How to Style Our Favorite Coffee Table Books 

Every project starts with a healthy dose of inspiration…

and finding imagery that speaks to you and how you want your space to feel is a crucial part of the process, whether you’re designing one room or an entire home.

Art and design coffee table books are some of our favorite sources of inspiration. Plus, they make great conversation starters and decor accents to bring dimension, personality, or even height to a vignette.

We incorporate coffee table books in nearly every project we design, and they can be a great source for learning more about your favorite artists or designers. Here, we’re sharing a few of our favorites and a few tips for styling them.

No. 1: Architectural Digest at 100 

A designer staple, this book is sure to spark inspiration with a wide range of styles and projects within its pages. Some of the most celebrated high-profile designers of the century are showcased inside, and we turn to it time and time again. 

Styling it: One great thing about this book is that it can blend in anywhere while still adding some sophistication to its surroundings. With a warm linen cover and heavy-duty pages, it adds some substance when placed alone or anchored below a stack of books. 

From our McGee & Co. 2022 Spring Collection

No. 2: Georgia O’ Keefe: Watercolors 

This beautiful art book showcases Georgia O’Keeffe’s early Watercolor works, many of which are full-size reproductions of her original pieces. The use of color, weight, and texture in this book is endlessly inspiring and enriches any coffee table or shelving vignette with depth and feeling.

Styling it: This books minimal spine lends easy styling for vertical placement, while the cover adds a touch of romance wherever it’s placed.

From our McGee & Co. 2022 Spring Collection

No. 3: Houses: Atelier AM  

House Atelier AM’s newest addition, Houses, is one of our current favorites not only for its beautifully toned cover but the beauty inside on every page. This book is filled with inspiration and depth with projects spanning from high-style to vintage designs.

Styling it: We love how this book adds a touch of neutral color and stands out wherever it’s placed. Since it has a larger width than many, it’s great for incorporating in a stack of two or three to add some height!

From our Home on The Bay Project

No. 4: Down to Earth by Lauren Liess 

This stunning book by Lauren Liess takes design beyond the basics, inviting the readers to elevate their design aesthetic. Approachable and laid-back, “Down To Earth,” focuses on creating a lifestyle that inspires creativity and functionality. 

Styling it: We can imagine incorporating this book face up into autumnal vignettes and pulling out its warm colors with natural textures and moody florals or styling it to bring expression to a stack of books with its bold spine-font. 

From our McGee & Co. 2021 Fall Collection

No. 5: From The Land 

Architecture and design are close counterparts, and sometimes finding inspiration in one field means overlapping into another. In their first book, award-winning architecture firm Backen, Gillam & Kroeger represent their approach to sustainability and artistry, showcasing the relationship between nature and design. We love taking a look into the process of incorporating land-found elements and creating something beautiful. 

Styling it: There’s something about the cover of this book that could represent nearly any season when styled among complementing elements. Style it on a coffee table, an entryway console, or even on top of a bedroom dresser for added dimension.  

From our Home on The Bay Project

No. 6: Restoration House  

This book is one of our favorites not only for the beautiful and inspiring imagery, but for its guidance on creating a space that feels more like home through mindful restoration and care. Author and designer Kennesha Buycks brings a unique perspective on making the old new, and encourages the reader to tell a story through the home. 

Styling it: Because this book is a bit smaller than your typical coffee table book, it’s a great option to change up the scale. We love using it in trays, on the top of a stack, or even in open kitchen shelving! 

From our McGee & Co. 2021 Fall Collection

No. 7: Pacific Natural  

Our team is constantly inspired by Jenny Kayne’s relaxed and elevated approach to everything from entertaining to gardening tips. Her first book, Pacific Natural, embodies the effortless and chic style she’s known for, and shares ideas on creating beauty all around you through every season.

Styling it: We love how this cover adds an element of nature and subtle tone and color to any vignette. Style this in or out of the kitchen for quick-entertaining-inspiration access.

From our McGee & Co. 2021 Winter Catalogue

No. 8: Cy Twombly: Making Past Present 

Making Past Present is one of our latest additions to the McGee & Co. shop, and we couldn’t love the beautifully illustrated selections inside more. Sharing essays on his work and a selection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures, flipping through this book is sure to spark inspiration.

Styling it: Cy Twombly’s work has a way of evoking both sophistication and romance, and this coffee table book is no exception! Stack it or style it alone and open to bring an artistic feeling to your space.

From our McGee & Co. 2021 Winter Catalogue

A few more of our current favorites: