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Charles Baudelaire famously said, "A book is a garden, an orchard, a storehouse, a party, a company by the way, a counselor, a multitude of counselors." We think this is doubly true of coffee table books – the best of them become fixtures in our homes, and endless sources of inspiration.
At The Quality Edit we are unabashed coffee table book collectors, always jumping at any opportunity to explore the worlds of art, design, and more through large format books. Coffee table books are the perfect, sophisticated gift to give everyone from your boss to your partner – and our favorite splurge for when you need to treat yourself. Read them cover to cover or just look at the gorgeous art inside – we won’t judge.
For Everyone
We all need a boost sometimes to reinvigorate and re-inspire ourselves, and Flamingo Estate’s Richard Christiansen has compiled the ultimate, beautifully edited combination of his wonderfully honest personal essays and conversations with the people who inspire him. He spoke candidly with icons like Alice Waters, Jane Fonda, Jane Goodall, and many more about a range of topics including love, purpose, design, and – because it’s Flamingo Estate, after all! – lessons we can learn from the garden. This is the perfect gift for all the curious minds in your life, and the best gift you can give yourself this holiday season. We all need some time away from our screens, curled up with a beautiful book.
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For the Design Fan
The ultimate escape – Italy’s Amalfi coast. Whether you’re a design aficionado or are looking for a gift for the Italophile in your life, Ana Cardinale’s beautiful writing and Matthieu Salvaing’s vibrant photographs are completely transportative.
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Maura McEvoy & Basha Burwell’s beautiful exploration of some of the most beautiful houses in Maine became a surprise hit, spawning an equally compelling sequel. There’s endless inspiration for home decor and interior design here, from modern minimalism to eclectic shabby chic.
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For the Music Lover
Studio 54 was arguably the most glam nightclub to ever exist, a 70s dance music mecca that hosted every icon of the era, and has become an icon in its own right. Co-owner Ian Schrager oversaw the creation of this massive book of photos from the club’s heyday.
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The album cover is a vanishing art in the age of streaming, but some of the best graphic design and photography of the modern era has happened on record covers. Taschen put together a staggering 1,000 of the best record covers ever, which we could (and will) pour over for hours.
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For the Film Fanatic
Indie film titan A24 has been quietly expanding its book division, producing some of the best film-related coffee table books we’ve seen. They tapped iconic fashion writers (including the brains behind one of our favorite Instagrams, @directorfits) to help curate and contextualize a collection of the best looks that film directors have worn, everywhere from set to the red carpet.
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Sofia Coppola (herself one of the stars of How Directors Dress) has her own book out, titled Archive. Spanning her career as a filmmaker, the book is a collection of Coppola’s personal photos, script notes, reference images, and key influences. Appropriately for the director of Marie Antoinette and Priscilla, the book is luxe and beautifully designed as well as fascinating.
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Wondering how to put the finishing touch on your home decor? Look no further than our essential list of the best coffee table books.
