The Best Interior Design Coffee Table Books for Every Style
From Scandinavian minimalism to Parisian elegance: These 16 interior design coffee table books offer practical wisdom and stunning inspiration for every style. Our curated guide helps you find the perfect book for your home.
Looking for the perfect interior design coffee table book? Whether you're seeking practical guidance, regional inspiration, or stunning photography from world-class designers, this curated collection of 16 exceptional books has something for every design enthusiast.
Our Top Picks
1. The Interior Design Handbook – Frida Ramstedt
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Author | Frida Ramstedt |
| Publisher | Clarkson Potter |
| Pages | 224 |
| Language | English |
| ISBN | 978-0593139318 |
The ultimate practical guide to decorating any space.
Swedish design expert Frida Ramstedt delivers what many consider the definitive bible of interior design. Unlike typical coffee table books filled only with aspirational imagery, this book teaches you the why behind great design—from the golden ratio and optimal furniture proportions to lighting heights and mood board techniques. With helpful illustrations throughout, it's equally useful whether you're decorating one room or planning an entire renovation.
Why we love it: Practical rules of thumb you'll actually use, beautifully illustrated, works for any style or budget.
2. Defining Style: The Book of Interior Design – Joan Barzilay Freund
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Author | Joan Barzilay Freund |
| Publisher | Phaidon Press |
| Pages | 256 |
| Language | English |
| ISBN | 978-1838669997 |
Discover 25 iconic design styles through 150 stunning interiors.
From Coastal to Contemporary, Maximal to Mediterranean, this Phaidon masterpiece guides you through the most timeless interior design styles of the last century. Featuring work from designers like Laura Gonzalez, Jean-Louis Deniot, and Brigette Romanek, it's both an educational resource and a visual feast. Former Elle Decor editor Asad Syrkett provides an insightful introduction exploring what personal style really means in interior design.
Why we love it: Perfect for discovering your own style, beautifully organized by aesthetic rather than designer.
3. Call It Home: The Details That Matter – Amber Lewis
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Author | Amber Lewis |
| Publisher | Random House |
| Pages | 304 |
| Language | English |
| ISBN | 978-0593578537 |
California-cool interiors with obsessive attention to detail.
National bestseller Amber Lewis takes you behind the scenes of eight stunning home projects—including her own residence. Known for her signature laid-back California style, Lewis reveals her secrets for choosing fabrics, paint, finishes, tile, and flooring. With over 200 gorgeous photographs and personal essays about each project's challenges and triumphs, this book transforms the overwhelming design process into something approachable and inspiring.
Why we love it: Practical insights from a designer's actual thought process, plus she generously shares her sources.
4. The Nordic Home: Scandinavian Living, Interiors and Design – gestalten
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Author | gestalten (Editor) |
| Publisher | gestalten |
| Pages | 288 |
| Language | English |
| ISBN | 978-3967040708 |
A celebration of minimalism, light, and thoughtful reduction.
This comprehensive volume explores the essence of Scandinavian design through stunning minimal, light-filled dwellings. From a timber-clad island retreat in Finland to a Stockholm family home in earthy neutral tones, discover how Nordic designers continue to redefine simplicity for the 21st century. The book traces the legacy of design pioneers like Alvar Aalto and Arne Jacobsen while showcasing contemporary interpretations from studios like Norm Architects.
Why we love it: Perfect inspiration for anyone drawn to clean lines and functional beauty.
5. The Mediterranean Home: Residential Architecture and Interiors – gestalten
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Author | gestalten (Editor) |
| Publisher | gestalten |
| Pages | 288 |
| Language | English |
| ISBN | 978-3967041354 |
Sun-drenched spaces that seamlessly blend indoors and outdoors.
Mediterranean design continues to influence residential architecture worldwide, and this book captures its timeless appeal. Featuring homes from coastal regions and hinterlands, you'll discover how traditional features meet contemporary elements while maintaining deep connections to local culture and landscape. From converted historic buildings to modern interpretations, each space radiates warmth and understated beauty.
Why we love it: Ideal for anyone seeking relaxed, warm interiors with natural materials and abundant light.
6. Parisian by Design: Interiors by David Jimenez
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| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Author | Diane Dorrans Saeks, David Jimenez |
| Publisher | Rizzoli |
| Pages | 240 |
| Language | English |
| ISBN | 978-0847872480 |
Master the art of effortless French style.
American designer David Jimenez has lived and worked in Paris for years, and this Rizzoli volume shares his secrets for achieving that coveted Parisian aesthetic. Beyond showcasing his elegant projects, the book includes practical how-to sections on French decorating, from selecting classic paint colors to setting an elegant table. Bonus: insider tips on the best flea markets, antique dealers, and art galleries in Paris and New York.
Why we love it: Combines beautiful photography with genuinely useful tips for recreating French style anywhere.
7. Kelly Wearstler: Evocative Style
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Author | Kelly Wearstler, Rima Suqi |
| Publisher | Rizzoli |
| Pages | 256 |
| Language | English |
| ISBN | 978-0847861835 |
Bold, luxurious interiors from a design icon.
