Smarten your Coffee Table

The coffee table has long been a staple in the living room furniture suite. Just as the name implies, the coffee table can always be counted on to hold beverages, magazines and sometimes even to prop up tired feet. With time, the notion of coffee table books became popular. It’s always nice to have something to entertain guests, to pass time or spark conversation. A properly placed coffee table book can even blend with the décor of the room.

Popularity and acknowledgement of this style of book hit a peak in 2003 when Alexander Payne and James Zemaitis published "The Coffee Table, Coffee Table Book." As is easily guessed by the title of this book, it was meant to sit nicely on the coffee table. This book is a basic, photographic collection of interior design and unique furniture. It's sure to spark conversation and entertain when guests see it on the coffee table.

Another coffee table book that will serve its purpose is Life magazines "100 Photographs that Changed the World," an eye-opening collection compiled by the editors of Life. This book includes vividly colorful, visually striking moments captured on film that are sure to go down in history. This is a book that can prove to be of educational value for children and a worthwhile look into other cultures and locations around the world. Check this one out or even give it as a gift for a friend with a bare coffee table.

And if that's not enough, "Through the Lens: National Geographic’s Greatest Photographs" is a coffee table book that takes the reader on a trip around the world through genuine, world-class photographs. This hardcover contains 250 moving photographs that will have you fascinated for hours.

If you choose to smarten up your coffee table with "Through the Lens", then you may want to check out "In Focus: National Geographic Greatest Portraits". These two companion books will enhance the appearance of any living room or family gathering area.

Continuing with the National Geographic series, "Wide Angle: National Geographic Greatest Places" will take readers, young and old, on a self-guided tour of some of the most important and newsworthy places and sights around the globe. This collection of 260 glossy photographs will remain timeless.

If you have a desire for something other than a compelling book on the coffee table, try laying out an atlas or add dimension to a flat tabletop by displaying a world globe. It makes learning fun and exciting.

Last but not least, photographs on the coffee table are sure to set off conversation when guests inquire about them. It provides a fantastic opportunity to revisit that vacation in the Caribbean or the family camping trip from last summer. Even if photography isn’t a hobby, amateur photographs recap the fun and lively memories and set the stage for so many more to come.

So, if you’ve got a naked coffee table, don’t forget about the seemingly endless choices in coffee table books and family photographs that may be stashed away somewhere just waiting to tell a story.