share tips on everything from how to be the perfect modern-day hostess to how to Instagram your dinner without being rude. It’s a guide that’s both of-the-moment and timeless. Plus, it’s pretty. (out October 27)
2. The Inspired Room: Simple Ideas to Love the Home You Have by Melissa Michaels ($16): The refreshing thing about this home decor book is that the tips don’t involve going out and spending a ton of money. Instead, it helps you to curate a beautiful home by incorporating what you already have. Bonus: There are lots of DIY ideas sprinkled throughout the book. (out November 1)
3. The High Line by James Corner Field Operations ($50): This book celebrates both New York and out-of-the-box architectural ideas, so if you’re into either, this was made for you. New York City’s High Line – known as “the park in the sky” – is a converted railroad-turned-promenade, and this new book celebrates it in all its glory. (out November 9)
4. Haute Coiffure: Charlie Le Mindu by Charlie Le Mindu ($750): Revolutionary hair stylist Charlie Le Mindu’s new hardcover costs more than most of the tables it will be placed on, but it is beautiful, and full of glossy photos of some of his best work. The cover image really doesn’t do his work justice. You’ll have to grab a copy to see his creations on some of his most famous clients, like Lady Gaga and Lana Del Rey, along with his career highlights, such as fashion week, Hollywood films and his salon at Harrods. (out November 30)
5. Native Fashion Now: North American Indian Style by Karen Kramer, Jay Calderin, Madeleine M. Kropa and Jessica R. Metcalfe ($37): While some fashion houses and celebrities have been criticized for mocking traditional Native American attire (Remember when Khloe Kardashian donned a headdress for a party?), this book celebrates Native American designers. The jewelry and clothing are colorful and bold, truly praising the culture that inspired them. (out November 25)
6. The Superhero Costume by Barbara Brownie and Danny Graydon ($30): If you love fashion but your SO would rather display comic books all over your home, this book is a good compromise. It takes a look at how superhero costumes are designed for movies and TV shows. There are plenty of fun, splashy photos to accompany the text, which examines how we define superheroes, using everyone from X-Men to Pussy Riot as examples. (out November 19)
7. Asians Wear Clothes on the Internet by Minh-Ha T. Pham ($17): Street-style photos never cease to be a form of inspiration. Minh-Ha T. Pham takes a look at how exactly style superbloggers came to be, while celebrating Asian fashion and styling at the same time. She also takes a critical look at what mainstream media thinks of as “Asian style,” making it both a must-read and a beautiful book. (out November 13)
8. At Home: Sarah Style by Sarah Richardson ($21): Millions already tune in to Sarah Richardson’s HGTV show, Sarah Style, and now she’s releasing a new book with the same name, full of tips and photos of the many homes she’s designed. From island mansions and country homes to luxe, urban apartments, she showcases a wide mix of her work while also giving tips on upping your own design game – even if you’re on a budget. (out November 3)
9. Felines of New Yorkby Jim Tewes ($12): A sort-of parody of the mega popular Humans of New York series, this picture book highlights the cats of NYC, not their owners. It’s 100-plus photos of cats doing what cats do best: napping in the sun, curling up on the sofa and looking expectantly at their owners for their favorite treat. Each photo has a quote meant to make you chuckle. Your house guests will get a kick out of this one. (out November 24)
10. Stylish Weddings by Kevin Jairaj ($22): Kevin Jairaj has a rep for being one of the best wedding photographers in the biz, and he’s showcasing his work in this new book. If you’re planning your big day, it will offer tons of inspiration, but also gives practical tips for capturing the best moments on film. His tips on how to pose, the type of lighting that works best and how to take good candid shots are helpful to have for any big event you want to remember forever. (out November 10)
11. HomeMade Modern: Smart DIY Design for a Stylish Home by Ben Uyeda ($15): B+C DIYer Ben Uyeda’s picture-heavy book is packed with ideas that are easy to do and chic. His book has photo steps (always helpful) on how to make modern furniture and accents, most of which take just a few hours. (out November 17)
Are any of these books on your wish list? Sound off in the comments.