{"id":133,"date":"2022-03-02T11:33:49","date_gmt":"2022-03-02T11:33:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/styledwordpress.live-website.com\/?p=133"},"modified":"2022-10-26T13:24:21","modified_gmt":"2022-10-26T12:24:21","slug":"why-coffee-table-books-take-your-interior-design-to-the-next-level","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.styledinteriordesign.co.uk\/index.php\/2022\/03\/02\/why-coffee-table-books-take-your-interior-design-to-the-next-level\/","title":{"rendered":"Why coffee table books take your interior design to the next level"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Contrary to what you may believe, coffee tables aren\u2019t simply for putting your coffee (or your feet) on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coffee table books, which rose to prominence in the Sixties, are a great way to inject a little personality into your room, as well as providing a talking point for guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More often than not, coffee table books are predominately image-based, and are therefore chosen for their aesthetic appeal rather than as a source of information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if you\u2019ve got a coffee table that\u2019s just being used for drinks and snacks, could you be missing a trick?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED:<\/strong> The 7 Elements of Great Design<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Table<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A bit of background…<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The first known use of the term “coffee table book” appeared in Arts Magazine in 1961. The concept is often attributed to conservationist David Brower, who, while executive director of the Sierra Club environmental group, had the idea for a series of books that combined nature photography and writings on nature. His vision was for \u201ca page size big enough to carry a given image\u2019s dynamic. The eye must be required to move about within the boundaries of the image, not encompass it all in one glance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first such book, This is the American Earth, was published in 1960 \u2013 and so was born the \u2018coffee table book\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Brower envisaged, coffee table books today are generally image-based, allowing photography to take center stage, often accompanied by brief captions or short pieces of text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are they for?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Coffee table books look great. Glossy and bulky, they make a real style statement and help you reveal a little of your personality to visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subject matters vary, although the focus will often be on art, fashion or design, as these fields lend themselves to the medium. Cars and travel are other popular choices; in short, any subject where the pictures speak for themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The books can also provide a talking point, which is particularly helpful if you\u2019re entertaining unfamiliar guests or those you need to leave alone while you prepare drinks or a meal \u2013 everyone appreciates some reading matter, and flicking through a book is a much nicer option for guests than taking out their phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While they are designed for d\u00e9cor as much as reading, don\u2019t be tempted to go overboard. Two artfully placed on a table are enough, while a pile of six or seven with a plant or ornament on top just looks cluttered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And remember, coffee table books don\u2019t always have to be placed on your coffee table per se; they can make a real statement propped alone on a shelf or bookcase, too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Getting Started<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While you can allow yourself to be led by your own particular interests, there are a number of coffee table classics you could start with for inspiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three of our favourites are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n