According to dictionary.com, a CTB (coffee table book) is “an oversized, expensive, and usually illustrated book suitable for displaying, as on a coffee table” or in other words, “a book designed to be looked at rather than read.”
As an avid lover of decorating and domestic tasks, purchasing these types of books has always been a delighted pastime of mine.
However, just because traditionally coffee table books are only pretty to look at, doesn’t mean you can find one that’s pleasing to the eye and mind!
Below are some of my favorite ones that you can also, GASP…READ!
1. by MK&A (also known as Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen). Even if you haven’t followed these twin starlets since they were 9 months old (admittedly like myself), if you have any love for fashion and art whatsover, you will enjoy this book. Influence also has two covers (with one side of the book featuring Mary-Kate and the other featuring, yep, you guessed it..Ashley!). It displays all the role models in the twins’ lives that have influenced them (hence the name). Interviews with style icons to entrepreneurs to designers fill the pages – from DVF to Christian Louboutin, there’s something for everyone.
2. by Emily Schuman. While this book is slightly smaller in size than that of a traditional CTB, it doesn’t lack on material to pleasurably flip through. The book’s tag line “a guide for defining you style, reinventing your space and entertaining with ease” just about says it all. Emily Schuman, a well known lifestyle blogger, chronicles some of her favorite things from wardrobe must-haves to entertaining guidelines and everything in between. The best part about the book is that its organized by season and extremely relateable. Truth be told, I’d love to write a book just like this!
3. by Pippa Middleton. Okay, okay, I don’t care what the critics say, this book is still adorable! To actually hear a voice by the ever-so-famous “girl who stole the Royal Wedding’s show,” is actually endearing and brings to life the sister that we rarely actually hear from. It also provided insight into British holidays and traditions so there you go! I’d also love to write this type of book as well.
4. by Robert Cameron. Last but certainly not least is a CTB that consists of a collection of aerial shots around Washington, DC. Call me a little biased since I call this city “home”, but the photographs are beautiful and so are the history lessons behind them.
There you have it, a few of my recommended CTB’s! What books do you have out in your own house?
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