Do Your Books Speak Volumes on Your Coffee Table—and About You
- GirlWellTravelled
- Mar 5
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 10
Did you know, Madonna's 1992 coffee table book 'Sex' sold (within days) 1.5 million copies worldwide? As per Wikipedia, it is considered both the fastest-selling and best-selling coffee table book in publishing history.
What does that say about us? That we love boldness. That controversy sells. That art, celebrity and culture collide in the most unexpected ways.
Affiliate links hang out in this post.
The books on our coffee tables aren't just decorations; they're statement pieces. Reflecting our interests in culture, photography, travel, design and too, sex.
The type of books to transform any coffee table into conversation starters.
Who's coffee table books am I referring to? It's Taschen's. These books encapsulate lush illustrations, cultural depth. And on your coffee table, are sure to not only complement your style but draw in anyone who lays eyes on them with their stunning visuals and rich storytelling. Taschen's books encourage guests to dive deep into their pages and engage with compelling narratives.
Coffee Table Books, Are They Still Popular?
A valid question in an age where we have mostly gone digital. Yet, not only are books for your coffee table in vogue but highly sought after.
Not convinced? Have a look at your coffee table. Is there a glossy hardcover resting there on the magic of New York, or a 'clamshell box finished in silk cloth' Valentino, or a 'signed and numbered linen-slipcase' covering fine watches? Sure there is but if not, Taschen is where you start.
Why Taschen?
A strong brand in the publishing circles, titles from Taschen are renowned for their high-end, in depth exploration books on art, photography, fashion. Their full page spreads, large formatted, high-quality print and visual content, appeals. Their books judge well by their cover. The content inside just as impressive as the outside.
Plus, if you already have a coffee table, it suggests you're currently operating at peak sophistication. Maybe it is a Fendi Casa or Boca do Lobo coffee table. So for books that match your table vibe, Taschen is your matchmaker.
But even if you don't, the books of this publishing house are potential investments.
Curating a Collection
In starting a collection, build with staple pieces. Something of your personal taste or interest such as travel, the culinary arts, photography, interior design. Then add intrigue, books that spark curiosity. The likes of:
The NASA Archives, 60 Years in Space (XL),
Kuma, Complete Works 1988–Today. 2021 Edition (XXL)
There's the waiting list for ARNOLD, (XXL) the two volume Collector’s Edition, paying photographic homage to Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The adidas Archive. The Footwear Collection. 40th Ed.
As well as the visual appeal, the warmth and aesthetics, a reputable publisher such as Taschen will bring the quality. And by rotating your display over seasons / holidays, keeps it fresh and engaging for guests.
Mix the book sizes too. Go XL, XXL, Baby Sumo and Sumo. Big here is better, the space will dictate.
Your Taschen Books Speak Volumes
Want to be judged; along with the books on your coffee table? Here is where you curate your coveted collection effortlessly. These are your icebreakers at your next gathering.
The Discerning Style, Food and Travel Guides: Living in Bali, 45th Ed. and The Gourmand’s Egg, A Collection of Stories and Recipes
The iconic collection: Virgil Abloh, Nike (Icons)
Dive right in with Limited Editions: Shoes A-Z, The Collection of The Museumat FIT. Manolo Blahník Edition and David Hockney, A Bigger Book (Sumo)
Unconventional Reads: Dian Hanson, The Bigger Book of Breasts and Dian Hanson, The Big Book of Legs and Dian Hanson, The Little Big...
Best Sellers: Edward S․ Curtis, The North American Indian and Helmut Newton (Sumo)
Taschen's In Demand
Stanley Kubrick's The Shining. One to get before they're out of stock.
Stanley Kubrick's The Shining
Join the waiting list
David Bailey.Eighties
Valentino. A Grand Italian Epic, for the fashionista
The Stan Lee Story (XL)
Redouté. The Book of Flowers (XL), makes for a heart warming mother's day gift
Taschen Books and Bookstores
Have someone's birthday coming up, a housewarming? Or maybe you're an invited guest, visit a Taschen boutique for a thoughtful gift.
Next to the Saatchi Gallery, in the Duke of York Square is where you'll find Taschen's London store. Light filled and spacious on the ground floor and just as spacious but abound with colour on its lower ground area. Here, you can browse, buy and have it gift wrapped.
Worldwide, there are another eleven book stores including Beverly Hills, Berlin, Madrid, Milan and Hong Kong.
Perhaps you already know a bibliophile or a 'coffee book lover'. Perhaps none of their boutiques are on either of your doorsteps, gift a Taschen gift card. Delivered by email and redeemable on taschen.com
Remember, in a world where personal expression is highly sought after, your books speak volumes for you on your coffee table. Books whose pages you'll be leafing through time and time again.
I've got my 'TBB List', which of Taschen's books are you adding to yours?
I haven't come across Taschen before but we do have a lot of coffee table books - mainly gardening-related, to be fair, but we love them!