An ode to the coffee table book
The beautiful covers promise an exploration of the modern zeitgeist via the lens of bound visual narratives. A well-designed coffee table book will complement any home. From Claudia Schiffer’s latest coffee-table book Captivate!, which contains over 150 images — some previously unseen from the supermodel’s archives — to Gauri Khan’s My Life in Design, which details everything from Shah Rukh’s favourite library to the family’s favourite after-work hangout spot to Ralph Lauren: In His Own Fashion, which examines the legendary American fashion designer Ralph Lauren’s career. What is the fascination with coffee table books?
Identity display
The coffee table book Farah Khan’s Bejewelled Life details her life, the development of her jewellery designs, and the sources of her inspiration. “This book contains five chapters. The first, “Fluidity,” talks about spirituality, transformation, and self-reinvention. I spent a large portion of my youth travelling with my father, actor-director-producer Sanjay Khan, to his filming locations in the palaces of Jaipur. The second chapter, “A Royal Affair,” was created as a result of my fascination with the splendour and craftsmanship of the palaces,” says Farah Ali Khan, jewellery designer.
The book features photographs of her handcrafted 18 karat gold jewels and renderings, as well as stunning shots of the designer’s eye-catching landscapes, buildings, and animals, some of which she captured with her phone. Everything, however, is woven together beautifully with her short asides, quips, and Rumi’s poetry.
Coffee table books also known as a cocktail table book are intriguing literary works that disclose details about their owners’ interests. Mallika Reddy, founder of sustainable fashion label Cancelled Plans, feels they are equal parts object d’art, photographic ode, and textual contemplation.
“Coffee table books are works of art in their own right. They can deliver as much joy as a painting, sculpture, or other piece of design. They are beautiful mediums to tell stories with and thus light up any room they’re in. They have a mystical quality to them. and find them to be wonderful to touch, feel, and smell. It’s a sensory experience,” says Mallika.
“A picture is worth a thousand words”
For Rekha Reddy, First Master of Ohara Ikebana, whose coffee table book, Mishrana, promotes a meeting place of Indian food and Ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arranging, is an illustration of the ancient saying “a picture is worth a thousand words.” “They can be educational, visually appealing, thought-provoking, and conversation starters. A group of us has put together a few books on Ikebana, each one juxtaposing it with some aspect of Indian culture. These books have become a wonderful way of understanding cultures,” explains Rekha.
Cult classics
According to actress Divya Seth Shah, these massive hardcover books adorning coffee tables indicate that this timeless interior design concept transcends design styles and exudes casual sophistication.
“These oversized, often hardcover books have mostly become a component of the decor. They enhance the appearance of a drawing room. Also, and I believe that nowadays, people like me keep a lot of coffee table books around because, even though everyone reads so little, you can look through a book and enjoy it when you’re on the couch or just thinking, and I believe that the appeal of a big picture book will always be relevan,” says Divya.
More than books
While coffee table books are clearly appealing to the eyes, it is critical not to underestimate their potential depth. “Their beauty extends beyond the surface. Underneath their magnificent covers are tales, histories, and opinions that can profoundly affect and inspire. In a digital age where everything is fleeting, there’s something profoundly anchoring about a solid book that delivers both beauty and knowledge. A well-chosen coffee table book demonstrates sophisticated taste and intellectual curiosity,” says Juhi Sanghi, event curator & stylist at Pink Peony & Co.
Is there still a market for coffee table books in this day of digital reading?
Mariyam, director of Epistle Communications says, coffee table books remain cherished artefacts, adored for their capacity to grab the senses and tell stories in a unique way. “These are more than books; they embody a distinct blend of visual allure, personal expression, and cultural significance, distinguishing them from their digital counterparts. In a world dominated by screens, and as these prints become more scarce, their tactile nature and ability to engage the senses make them all the more appealing,” Mariyam adds.
See, Touch, Feel
They are meant to be seen, touched, and felt. “Coffee table books are more than just literary works for those who respect the printed word; they are personal statements, curated collections, or even works of art that people maintain to commemorate their cultural essence. As one turns the pages filled with magnificent images, these volumes eloquently capture the rich, storied history and future objectives. They, like novels, tell stories,” Mariyam says.
What distinguishes them is the physicality they provide, a holistic experience that digital media can only envy.
“The tactile delight of turning each page, the palpable feel of paper beneath one’s fingertips, and the heft of a well-crafted book all contribute to an intimate and profound connection with the content within,” says Mariyam.
Sentimental value
They go beyond their function as reading material to become design elements that reflect the personality of a room and the people who occupy it. When it comes to design these books, Mariyam notes that, “They inspire individuals with fresh ideas for interior decor, architectural aesthetics, and lifestyle choices, often showcasing the brilliance of influential designers and artists.”
However, their most appealing feature may be their capacity to convey expertise and individuality. “These books have profound sentimental value for many people, serving as mementos of past journeys or cherished gift copies. Some are limited editions, with the signatures of famous authors or artists or exclusive content, making them meaningful and appreciated gifts.”
BRIGHT FUTURE
Coffee table books will have a bright future as long as people love their homes, have the ability to express themselves, and entertain visitors. However, there is a new and emerging trend in how they are manufactured and shown. That is the growing interest in self-publishing one-of-a-kind coffee table books.
“I believe that the barriers to entry for self-publishing books are lower than in the past. It is easier, and freedom of expression is encouraged. Painting is a hobby and passion for some, while writing and publishing their own books is a passion for others,” explains Mallika.
They enhance the appearance of a drawing room. I believe that nowadays, people like me keep a lot of coffee table books around because, even though everyone reads so little, you can look through a book and enjoy it when you’re on the couch or just thinking, and I believe that the appeal of a big picture book will always be relevant. — Divya Seth Shah, actress.
They can be educational, visually appealing, thought-provoking, and conversation starters. A group of us has put together a few books on Ikebana, each one juxtaposing it with some aspect of Indian culture. These books have become a wonderful way of understanding cultures.” — Rekha Reddy, First Master of Ohara Ikebana
Their beauty extends beyond the surface. Underneath their magnificent covers are tales, histories, and opinions that can profoundly affect and inspire. In a digital age where everything is fleeting, there’s something profoundly anchoring about a solid book that delivers both beauty and knowledge. — Juhi Sanghi, event curator & stylist at Pink Peony & Co
They can be educational, visually appealing, thought-provoking, and conversation starters. A group of us has put together a few books on Ikebana, each one juxtaposing it with some aspect of Indian culture. These books have become a wonderful way of understanding cultures.” — Rekha Reddy, First Master of Ohara Ikebana
Coffee table books are works of art in their own right. They can deliver as much joy as a painting, sculpture, or other piece of design. They are beautiful mediums to tell stories with and thus light up any room they’re in. They can deliver as much joy as a painting, sculpture, or other piece of design.” — Mallika Reddy, founder of sustainable fashion label Cancelled Plans