If you’re ever stumped about what to give someone, you could do far worse than a beautiful coffee table book. It’s almost like a two-part gift: the recipient can enjoy reading what’s inside and use the book to decorate their living space, so while we do believe that one should never judge a book by its cover, coffee table books are a slight exception to the rule.
Part art object, part conversation prop, part declaration of taste, they’re often valued as much for their appearance as for their content. There’s a funny, slightly meta charm to a book about design that also functions as a design piece itself, a balance this year’s best releases pull off with ease.
That said, not all tomes are created equal, and with so many releases each year, it can be tricky to know where to start. From fashion to interiors, travel to watches, these are 2025’s best books.
See all of our gift guides here.
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London Chic, Assouline
Looking at the physical and cultural building blocks that shape a city, London Chic explores the British capital, capturing the clubs, character and corners of its more playful side. An Assouline title, its cover – gold lettering, gorgeous pups – is predictably immaculate and ready for display.
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My Life in Colors by Martin Brudnizki, Rizzoli
For interiors, turn to the king of maximalism. Rizzoli’s My Life in Colors is Martin Brudnizki’s debut title and every chapter focuses on projects inspired by a single hue: yellow for joy, blue for imagination, orange for energy. Flipping through the pages is a snoop inside some of the world’s most famous members’ clubs, hotels and restaurants (Annabel’s in London; Splendido in Portofino), on an exclusive guided tour led by the mastermind behind them.
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Taschen, Tadao Ando
Taschen’s Tadao Ando, a weighty blue hardback, is a personal archive that traces the architect’s evolution through 740 sketches, drawings and models. Alongside, the contemporary, self-taught architect reflects on five decades of work, including Row House in Sumiyoshi, Rokko Housing and Chichu Art Museum, in his own words.
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Private Aspen, Phaidon
For modernism cleverly tucked among pines, clinging to slopes and wrapping around streams, Phaidon’s Private Aspen takes you to the mountains and brings you inside 18 modernist homes. Imagery captures the rugged, wanderlust-inspiring charm of the region, while words by Helen Thompson get a little more technical, walking you through the designs with input from both architect and owner.
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Alice in Wonderland First Edition, Sotheby’s
A first edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland makes a rare and memorable gift, perfect for a child’s first vintage book or for a collector looking to add a classic to their shelf. Bound in red morocco with 42 illustrations, this London 1866 edition includes a Christmas gift inscription and, thankfully, is in very good condition.
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From Louis to Vuitton, Assouline
This coffee table book lifts the lid on the French maison, taking you through its history from early workshops to today’s collections. Over 400 images highlight iconic creations, the Asnières workshop and the house’s artistic directors. The publication is aptly stylish, housed in a Darmier-style case with a slim, bright yellow cover.
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Onsen and Ryokan of Japan, Gestalten
In Onsen and Ryokan of Japan Tokyo-based writer Lia combines photography and narrative to capture the architecture, interiors and rituals of these spaces, showing how these retreats balance tradition with modern design. The book is an ideal choice for anyone interested in Japanese culture, design, or is in the midst of planning a trip to the magical country.
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Erdem, Rizzoli
Perfect for fashion enthusiasts, Edrem Moralioglu’s first monograph covers 20 years of his work, including studio photos, archival images and contributions from friends and collaborators, with the foreword by Anna Wintour and contributors including Glenn Close and Nicholas Cullinan, the director of the British Museum. Essays, interviews and candid behind-the-scenes moments reveal his process, inspirations and muses.
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America’s Cup, Taschen
This collector’s edition, in size XXL, charts the history of the America’s Cup, the world’s oldest international sports competition. Wrapped in sailcloth with a custom Louis Vuitton closure, it includes rare photographs, technical data and insights into the teams, tactics and technology behind the races, edited by Guiseppe (Pino) Allieve, one of Formula 1’s best known journalists. Buy it on its own or with a special edition carbon fiber bookstand by Marc Newson, to display in the home.
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Vintage Rolex New Edition: The Largest Collection in the World
This updated 2025 edition from the Vintage Watch Company documents over 2,000 vintage Rolexes, from early pocket watches to iconic wristwatches. Curated by father-and-son John and David Silver, it marks the company’s 30th anniversary and offers a detailed, illustrated record of one of the world’s largest Rolex collections, an essential for collectors and horology enthusiasts.