Kelly Wearstler is renowned for opulent interiors that blend old-world Hollywood glamour with modern flair. This volume showcases her recent residential and commercial projects, including the stunning San Francisco Proper Hotel. If you're drawn to sumptuous textures, bold patterns, rich colors, and lustrous surfaces, this book serves as endless inspiration for creating elegant yet whimsical spaces.
Why we love it: Perfect for those who love maximalist glamour with sophisticated restraint.
8. Interior Design Master Class: 100 Rooms – Carl Dellatore
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Author | Carl Dellatore |
| Publisher | Rizzoli |
| Pages | 320 |
| Language | English |
| ISBN | 978-0847874453 |
| Release | September 2025 |
| Price | $60.00 |
100 designers, 100 rooms, endless practical wisdom.
In this follow-up to the bestselling "Interior Design Master Class" (2016), 100 of America's finest designers share their concrete knowledge room by room. Unlike pure picture books, this volume delivers real, actionable answers to the questions that challenge everyone designing a home: How do you successfully combine patterns? When should you choose high-gloss over matte paint? What are the key considerations when thinking about curtains? The spaces are organized by function – from Gathering (media and family rooms) to Transitional (porches and entryways) to Respite (bedrooms and sitting rooms) to Entertaining (dining rooms and bars) to Utility (kitchens, baths, and mudrooms). Designers like Katie Ridder, Miles Redd, Suzanne Kasler, and Bunny Williams explain in their own words what makes their projects successful.
Why we love it: A real design education in book form – practical wisdom from 100 top designers you can apply immediately.
9. Axel Vervoordt: Portraits of Interiors
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Author | Axel Vervoordt, Michael Gardner |
| Publisher | Flammarion |
| Pages | 280 |
| Language | English |
| ISBN | 978-2080203755 |
Timeless minimalism from a master of harmony.
For half a century, Axel Vervoordt has defined a design philosophy rooted in harmony, beauty, and the creation of serene atmospheres. This book features eighteen residences—from a New York penthouse to a Tokyo dwelling to a Wabi-Sabi farmhouse—revealing how art complements architecture and nature. Celebrities from Sting to Ellen DeGeneres have sought out Vervoordt's signature light-filled, modern interiors.
Why we love it: A masterclass in creating spaces that encourage self-reflection and wellbeing.
10. Torrey: Private Spaces – Andrew Torrey
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Author | Andrew Torrey |
| Publisher | Rizzoli |
| Pages | 240 |
| Language | English |
| ISBN | 978-0847873319 |
Modern American glamour with Deco influences.
Self-taught designer Andrew Torrey's debut monograph showcases 23 extraordinary projects from Manhattan to Miami, London to Cabo San Lucas. His distinctive approach blends cool, clean modernism with opulent finishes, sumptuous materials, and vintage treasures. The striking red cover alone makes this book a statement piece on any coffee table.
Why we love it: Fresh American perspective on luxury design with Art Deco sensibilities.
11. Making Space: Interiors Designed by Women – Jane Hall
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Author | Jane Hall |
| Publisher | Phaidon Press |
| Pages | 288 |
| Language | English |
| ISBN | 978-1837290086 |
250 women designers who shaped the interiors world.
This groundbreaking survey shines a light on the diverse and influential work of 250 women who design interiors—well-known, unsung, and emerging—from more than 50 countries. From pioneers like Dorothy Draper and Elsie de Wolfe to contemporary stars like Rose Uniacke and Kelly Wearstler, the book proves that the private nature of interiors has allowed women to be remarkably innovative. Dr. Jane Hall, founding member of Turner Prize-winning collective Assemble, delivers a thoroughly researched and visually stunning tribute.
Why we love it: A timely and important perspective on interior design history—beautifully illustrated with hundreds of photographs.
12. Interiors Now! – TASCHEN
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Author | TASCHEN (Editor) |
| Publisher | TASCHEN |
| Pages | 504 |
| Language | English, German, French |
| ISBN | 978-3836591959 |
A global tour of the world's most original contemporary homes.
From flea-market romance to space-age bachelor pad, whatever your style preference, you'll find provocative interior design inspiration in this TASCHEN compilation. Featuring homes from Auckland to Avignon, the book carefully curates residences owned by creatives—designers, filmmakers, and collectors—whose eye for the perfect synthesis of interior elements is impressive. With hundreds of images from acclaimed interior photographers, it's pure visual fuel for any renovation project.
Why we love it: Incredible variety at an accessible price—the perfect gift for design fans.
13. The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well – Meik Wiking
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Author | Meik Wiking |
| Publisher | Penguin Life |
| Pages | 288 |
| Language | English |
| ISBN | 978-0241283912 |
The Danish secrets to creating cozy, happy spaces.
Why are Danes consistently ranked among the happiest people in the world? The answer, says Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, is hygge—that untranslatable sense of comfort, togetherness, and wellbeing. This New York Times bestseller (2+ million copies sold worldwide) is packed with practical tips on creating hygge at home: the right lighting, cozy textiles, warming drinks, and spaces that encourage connection. Part interior design, part lifestyle philosophy.
