The Gift Of Year-Round Inspiration

We are firm believers that no living space is complete unless it is complemented by a beautifully curated and wildly inspirational coffee table book. Perfect for starting conversations with friends or simply as decoration, every living room needs one. Coffee table books also make for a wonderful and cozy couch dates on those lazy afternoons.

For the holidays, coffee table books also make lovely gifts. Both timeless and thoughtful, they can last a lifetime in your loved one’s space. To help you choose, we have compiled some of our favorites, all published within the last few years. These books explore a myriad of fascinating topics, including natural habitats, conscious fashion, authentic living, and earth-inspired home goods. Combined with striking photography and beautiful essays, each one of these books deserves to be in your loved one’s home.

1. True Style Is What’s Underneath: The Self-Acceptance Revolution

By Elisa Goodkind & Lily Mandelbaum

We are so excited about this recent coffee table book on fashion and style, published earlier this year by the mother-daughter literary team, Elisa Goodkind and Lily Mandelbaum. Believing that true style is found in self-acceptance and that beauty is a state of mind, this book includes everything from interviews with trendsetters to advice on conscious consumerism and embracing your unique identity. A beautiful and inspirational gift for the fashionable book lover in your life.

Price | $31

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2. The Little Book Of Hygge: Danish Secrets To Happy Living

By Meik Wiking

Did you know that more than half of the Danish population burns candles every day in the fall and winter? And, when asked what they associate most with Hygge, 85 percent of Danes will say lighting candles. Meik Wiking explores this secret, as well as many others in his fantastically curated coffee table book on Hygge, the Danish way of slow, happy living. Pair this book with a soy candle and some warm socks for the coziest of gifts this winter. 

Price | $11

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3. Lagom: Not Too Little, Not Too Much: The Swedish Art Of Living A Balanced, Happy Life

By Niki Brantmark

From the author of the award-winning design blog My Scandinavian Home, Lagom (pronounced “lah-gom”) invites readers to discover Swedish living and embrace a more balanced, sustainable lifestyle. From time spent outdoors and Swedish coffee breaks to capsule closets and simply decorated homes, it’s no wonder Swedes are one of the most fulfilled and content populations on earth. This delightful sky blue book makes for a beautiful gift or addition to your own home! 

Price | $12

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4. Recipes For Peace

By Kifah Dasuki

Peace with animals and peace among us humans—that is the intent behind vegan chef Kifah Dasuki’s recent cookbook, released this past September. A collection of plant-based, traditional Arab recipes, the book includes rich, vibrant photos, as well as an introduction describing Dasuki’s upbringing in Israel. Originally published in Arabic and Hebrew (side by side), Dasuki hopes to plant seeds of peace and create a world where everyone is welcome at the table.

Price | $25

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5. Perfect Imperfect: The Beauty Of Accident, Age & Patina

By Karen McCartney

An ancient Japanese principle, wabi-sabi advocates that beauty is found in authentic living and life’s imperfections. Authored by Karen McCartney, this book has been described as a celebration of “accident, curation, collection, hesitation, collaboration, reuse, reimagining and true originality.” With its captivating prose and alluring imagery, is a timeless gift for the book lovers in your life.

Price | $31

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6. Wabi-Sabi Welcome: Learning To Embrace The Imperfect And Entertain With Thoughtfulness And Ease

By Julie Pointer Adams

Travel alongside photographer and author Julie Pointer Adams as she also explores wabi-sabi cultivated in authentic gatherings and inviting homes around the world. From California to Italy to Japan, this coffee table staple shares nourishing recipes, thoughtful decorative advice, and inspirational words on the art of embracing the imperfect and spending time with the ones you love.

Price | $23

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7. The Modern Natural Dyer: A Comprehensive Guide To Dyeing Silk, Wool, Linen, And Cotton At Home

By Kristine Vejar

Educational and interactive, The Modern Natural Dyer explores how colors can be produced solely from plants and natural elements of the earth. For example, did you know there are over 500 species of plants that can create the color indigo blue? Readers can learn more about natural dyeing processes, organic materials, and natural textiles in Kristine Vejar’s latest work. A beautiful addition to your loved one’s home, the book also includes 20 at-home projects. 

Price | $20

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8. Clay: Contemporary Ceramic Artisans

By Amber Creswell Bell

Published earlier this year, Clay invites readers to go behind-the-scenes to witness intimate spaces and studios where earth comes to life. An experiential coffee table book with 250+ vibrant illustrations, it is a celebration of sculptors, ceramicists, and artisans from around the world. This coffee table book is the perfect inspiring gift for the aspiring artist or creative person in your life.

Price | $27

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9. The Life & Love Of The Sea

By Lewis Blackwell

The Life & Love of The Sea is one of the most visual coffee table books on our list with over 200 pages of stunning aquatic and coastal images from the world’s leading nature photographers. Literary fans will also enjoy the complementary essays and moving quotes that are sprinkled throughout. For all the sea and nature lovers in your life, add this one to their gift list. 

Price | $31

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10. Overview: A New Perspective of Earth

By Benjamin Grant

Equally wonderful, Benjamin Grant’s collection of Earth’s satellite photography is magical, enchanting, and other-worldly. Said to be inspired by the “overview effect”—what astronauts experience while looking down at Earth from space—these images allow readers to see how humans have shaped the Earth’s landscapes and gain a whole new perspective on our beautiful world. Not only for nature and photography enthusiasts, this visually stimulating book deserves to be in every home.

Price | $28

Order Overview on Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kayti Christian, a staff writer for The Good Trade, is a storyteller, creator, activist, and avid traveler hailing from Colorado, now living in London. With 30+ stamps in her passport, she is passionate about responsible tourism and is always looking for new ways to be a more conscious traveler. She is currently pursuing her MA in Creative Nonfiction Writing at City, University of London.