Top 10 Coffee Table Books That Instantly Upgrade a Room
Because a Beautiful Home Deserves a Beautiful Story
Few things capture sophistication quite like a perfectly chosen coffee table book.
Beyond their glossy pages and striking covers, these books tell stories — of design, travel, culture, and craftsmanship. They add texture and curiosity to a room, inviting guests to pause, explore, and linger a little longer.
At Stephenson House, we curate more than décor — we curate conversation.
Each of these ten titles is a work of art in its own right, designed to spark inspiration and elevate the atmosphere of any well-styled space.
Our Curated Books That Tell a Story
Coffee table books are more than decorative they’re windows into worlds of beauty, culture, and imagination. From design icons to destinations of desire, each volume in our collection is handpicked to inspire curiosity and spark conversation. These are the books that bring character, warmth, and a sense of discovery to any room stories you don’t just read, but live with.
1. Cala Di Volpe
A tribute to the mythic glamour of Costa Smeralda’s most iconic hotel, Cala Di Volpe embodies sunlit Italian luxury. Its pages celebrate the Sardinian coastline through architecture, craftsmanship, and cinematic beauty. With terra-cotta hues and golden sketches, this book feels like summer made tangible radiant, romantic, and timeless.
A must-have for anyone who dreams in Mediterranean tones and golden light.
2. Dolce Vita
Immerse yourself in Italy’s most seductive era la dolce vita. From the lens of famed photographers Ferdinando Scianna and Bruno Barbey, this book captures the effortless beauty of 1960s Rome fast cars, timeless style, and the art of lingering over espresso.
Place it beside a vase of fresh peonies and a glass of red wine pure Italian charm.
3. James Bond Style
Sleek, cinematic, and impossibly cool, James Bond Style pays homage to the world’s most iconic secret agent. Through rare photographs and behind-the-scenes stories, it explores how Bond shaped and defined global sophistication. A perfect companion for any modern gentleman’s living space.
For the room that blends intellect with intrigue.
4. St. Barths Freedom
Vivid, glamorous, and sun-soaked, St. Barths Freedom captures the magnetic pull of the Caribbean’s most exclusive island. Think sailboats, celebrity soirées, and barefoot elegance. Its bright cover and vivid photography make it an instant focal point on any neutral coffee table.
A burst of colour and wanderlust — ideal for coastal interiors and free-spirited hearts.
5. Tulum Gypset
Tulum is more than a destination; it’s a mood. Tulum Gypset distills its essence bohemian, soulful, and endlessly stylish. Lush jungles, minimalist villas, and Mayan mystique come together in pages that hum with creative energy.
Best styled on a natural oak table beside incense and textured ceramics.
6. Watches: A Guide by Hodinkee
A collector’s essential. This definitive guide by Hodinkee chronicles horological history through stunning photography and expert insight. From diving watches to rare chronographs, it celebrates precision, design, and the art of timekeeping.
A subtle nod to craftsmanship understated luxury at its finest.
7. Diamonds: Diamond Stories
Brilliant in every sense, Diamonds: Diamond Stories reveals the world of exquisite gems — from legendary stones like the Hope Diamond to the ateliers that cut and craft them. With captivating imagery and insider perspectives, this book glitters with quiet power.
For interiors that shimmer with grace and confidence.
8. Louis Vuitton Manufactures
This book is an ode to artistry. Louis Vuitton Manufactures takes readers behind the scenes of the Maison’s legendary workshops from Normandy to Geneva where skill meets heritage. Each page is a study in perfection, reflecting the enduring spirit of French craftsmanship.
A refined addition for design lovers who appreciate heritage, precision, and the handmade.
9. Federer
Federer is not just a sports biography it’s a portrait of grace, discipline, and legacy. With intimate photographs and personal reflections, this Assouline edition captures the poise of one of the world’s greatest athletes.
A modern icon in literary form perfect for a masculine, minimalist setting.
10. Jake Arnold: Redefining Comfort
British-born designer Jake Arnold invites readers into spaces that feel deeply lived-in yet undeniably refined. His first book, Redefining Comfort, showcases the evolution of California luxury warm, tactile, and endlessly welcoming.
Ideal for design enthusiasts who believe that comfort is the ultimate sophistication.
Ready to Style Your Home With Intention?
More Than Books — They’re Stories Worth Displaying
Every piece in this collection was hand-picked to add depth, beauty, and personality to your space without overwhelming it. Visit our Edmonton studio to experience them in person, or shop online to bring the artistry of Stephenson House directly to your home.