Why we love it: Genuinely useful tips for making any home feel warmer and more inviting—the essence of Scandinavian living.
14. Resident Dog (Volume Two) – Nicole England
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Author | Nicole England |
| Publisher | Thames & Hudson |
| Pages | 256 |
| Language | English |
| ISBN | 978-1760761516 |
Architectural masterpieces through the eyes of their canine residents.
Architecture photographer Nicole England captures the world's most stunning homes—but with a twist. Each residence features the dogs who live there, adding warmth and spontaneity to even the most dramatic spaces. From Mexico to Sydney, London to LA, this charming book proves that the most beautiful homes are even more appealing with their resident pups.
Why we love it: The perfect gift for design lovers who also love dogs.
15. 100 Interiors Around the World – TASCHEN
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Author | TASCHEN (Editor) |
| Publisher | TASCHEN |
| Pages | 696 |
| Language | English, German, French |
| ISBN | 978-3836550574 |
Six continents, 100 remarkable homes, endless inspiration.
TASCHEN's comprehensive survey takes you inside 100 remarkable interiors across six continents. From rustic minimalism to urbane eclecticism, the selection celebrates authenticity, attention to detail, and individual expression. Whether you're drawn to industrial lofts, bohemian bungalows, or sleek penthouses, this book offers endless inspiration from every corner of the globe.
Why we love it: Incredible variety and value—perfect for discovering styles you never knew you loved.
16. Herman Miller: A Way of Living
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Author | Amy Auscherman, Sam Grawe, Leon Ransmeier |
| Publisher | Phaidon Press |
| Pages | 632 |
| Language | English |
| ISBN | 978-0714875217 |
The definitive chronicle of iconic furniture design.
More than a furniture catalog, this comprehensive 600+ page volume tells the story of how Michigan-based Herman Miller shaped modern design for over 100 years. Featuring the legendary work of Ray and Charles Eames, George Nelson, and Alexander Girard, it's essential reading for anyone who appreciates mid-century modern design. Thousands of illustrations—many never before published—document the company's defining moments.
Why we love it: A substantial design object that's as impressive as the furniture it celebrates.
How to Choose Your Perfect Interior Design Book
For practical guidance: Start with The Interior Design Handbook or Defining Style
For regional inspiration: Choose The Nordic Home, The Mediterranean Home, Parisian by Design, or The Little Book of Hygge
For designer portfolios: Explore Kelly Wearstler, Laura Gonzalez, Axel Vervoordt, Amber Lewis, or Torrey
For design history: Making Space celebrates women in design, Herman Miller covers mid-century modern
For global variety: 100 Interiors Around the World and Interiors Now! offer the broadest inspiration
For gifts: Resident Dog for dog lovers, The Little Book of Hygge for anyone seeking more coziness
What Makes a Great Interior Design Coffee Table Book?
The best interior design coffee table books serve multiple purposes. They're visually stunning enough to display as decor, educational enough to inform your own design decisions, and inspiring enough to spark new ideas for your space.
When choosing an interior design book, consider what you're looking for: Are you seeking practical advice you can apply immediately? A specific regional or historical style? Beautiful photography for pure inspiration? The books in this collection cover all these needs and more.
Quality matters too. Look for books with high-quality printing, substantial binding, and photography that captures spaces in natural light. Publishers like Phaidon, Rizzoli, TASCHEN, and gestalten consistently deliver exceptional production values.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best interior design coffee table book for beginners?
The Interior Design Handbook by Frida Ramstedt is ideal for beginners. It explains the fundamental principles behind good design—proportions, color, lighting, furniture placement—in an accessible, illustrated format that works regardless of your personal style.
Which interior design books focus on Scandinavian style?
For Nordic design inspiration, we recommend The Nordic Home by gestalten for comprehensive coverage of Scandinavian interiors, and The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking for understanding the philosophy of cozy Danish living that influences Scandinavian design.
What are the best luxury interior design books?
For high-end design inspiration, look to Kelly Wearstler: Evocative Style, Laura Gonzalez: Interiors, Axel Vervoordt: Portraits of Interiors, and Torrey: Private Spaces. Each offers a glimpse into the work of designers whose projects command significant budgets and attract celebrity clients.
Are coffee table books about interior design worth it?
Absolutely. Beyond serving as beautiful decor, interior design coffee table books educate you about proportion, color, materials, and spatial relationships. They can save you money by helping you develop a clearer vision before hiring professionals or making costly purchasing decisions.
What size should an interior design coffee table book be?
Most interior design coffee table books measure between 10 and 14 inches in their longest dimension. Larger formats showcase photography better but require more display space. The TASCHEN Bibliotheca Universalis series offers a more compact format that's still visually impactful.
Which publishers make the best interior design books?
Phaidon, Rizzoli, TASCHEN, gestalten, and Vendome Press are known for exceptional interior design publications. These publishers invest in quality photography, printing, and binding—ensuring books that look beautiful for years.
Each of these interior design coffee table books offers something unique - whether you're seeking practical decorating wisdom, historical perspective, or simply beautiful photography to inspire your next project. The best part? They look stunning displayed in your home while you're not reading them.
