11 Coffee Table Books That Are Both Stunning AND Informative

We like our style with a side of substance — especially when it comes to coffee table books. We want our coffee table books to look like decor ​and​ serve as informative, fun reads for ourselves and our guests. If you want to see exactly what we're talking about, check out our chic ​and​ informative coffee table book recommendations below.

Also, if you're able, please consider purchasing these books from a local BIPOC-owned bookstore.

Darcy Eveleigh, Dana Canedy, Damien Cave, and Rachel L. Swarns's ​Unseen​ brings forth hundreds of Black historical images that were previously buried in the ​New York Times's​ archives. In addition to these photos, this work also tells the fascinating stories behind them.

Edited by Gerald McMaster, this book features works by over 175 Inuit artists, scholarly essays that examine the transformation of Inuit art during the twentieth century, and artist interviews. It contains everything we want in a coffee table book — and more.

Andy Campbell's ​Queer X Design​ is an illustrated history of signs, banners, logos, graphic art, and symbols that represented over five decades of LGBTQ+ activism. It is a true work of art, history, and emotion.

Across six Chinatowns, authors Andria Lo and Valerie Luu interviewed and photographed stylish elders with wisdom to share. It's the book version of their stunning Chinatown Pretty Instagram.

Through photographer Ulli Steltzer's images, readers get to take a look inside the carving shed of artist Robert Davidson, who is known for his totem poles and masks. The book also features writings from Davidson himself, who discusses his history, creative process, and culture.

Featuring fifteen artist portfolios of Black fashion photographers and an illustrated essay from author Antwaun Sargent, this book is a must if you're interested in the intersection of fashion and Black culture.

Currently available for pre-order and shipping starting December 22, 2020, this book is a coffee table essential. Within its 600 pages, you'll find more than 700 of Walker's works (some of which are from her private collection), index card notes, and dream journal entries.

If you love filling your home with greenery, then you'll love adding this book to your coffee table. Authored by plant and interior stylist Hilton Carter, this book features a tour of Hilton's own apartment with over 200 plants and his top tips for plant parenthood.

There is something for everyone in this book by Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham, which combines images, essays, tweets, poetry, and more to tell the story of the world Black creators are building today.

Jane Hall's ​Breaking Ground​ highlights over 200 buildings from incredible women architects. Inside the book, you'll find gorgeous photos coupled with informative artist biographies.

Who doesn't love to look at photos of delicious foods? In this chef Gastón Acurio cookbook, what you'll discover is 500 recipes for Peruvian dishes that will make you instantly want to get in the kitchen.