The best interior books for the most stylish coffee-table stack in 2019

Stack em’, show em’ off AND read them

We get it; coffee table books are great accessories for every home and make a trendy addition to your Instagram flat lay. So here at 1^stOption we’ve compiled a little handy guide of the most stunning interior books that you’ll not only want to proudly display on every surface but that you’ll also find yourself flipping through again and again for much-needed inspo and interior escapism. 

If we take a quick glance back in history, it appears we’ve been obsessed with adorning our homes with stylish books for a pretty long time. Super important historical figure and all-round intelligent guy, Henry Ward Beecher (we advise a Google) claimed way back in the 1800’s “books are not made for furniture, but there’s nothing else that so beautifully furnishes a house” which gives us a perfect excuse to buy every book on this entire list, right? Amsterdam-based coffee table book publisher MENDO also vouch for the importance of carefully selected books within your home. “Nothing is as empty as a room full of books that aren’t chosen with care. Only when books are a reflection of the character of the homeowner do they give an interior personality.” To be honest, we’re not sure who’s more wise, social reformer Henry Ward Beecher or the creative geniuses at MENDO, but either way, we couldn’t agree with them more. And despite being over 100 years apart, they both seem to be in agreement that the right books are sure to add character and life to your room. 

This is why we’ve carefully selected the best interior coffee table books in the market right now, guaranteed to capture the attention and heart of anyone who’s obsessed with décor. So, shall we get on with what you’ve been waiting for? 

1) 100 Contemporary Houses

Number one on our list is Philip Jodidio’s100 Contemporary Houses, and it’ll come as no surprise as to what you’ll find inside this book. Yep, 100 of the best modern homes from across the globe, (who’d of thought?) Browse through some of the slickest residential architecture you’ve ever laid eyes on, guaranteed to make you want to swap out your rustic knick-knacks for floating steel stairs and clean lines. If contemporary houses are your thing, have a browse through our selection of modern houses available to rent for photo shoots, TV and filming. 

2) Leaf Supply: A Guide to Keeping Happy House Plants

) It’s okay to admit, we know you really did try to keep that cactus alive you’re friend gifted you for your birthday last year. If you love the thought of filling your space with lots of greenery but are a little overwhelmed at the thought of keeping everything alive, then you need to get your hands on Leaf Supply: A Guide to Keeping Happy House Plants by Lauren Camilleri and Sophia Kaplan. This practical (and beautiful) book helps plant lovers not only choose and care for over 100 easy-to-find house plants, but also gives the reader advice on how to style their very own slice of an at-home jungle. If you’re obsessed with houseplants, make sure you check out our leafy shoot location @claptontram. 

3) The Scandinavian Home: Interiors inspired by light

Is there anything more effortlessly cool than Scandinavian décor? We think not. The Scandinavian Home: Interiors inspired by light by Niki Brantmark pays homage to the soulful simplicity that is at the heart of every hygge home. Whether you’re chasing after a more “balanced” lifestyle or you’ve got the whole white-washed-minimalism aesthetic down already, you’ll be obsessed with this stunning book. Filled with beautiful pictures showcasing the best of Scandinavian style throughout Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland, there’s no doubt this coffee table book will leave you feeling anything but inspired, envious (and make you rid your home of all its unnecessary clutter.) Drool over our favourite selection of properties that feature Scandinavian décor for even more inspo. 

4) New York Behind Closed Doors

You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who isn’t in love with the idea of New York City; after all, it’s the place where dreams are made. Have you ever wondered what it might be like to live in one of the worlds most vibrant and busiest cities? ThenNew York Behind Closed Doors by Polly Devlin should be your coffee-table go-to book of choice. Flick through the pages of this book and you’ll discover the homes of 24 New York artists, writers and social influencers and the small, unique spaces they inhabit. An absolute must-buy for anyone who’s just a little bit nosey. Love all things quirky and off the wall? Have a browse through our selection of unique shoot locations and urban properties to satisfy all your wacky city needs. 

5) Mad About The House: How to decorate your home with style

Book number 5 comes straight from the blogging world. If you keep up to date with all the hottest social influencers in the world of interiors you’ll be well aware of who Kate Watson-Smyth is, the creator behind awardwinning blog, Mad About the House. Her perfect coffee-table book also called, Mad About The House: How to decorate your home with style is the perfect guide for everyone who is décor obsessed. From first-time buyers who are looking to furnish a new home to interior enthusiasts looking to revamp their space with a little help from an expert. We have lots of properties at 1^stOption that have been lovingly created by industry leading interior stylists, click here to view them. 

6) Dior and His Decorators: Victor Grandpierre, Georges Geffroy and The New Look

If you’re after something a more little high end and fashion orientated, look no further than Dior and His Decorators: Victor Grandpierre, Georges Geffroy and The New Look. (Phew, that was a mouth full.) This carefully curated book follows the journey of Grandpierre, who was responsible for designing Dior’s first couture house, creating not only the elegantly restrained look of the salons, but also the look for the Dior brand including packaging, logo and typeface. Grandpierre and Geffroy also went on to design salons and homes for the likes of Yves Saint Laurent, Marcel Rochas and Daisy Fellowes. A pretty impressive line up, eh? If you love everything about grand and opulent interiors, you have to have a peak inside our collection of draw-dropping country manors and stately homesfor some serious house goals.  

So, there we have it. The best of the best coffee table books to fill your home within 2019. Which one, or two, or three (no judgement here) will you be getting your hands on? Let us know in the comments below!