The Best Celebrity Coffee Table Books

Buying Guide

As technology has changed the way people read, one thing has remained clear. There are times when a physical book can’t be replaced by tablets and smartphones.

One of those times is in home décor. A strategically placed architectural or lifestyle magazine adds something to a living space. It’s a way to express your personal tastes while also possibly giving houseguests something to read.

For decades, coffee tables have been a prime spot for reading material. In fact, the popularity has led to an entire genre of literature called “coffee table books.” Typically, these books feature bold, attractive covers and a slimmer design. Inside those covers are usually pages of eye-pleasing photos, perfect for guests to thumb through while interacting with you.

Coffee table books first emerged in popularity toward the end of World War II, thanks in part to advances in full-color printing technology. This made coffee table books accessible to a wider consumer base. After the war, Americans tended to be more sociable, as well, welcoming neighbors and friends into their homes and giving them a reason to have something to display on their coffee tables.

A coffee table book is more than reading material. It can enhance your décor, even if you choose it based on subject matter. There are so many options today, you can find a book that makes a statement about who you are. If you want to show your love for traveling or the arts, there’s a coffee table book that will look great with your décor while also serving that purpose.

For many homeowners, a coffee table book provides the perfect venue for expressing your love for a public figure. You can find these books for your favorite musicians, TV personalities, culture icons and much more. The popularity of celebrity coffee table books has led many celebrities to launch larger hardbacks with attractive covers and useful content like recipes and homemaking tips, making it a book you can both use and display.

• Coffee table books have traditionally been slender in design so that they blend well with the décor. However, in recent years, a trend has emerged where these books are much thicker, featuring hundreds of pages, but still having the eye-catching covers and image-heavy content that have long defined the genre.
• Chances are, if you’re buying a celebrity coffee table book, you have a specific celebrity in mind. This will narrow down your options considerably. If you’re simply wanting a book that serves as a pop culture statement, consider entertainers who speak to either your personal tastes or represent your generation.
• Recipe books typically stay in the kitchen, but your coffee table book can be a great source of recipes, too. You’ll always have it out and ready anytime you need some meal inspiration. Since recipes often come out when it’s time to entertain, you could also consider storing your coffee table book on a stand in the kitchen, where everyone can admire it.
• Most coffee table books are designed with images in mind. More often than not, you’ll get a book with very little text. Some have introductions and epilogues that are written by the celebrity or someone close to them. However, if you’re looking for a memoir jam-packed with information, a coffee table book likely won’t be the best format for you.
• Pay close attention to the source of the photographs included in your book. You might like exclusive personal photos from a celebrity’s childhood and behind-the-scenes life. However, consider that those photos might not be of the professional quality you’d get with less exclusive photographs.
• Celebrity coffee table books make great housewarming gifts. They’re attractive and easy to wrap.