10 Art & Design Coffee Table Books I Bet You Haven’t Seen Before

Last week Chris and I found ourselves perusing through several new-to-us “ma and pop” shops and while it wasn’t our intention, we never really made it past the books section. Each shop had a beautiful collection of books ranging from coffee table design books that I had never seen before to antique art books from artists I had never heard of. Needless to say, we both left with a stack of books new and old and we’ve been diving into them every evening since.

Andrew Wyeth is one of the artists that I discovered during our shopping excursion and I’m so drawn to his artistic style. I was lucky enough to walk away with 5 of his antique books!

While at a design studio and book store, I saw literally dozens of design coffee table books that I have never seen before! Usually if you look online for design coffee table books, there’s a bundle of 12 that pop up for everyone….and everyone has them. (You know the ones…) The design studio and book stores we visited didn’t have a single one of the typical books and it was so fresh to see! I grabbed 2 for myself and took photos of half a dozen more that I’ve got my eye on for later.

Care to see which design books I found and loved?

1. THE MAINE HOUSE – I’m about halfway through this book and loving it! It tells the stories of homes restored and preserved all across Maine and the people who live in them. The culture of Maine is so captivating and the value of preserving architectural history is strong!

2. ANDREW WYETH (vintage) – This was the first Andrew Wyeth book I found and was instantly drawn to the cover. It showcases a collection of his paintings and short stories behind them. (This book is vintage so if the link I shared is already sold out, shop this Andrew Wyeth book on Ebay!)

3. TWO YEARS ON A BIKE – Join Martijn Doolaard on a visual journey from Vancouver to Argentina. He spent two years traveling the world with just his bike and the necessities that fit on it.

4. ACCIDENTALLY WES ANDERSON – An iconic Wes Anderson Style book highlighting stunning places and the stories behind them. How can you not be drawn to such a book?

5. AT THE ARTISAN’S TABLE – To start….look at that stunningly captivating cover! I’ve never been as cheerfully drawn to a book before. This is a book of tablescapes featuring historical table wares from the world’s finest design museums and international artisans. It takes “set the table” to the next level.

6. EVERGREEN – Take a tour around the world to see how people, places, and cities have incorporated plants in uniquely beautiful ways. Be inspired by the many ways you can create a horticulture paradise in your own home.

7. AXEL VERVOORDT: WABI INSPIRATIONS – I’m eternally captivated by moody interiors so of course the cover caught my eye. But the interior is where you’ll get lost in infinite moody eye candy. Wabi is a traditional Japanese aesthetic, a world view that strives for simplicity and humility and this book captures the essence of Wabi.

8. COUNTRY & COZY – I am drawn to rustic, simple homes so this book appealed to me. I opened it up to devour the most beautiful countryside homes across the world. If you appreciate the beauty of a home with character, this book has plenty. And yes, this book came home with me.

9. ANDREW WYETH | DRY BRUSH & PENCIL DRAWINGS (vintage) – There’s a sense of simplicity in this black and white book, yet I find myself dissecting each drawing. From a sketch of an incredibly realistic hand on a table to a barn door splattered in snow. (This book is vintage so if the link I shared is already sold out, shop this Andrew Wyeth book on Ebay!)

10. WYETH AT KUERNERS (vintage) – “This is a book about art that inevitably becomes a book about life.” Andrew Wyeth’s wife pulls back the curtain to show us his process. From concept sketches that bear splash marks from raindrops and paw prints from family dogs to the final rendition. We get to see the fascinating evolution of all his work in this visually stunning 315 page book. (This book is vintage so if the link I shared is already sold out, shop this Andrew Wyeth book on Ebay!)