The following art books don’t just decorate a space—they define it. Each one tells a story of vision, craftsmanship, and cultural depth, which we feel makes them ideal selections for a contemporary coastal home. Whether you hope to refine your own aesthetic, impress your guests, or simply surround yourself with beauty, these inspired volumes will elevate your space—and your presence in your new community.

10 Impactful Art Coffee Table Books for Your Coastal Home

Jean-Michel Basquiat by Eleanor Nairne

Few artists capture the pulse of modern culture like Jean-Michel Basquiat. A true outsider turned icon, Basquiat’s meteoric rise from graffiti poet to art-world heavyweight is as fascinating as his work itself. This stunning monograph presents his paintings in their raw, expressive power—combining vivid color, urgent linework, and deeply layered symbolism.

This book signals an appreciation for contemporary artistic rebellion and cultural depth. It tells visitors that you not only understand high art but also value the complex narratives that shape today’s visual language. Owning this book demonstrates a level of taste that’s both cutting-edge and effortlessly cool—a subtle nod to the collector’s eye you’re cultivating.

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Women in Abstraction by Christine Macel & Karolina Lewandowska

Artistic recognition has historically been a men’s club (think Mark Rothko, Edvard Munch, Pablo Picasso, etc.)—but not anymore! Women in Abstraction shines a light on an array of brilliant female artists who helped shape modern and contemporary art. This visually striking volume is not just a celebration of abstraction—it’s a masterclass in connoisseurship.

The pages are filled with works by pioneers like Hilma af Klint, Lee Krasner, and Joan Mitchell, whose expressive power redefined the art world. Owning this book telegraphs intellectual curiosity and an appreciation for narratives beyond the mainstream. This book will certainly prompt conversation at your next gathering. It will give you a chance to demonstrate your cultural sophistication and awareness of shifting perspectives in the art world.

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Peter Beard from Taschen

Few coffee table books exude the same level of adventure, artistry, and sheer visual magnetism as Peter Beard. This limited-edition Taschen masterpiece is more than just a book; it’s an artifact, much like Beard’s own legendary diaries. His fusion of photography, collage, and handwritten notes captures a lost era of exploration in Africa, where he mingled with cultural titans like Francis Bacon, Andy Warhol, and Mick Jagger.

Beard’s images of wildlife and high society are decadent, raw, and undeniably captivating. Placed in your home, this book signals a deep appreciation for the intersection of art, travel, and legacy. It’s the perfect selection for the man who understands that style isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling.

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Dior by Christian Dior by Olivier Gabet

Elegance isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about what you surround yourself with. This exquisite volume explores Christian Dior’s most celebrated haute couture collections, presenting archival runway photography in a way that feels both timeless and relevant.

Whether or not you consider yourself a fashion connoisseur, this book belongs in any home that appreciates craftsmanship, legacy, and design at its highest level. For the newly affluent homeowner, it’s a subtle signal of refinement, a way to bridge the gap between art and fashion. More than just a beautiful object, it’s a declaration of discernment—because knowing Dior is knowing the language of luxury.

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David Hockney: A Bigger Book by David Hockney & Taschen

Few artists capture the spirit of coastal living quite like David Hockney. His poolside paintings, saturated with California light, are a perfect fit for a contemporary coastal home. But A Bigger Book explores an artist who revolutionized how we see space, movement, and color.

This oversized monograph is a showpiece in itself, offering an immersive experience into Hockney’s lifelong fascination with perspective and technology. Whether you’re hosting an art-world insider or a fellow entrepreneur, this book makes a statement: you appreciate visionaries, you value color, and you understand the intersection of fine art and lifestyle.

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The Cabinet of Curiosities by Massimo Listri

Owning a beautiful home is one thing—curating an intriguing one is another. The Cabinet of Curiosities is a portal into the world of collectors, intellectuals, and explorers who amassed the extraordinary: everything from rare fossils to scientific oddities and exquisite objets d’art.

Featuring breathtaking photography of some of history’s most extravagant collections, this book is a must-have for the man who wants his home to be a conversation starter. It speaks to a cultivated sense of curiosity, a love of history, and an appreciation for the rare and the remarkable. Placed in your great room, it tells guests that your taste is both refined and deeply inquisitive—traits that set apart the truly influential.

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Hilma af Klint: Paintings for the Future by Tracey Bashkoff

Before Kandinsky. Before Mondrian. There was Hilma af Klint. Her vast, mystical canvases—filled with swirls of color and abstract symbolism—predated the birth of abstract art by decades. This breathtaking book, filled with large-scale reproductions of her luminous works, brings her genius into focus at last.

Paintings for the Future is not only a visually striking addition to any home, but also a testament to the importance of seeing beyond conventional wisdom. This book will spark dialogue—about art, about legacy, and about the ways history sometimes takes too long to recognize brilliance.

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Art Forms in Nature by Ernst Haeckel

For the man who appreciates both science and aesthetics, Art Forms in Nature is a masterpiece of observation. Ernst Haeckel’s intricate illustrations of microscopic organisms, plant life, and marine creatures are as breathtaking today as they were in the 19th century. This book blends precision with poetry, proving that true artistry exists in the natural world.

Whether placed in a sleek, modern library or a sunlit coastal study, this book conveys an appreciation for detail, structure, and organic beauty—an excellent choice for the entrepreneur who understands that inspiration can be found in both the man-made and the naturally occurring.

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Soviet Bus Stops by Christopher Herwig

At first glance, Soviet Bus Stops seems like an unusual choice for a coffee table book. But look closer, and you’ll see why it has become a cult favorite among architects, designers, and collectors. This visually arresting book catalogs the surreal, brutalist, and often wildly artistic bus stops scattered across the former Soviet Union.

It’s a masterclass in unexpected beauty—showcasing how even utilitarian structures can become symbols of creativity and defiance. For the design-savvy homeowner, it signals an appreciation for overlooked genius and an ability to find art in the unexpected. It’s also a great conversation piece for guests who think they’ve seen everything.

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Infinity Net: The Autobiography of Yayoi Kusama by Yayoi Kusama

Yayoi Kusama is one of the most celebrated artists of our time, and Infinity Net is her deeply personal and poetic autobiography. This book is an intimate glimpse into the mind of an artist who has defied conventions for decades. Kusama’s story, woven with struggles, obsessions, and triumphs, is one of resilience and vision.

Placing this book in your home suggests more than just an appreciation for contemporary art—it reveals an affinity for those who push boundaries and create new realities. It’s the perfect selection for a modern leader, someone who sees the world differently and isn’t afraid to chart their own path.

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