The Ultimate Guide to Designing a Perfect Coffee Table Book
Coffee table books have long been a staple in homes, office waiting rooms, lounges, and high-end retail spaces. They are more than just decorative pieces; they are conversation starters, sources of inspiration, and a testament to your personal style. For photographers, artists, and creatives, a coffee table book offers an excellent opportunity to showcase your work and reach a broader audience.
A well-designed coffee table book doesn't just sit on a shelf—it is picked up, touched, thumbed through, shown off to friends or prospective buyers of your work, and displayed with pride. The key to achieving this lies in the quality of the design.
Quick Tips for Designing a Coffee Table Book
Before diving into the specifics, here are some quick tips to keep in mind when designing a coffee table book:
Stunning Book Cover Design: The cover is the first thing people see; it should be striking and reflective of the Book's theme or the artist's intent and have an Instant visual draw. Are you aiming for the minimalist vibe of The Beatles' White Album or a cover that highlights your best photography? Both approaches can be highly effective—it all depends on the intent and emotion you want to convey, the style you want your coffee table book to embody, and the type of buyer you're targeting; overall, what is the book's intent? The coffee table book design should offer something unique and special that readers want to touch and feel, something that sets it apart from the other books on the shelf or (haha) coffee table, whether it is a cover material like linen or a unique printing application such as embossing or foil stamping.
Design by LOMAXcreative; see case study for details. Her Helm by Kristin Rutkowski
Image from the Kinfolk Facebook page.
Engaging Images and Thoughtful Page Design: Every page should captivate the reader with high-quality images that tell a story, white space that leads the reader to the next page or image, or engaging content styled to reflect your coffee table book design intent and further explore the book’s narrative.
Unique Materials to Enhance the Experience: Consider using unique paper types, textures, or printing techniques to make your Book stand out. Think about how you want your readers to interact with your coffee table book design and how they will pick it up. How do you want the cover of your coffee table book to feel rough, textured or smooth, and slick? Will there be printed end sheets to expand on the design and brand of your book? Would a belly band that wraps around the Book in an opposite color to offset a photograph be the right look and feel for your coffee table book design's vision, or is your coffee table book housed in a custom box to show higher quality and craftsmanship? These are all key questions that will determine if your book looks like it was designed by a hobbyist, or a professional book designer.
Image from findthelostkitchen.com The Lost Kitchen, by Erin French
Image from Phaidon.com Mapplethorpe Flora: The Complete Flowers
Interesting Yet Easily Readable Text: Typography should be chosen with readability and style in mind, complementing your coffee table book's design. Is a modern san serif font the right choice, and could a secondary font, whether handwritten or serif, be used to show contrast? These elements will elevate your coffee table book design to the next level.
Image from quarto.com Let's Get Lost: the world's most stunning remote locations
Image from Phaidon.com Annie Leibovitz wonderland
How to Design the Perfect Coffee Table Book
Now, let's delve deeper into aspects of creating a beautiful coffee table book design.
Designing Stunning Coffee Table Book Covers
The cover is your first impression—it needs to be memorable and have an Instant visual draw. Make sure to consider your featured images, layout, font, and other creative features (textures, embossing, etc.)
Choosing the Right Cover Image or Design
When selecting a cover image, think about how it represents the content inside. Do you want a full-frame photograph, or would an enlarged crop of an image bring in more interest? The cover should intrigue and invite readers to explore the Book. Not all coffee table books need a hero image on the cover. Sometimes, a minimalist design with strategic use of color or texture can be just as powerful. Consider unique design elements like embossed titles or foiled accents to add a touch of luxury.
Image from tatler.com The Glamour of Leicester Square
Image from hachettebookgroup.com Six Seasons By Joshua McFadden
Picking an Interesting Layout
A well-thought-out layout can transform a simple collection of images into a compelling narrative story. Play with the arrangement of photographs and the flow from one page to the next, and don't forget about the use of negative space; negative space on the page can act as a character, elevating your photography and narrative. A dynamic layout keeps the reader engaged and adds to the Book's overall aesthetic. While the theme and content are vital for any book, the success of a coffee table book design equally hinges on exceptional graphic design and layout. Relying on a generic plug-and-play, template-based layout tool won't do justice to your story or the stunning collection of photographs you want to share with others.
Image from DK Travel USA National Parks Lands of Wonder
Image from Phaidon.com Catherine Opie
Font Size
Font size is another important consideration, particularly for readability. Text that's too small or too condensed can be challenging to read. Aim for a size that is comfortable to read from a distance and works well with your overall design.
Coffee Table Book Printing Materials
The materials you choose for printing can significantly impact the look and feel of your Book. Consider the paper's weight and texture, the binding type, and any special finishes like gloss, matte, or spot UV. High-quality materials enhance the visual appeal, ensure the Book's durability, and can elevate your narrative. Unique materials are a great way to stand out in a sea of books on a bookshelf.
While there are many factors to consider when selecting your printing materials, a professional print house will happily guide you through every decision.
Design by LOMAXcreate, see case study for more details. Arkansas by Ron Evans
Image from thegentlemansjournal.com POLPO: A Venetian Cookbook (Of Sorts) by Russell Norman
Additional Design Features to Consider
Beyond the basics, think about additional design features that can make your coffee table book truly unique. Options include:
Gold-Edged Pages: Adds a luxurious touch.
Embossing or Debossing: Provides texture and depth.
Sprayed Edges: A pop of color that stands out even when the Book is closed.
Belly bands: Can provide an extra layer of depth and printing or image real estate.
Endsheets: Endsheets offer an opportunity to add an embellishing touch to your Book. By printing them with creative designs or vibrant images, they can elevate the Book's aesthetics.
Design by LOMAXcreative Veg Forward, an example of endsheet design.
Image from Phaidon.com Annie Leibovitz wonderland
Coffee Table Book Printing Tips
When it comes to printing, working with a trusted book printer is essential. Ensure your printer of choice understands your vision and has the capabilities to execute it. Consider ordering a small batch of proofs to ensure everything meets your expectations, especially if your coffee table book design is a book showcasing your photography; you want to make sure that the paper you have chosen is thick enough as not to "see through" the image on the previous page.
When to Bring on a Specialized Coffee Table Book Designer
While you might be tempted to handle everything yourself, I know it's so tempting to save a little cash, but bringing on a professional book designer can elevate your project and save you time, money, and headaches in the end. A designer will help you navigate the complexities of layout and typography, help you with image selection and flow, work hand in hand with the printer for material selection, budget, and timelines, ensuring your coffee table book design is beautiful but also cohesive, polished, and delivered on time and on budget. One of the great aspects of working with a seasoned graphic designer (like me!) is that they have an expansive knowledge base about the functionality of design while balancing the aesthetics of your coffee table book design. A professional coffee table book designer who knows how to collaborate closely with a printer is also invaluable, as their expertise helps ensure your coffee table book stays on schedule and within budget. Simply put, a professional coffee table book designer will elevate your Book for eye-catching allure, pick-up appeal, and a compelling first impression. I know you are an expert at what you do, and trust me, so am I!
The Best Way to Start Your Coffee Table Book Design
The journey to creating a perfect coffee table book begins with a clear vision and the right team to bring it to life. Whether you're just starting to brainstorm or you have a full collection of photographs ready to go, the best step you can take is to consult with a professional book designer (hello again!) They can guide you through the entire process, from concept to final print, ensuring your Book is everything you envisioned—and more.
Ready to start your coffee table book journey? Contact me today, and let's create a stunning piece that will be cherished for years to come.