Have you ever seen books on a coffee table when you visit a cafe or a restaurant?
Those books are there for a reason and serve a specific purpose and are called Coffee Table Books.
So, what is a coffee table book and its purpose?
Here’s What A Coffee Table Book Is And Its Purpose
An oversized book, also called a cocktail table book, is used to display next to a table where guests will be entertained, and it can serve to engage in conversations or pass the time. Since there is no textual content in these books, the term is sometimes used to refer to books that ignore substance in favor of style. These books are usually brightly colored, large, and have an interesting covers.
There is no shortage of architecture and design writing in coffee-table books, yet they cover a range of subject matter and topics. When you invite visitors to your home or business, they are a great way to initiate a conversation.
Related:
- What Is The Best Way To Clean A Glass Coffee Table? (Explained)
- Is It Rude To Put Feet On Coffee Table? (Might Surprise You)
- Do Marble Coffee Tables Stain? (Explained for Beginners)
Does The Coffee Table Book Always Stay On The Coffee Table?
Exactly as it sounds, a coffee table book is one that sits on a table and can be thumbed through by anyone who stops by. This type of book works well on the coffee table, but it can also be displayed elsewhere.
In fact, any surface that is large enough to display the book and allows it to be seen easily makes a great place for a coffee table book.
A mantle, end table, buffet, side table, and even a buffet can be decorated with them. The books are usually noticeable because they are large and decorative.
You’ll probably learn a few things as well as pass the time with them. Groups can benefit from them by preventing uncomfortable silences. It is often easier to read and visually interesting to read because of the large images they contain.
They are used for decoration only by some people, and they shop for their coffee table books based on their aesthetic preferences and where they will be displayed.
While others are more interested in sharing their own personal photos and displaying them in coffee books that are kept on shelves and desks.
Displaying them well will also make anyone who visits your home feel welcome to use them however they want.
These types of books may be found in waiting rooms at local hospitals or doctors’ offices, or professional offices. Oftentimes, libraries even exhibit them on tables or window seals so that visitors can easily see and enjoy them.
What Size Is A Coffee Table Book?
There is no specific size for coffee table books, but they are generally much larger than regular reading books. Coffee table books come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
A typical size for these can range from 8×8 to 14×18. Some can weigh up to eight pounds, while others can weigh as little as two.
They vary in shape from squares to rectangles. Often, they contain many pages and are very thick.
The pages are often brightly colored, and many have hundreds of pages. Many of them also have attractive covers to attract guests’ attention.
They are designed to be large, so they can be seen easily. Besides being large and easy to handle, they are also easier to see pictures through because of their large size.
Do People Read Coffee Table Books?
The majority of coffee table books do not have words and cannot be read, but there are some that do contain words.
An overall theme and a series of photos are the focus of a coffee table book.
You can read articles or stories inside many coffee books. A coffee table book may simply be a larger version of a novel or story. A coffee table book’s photos can spark conversation, just as its story and text can.
With most coffee table books. The photos tell the story. Some of the photos may have captions that help explain what is pictured, or some may have a few short lines of quotes or stories.
Coffee table books are meant to spark the imagination, inspire new thoughts, and spark up new conversations. It’s up to the reader to decide what they are looking at and come up with the story behind what they see.
Some common coffee table book topics include:
- Art
- Science
- Animals
- Travel Destinations
- Photos
- Decor
- Landscaping
- Recipes
Do I Need A Coffee Table Book?
You may need a coffee table book in your home if you entertain guests, want to maintain a certain aesthetic, or simply enjoy picture books. It is possible to use coffee table books to decorate your home and express your interests.
It is not surprising that most people buy hardcover books that are eye-catching and colorful, such as those that cover topics such as art, culture, history, fashion, photography, nature, etc.
In minimalist homes, fashion books look great on coffee tables, as they look great on a coffee table. Despite the fact that coffee table books are on the rise, the trend seems to be here to stay! There has never been a greater demand for coffee table books!
By selecting coffee table books that match your personality, interests, and style, you can not only set an interesting conversation or entertain guests at your house but also show off your personal style and interests.
Coffee table books are, therefore, perfect for expressing yourself and inspiring conversation among friends, colleagues, family members, and love interests.
Images and information in books such as these can often serve as inspiration or provide you with new ideas and thoughts.
Having your surroundings filled with the things you love and are interested in is also a form of self-expression. You can give them out to visitors who are passing the time or learning more about who you are and what makes you tick!
There are times, though, when your guests aren’t the focus of your coffee table book. As a reminder of your favorite things, interests, or just because it looks nice, occasionally, the book might be a good addition to your room.
Are Coffee Table Books Expensive?
It is common for coffee table books to cost between $100 and $300. Books’ prices are determined by their topics and contents.
At yard sales or even through online auctions, you can usually find these books at an affordable price in second-hand stores. It is possible to find preowned coffee table books for less than $10. The price of some of these items can reach thousands of dollars.
You can find different prices for different types of books depending on where you buy them. Using photo albums or even custom-made photo books can even make coffee table books more personal.
How Many Coffee Table Books Do I Need?
Adding one or a couple of selected coffee table books to your coffee table will make it look great. A small table requires stackable books that won’t take up a lot of space on your table. It is important that the table remains functional.
Choose different types of books that will appeal to everyone who sees them, or select several books with the same topic or theme.
There is just as much importance placed on the outside of coffee table books as on what is inside.
They should match your decor and should fit each other since they are often just decorative items. You can choose as many books as needed to stack them and create the look you want for your coffee table.
Final Thoughts
A coffee table book or cocktail table book is a great addition to your coffee table not only for aesthetics but also to kill those dull moments when the coffee table is surrounded by a group.
It may not have the most entertaining subject or content but usually does have attractive pictures with a lovely hardcover.
They come in different shapes and sizes and you can place multiple of them on your coffee table (depending on the size of your coffee table).
We definitely think it is worth having a coffee table book on your coffee table given its multiple purposes!
