Coffee table book
A coffee table book is an oversized, hard-covered book designed to be displayed on a coffee table. Its content is primarily non-fiction and pictorial (a photo-book), with captions and small blocks of text interspersed throughout the pages.
History
David Brower is sometimes credited with inventing the modern coffee table book, which are large folio and quarto format art books illustrated with tipped-in color plates. They have found uses in propaganda, such as a book on the life of Walter Ulbricht.
In popular culture
In the 1980s, British comedy duo Smith and Jones released The Coffee Table Book, and Family Guy claims that he, Joe Swanson, and Glen Quagmire are working on a coffee table book of lesbian butts.
References
Archived from the original on 2013-10-08. “Harold Wood Presentation on H.R. 2715 – LeConte Memorial Lodge”. Retrieved 2014-03-28. “Essays by Michel de Montaigne”. Archived from the original on 2013-10-08.
What is considered coffee table book?
A coffee table book, also known as a cocktail table book, is a large, usually hard-covered book designed to be displayed on a table in an area where guests are entertained and from which it can be used to spark conversation or pass the time.
Why is it called a coffee table book?
Because of the lack of textual content, the term is sometimes used derogatorily to refer to books that deal with topics in a superficial manner; books that value style over substance. When you refer to a song as “coffee table music,” you are referring to ear candy.
Are coffee table books meant to be read?
A coffee table book is typically a high-quality, large book with illustrations and photographs intended for casual reading, and it’s usually placed on a coffee table in a lounge so visitors can browse through it for inspiration or to start a pleasant conversation.
What makes a great coffee table book?
Coffee table books are storytellers, but they tell stories in a different way: they are precise, crisp, and include inspiring narratives. If the subject is business, the reader will find everything they need to know in a simple, uncomplicated format.
How many pages should a coffee table book have?
However, there are some standard page counts to consider when it comes to your book: the recommended binding option is perfect bound, which requires a minimum of 28 pages, with the most common page count hovering around 200 pages.
How many coffee table books should you have?
If you have a bold or colorful coffee table, or if your books are color-coded or have a specific theme, go for the minimalistic route and display only a collection of your favorite coffee table booksu2014no fuss required. Stacks of two to four books work best.
When did coffee table books become popular?
The popularity of coffee tables, after which these books are named, can be traced back to the popularity of central heating in the 1960s, when furniture no longer had to be arranged around the fireplace.
How do you style a coffee table?
15 Styling Ideas for Your Coffee Table from Designers
- Three’s Company. The age-old rule of threes comes in handy when styling your coffee table.
- Contrast Colors.
- Pick Sides.
- Go Green.
- Use a Tray.
- Be Entertaining.
- Examine Every Angle.
- Examine Every Angle.
How do you make a coffee table book at home?
What Is a Coffee Table Book and How Do I Make One?
- Upload your photos to your Shutterfly account.
- Choose your photo book style and layout.
- Add photos to your project.
- Edit photos, captions, and embellishments.
- Review your order.
What’s the point of a coffee table?
A coffee table is a low table that is used to hold beverages, remote controls, magazines, books (especially large, illustrated coffee table books), decorative objects, and other small items in a sitting area.
What is the best size for a coffee table book?
While coffee table books come in a variety of sizes, choose one that is at least 9 to 10 inches long; smaller books lack the presence to make an impact and will blend in with your decor.
How do you write a coffee book?
Beginner’s Guide to Publishing a Coffee Table Book
- Step #1: Brainstorm ideas. Step #2: Gather visuals. Step #3: Write the text. Step #4: Work with the designer. It All Begins with Coffee Table Book Printing.
What coffee table books do celebrities have?
MORE: 11 Coffee Table Books With A Beauty Theme That Double as Decor
- Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s “Influence.” Cameron Diaz’s “The Body Book.” Naomi Campbell’s “The Art of Beauty.” Misty Copeland’s “Ballerina Body.” Lauren Conrad’s “Beauty.” Kim Kardashian’s “Selfish.” Kate Moss’ “Kate: The Kate Moss Book.”