Rich in culture and stunning photography.
Rich in culture and stunning photography.
Curating your coffee table book collection can feel overwhelming. With countless titles covering a variety of topics, it’s not always easy to find the perfect addition. If you’re looking for books that celebrate Black art, history, and style, you’re in luck—there’s no shortage of stunning coffee table books that highlight Black creativity and culture.
From fashion and interior design to photography and food, these books tell rich, visual stories that deserve a place in your home. Ahead, we’ve rounded up seven must-have coffee table books that showcase Black excellence in all its forms—elevating both your space and your bookshelf.
Once you’ve found the perfect book, styling it is just as important as the selection itself. Stack a few books with complementary colors and textures to create visual interest, or let a single, bold cover take center stage on your coffee table. You can also layer books with decorative accents like candles, sculptural objects, or a fresh bouquet to add depth and personality to your space. Whether displayed on a console, bookshelf, or side table, these books make a statement—both as décor and as a celebration of Black artistry.
You may recognize this title as the new Netflix documentary, but this stunning coffee table book is the originator. Created by renowned entertainment writer Marcellas Reynolds, the book brings together photos, essays, and interviews of the many gorgeous Black models that helped shape the fashion industry. From Naomi Campbell and Iman to Tyra Banks and Joan Smalls, it's a celebration of fashion through the lens of iconic Black women.
Black western culture is having a major moment right now. From music to fashion, the influence Black people have had is vast, and this lovely coffee table book showcases it beautifully. The collection of photographs by Gabriela Hasbun celebrates the Black cowboys of today and the extensive community of Black and Brown folks of the west. It's filled with vibrant images and stories of joy, showing how the new Black West continues to flourish today.
This coffee table book is the perfect choice for art and history lovers. Each of its pages is dedicated to the work by decorated photographer Kwame Brathwaite, who used pictures to bring the slogan Black Is Beautiful to life during the second Harlem Renaissance. Much more than a collection of photos, it tells a story of the times and showcases how the popular political slogan of the 60s was also a work of art.
It's no secret that fashion and hip-hop are deeply intertwined, with each influencing the other in various ways. This book celebrates the jewelry that has become an iconic element of the genre. From the thick chains of the early days of hip-hop to the jewels that are most sought after today, it takes you on a journey of music, culture, and style. The pages are filled with pieces from famed artists and interesting tidbits about how hip-hop has helped shape the jewelry industry today.
Hilton Carter is best known for his Baltimore home filled with green plants and his breathtaking plant designs. This book brings the designer and plant guru's love of plants to life. In full color, it features an assortment of lush interiors from one room to the next. But it's also filled with tips and insight on how to create your own indoor jungle.
Visiting Red Rooster in Harlem is like walking into a celebration of Black culture. From the food to the atmosphere, it combines elements of comfort and style with home-cooked recipes. That's exactly the feeling of this cookbook. Sure, it's got recipes, as any cookbook does, but the pages are also filled with stunning photos and heartfelt essays that celebrate the restaurant, the historic neighborhood, and the community it's fostered.
With the Met Gala coming up, this is a great piece to covet for fashion lovers. Like this year's event, it celebrates the style and fashions of Black men throughout history. It focuses on a period of American history where Black artists, such as James Baldwin and John Coltrane, used their style to redefine what it means to be a fashionable Black man. More than photos, it's an inspiring collection that's sure to be picked up and read again and again.
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