Coffee Table Photo Book: How to design a stunning custom book

What makes a Photo Book a 'Coffee Table Photo Book'?

Not all Photo Books are destined for the Coffee Table. Its superior quality and premium aesthetic are what define a true Coffee Table Photo Book. It's meant to be a conversation starter and a piece of home decor. 

Here’s a list of the elements that make Coffee Table Books so special:

• Cover: Always a durable, high-end hardcover.
• Size: Larger format to create a visual impact.
• Paper: Thicker, premium paper with matte or glossy finishes.
• Binding: Often features layflat binding for a luxurious viewing experience.
• Design: A curated, stylish layout that tells a story.

5 tips for creating the perfect Coffee Table Book

Creating a stunning Coffee Table Photo Book online is all about making the right design choices. 

With a few simple tips, you can transform your project from a simple album into a professional-looking centerpiece.

1. Choose a strong theme 🎨

Is it a travelogue of your trip to Italy? A celebration of your family's history? A tribute to your wedding day? A clear theme will guide your photo selection and design choices.

2. Curate your best photos 📸

The secret to a stunning book isn’t including every photo. It's about choosing your most powerful, high-resolution images. Let your best shots shine!

3. A Layflat viewing experience 📖

By selecting a Layflat Photo Book, your book stays open to any page without needing to be held down. 

4. Let your photos breathe 🖼

Don't overcrowd the pages. Use white space strategically to draw attention to your best images. Sometimes a single photo on a page makes the biggest statement.

5. Add captions 🖌

Captions featuring dates, locations, or details of your memories can add wonderful context.

The magic of making your Coffee Table Book with Journi

Wondering how to print your own Photo Book without the headache? We've made the entire process fun, fast, and mobile-friendly. 

We handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on the fun part: reliving your memories.

• Your AI-powered designer: Upload your photos in the Journi app, or on desktop if you prefer a larger screen, and our smart technology will instantly arrange them into a beautiful, chronological timeline. It filters out duplicates and blurry shots, giving you a perfect starting point in seconds.
• Full customization at your fingertips: Our online album design tools make it easy to perfect your creation. Adjust layouts, add text in different colors, and even include a smart-generated map of your travels.
• Premium printing that lasts: Our Coffee Table Book printing uses thick, FSC-certified paper (from sustainably managed forests) and rich, vibrant ink to ensure your memories look their best for generations. Choose from a luxurious matte or a vibrant glossy finish.
• A quality hardcover you can feel: A durable Hardcover Photo Book is essential for a Coffee Table piece. Ours are crafted with precision, designed to be held, loved, and shared for years to come. 

Inspiration for your Coffee Table Photo Book

Every great Coffee Table Photo Book starts with an idea. Whether you’re creating one for yourself or as a heartfelt gift, the possibilities are endless.

• Travel & adventure: From a safari in South Africa to a road trip across the UK, a Travel Photo Book is the perfect way to bring your journey to life.
• Wedding stories: A Wedding Photo Book deserves premium quality. A large, Layflat Photo Book is the ultimate way to showcase your special day.
• A year in review: Curate the best moments from the past year, the big milestones and small, happy memories, into a single, beautiful volume.
• Life & family history: Gather old family photos, scan them, and create a "life and times of..." book that will become a priceless family heirloom.

Finding the right style for your space

A true Coffee Table Book is more than a collection of memories; it's a piece of decor that reflects your personal taste. 

Before you dive into the layouts, think about the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. What style best complements your living room?

For the modern minimalist 🤍

If your home is clean, uncluttered, and contemporary, let your book reflect that.

• Cover: Opt for a simple hardcover in a neutral color like grey, white, or black. Use a single line of elegant text for the title (e.g., "Tuscany 2024").
• Inside: Embrace negative space. Feature one stunning, high-impact photo per page or spread. Keep text minimal and clean. A black and white photo collection looks especially striking in this style.

For the warm & rustic vibe 🪴

If your decor features natural wood, cozy textiles, and a more organic feel, create a book that feels like a warm hug.

• Cover: A cover featuring a beautiful landscape photo or a warm family portrait works perfectly. Choose earthy tones.
• Inside: Use layouts that mix photos with heartfelt captions. Select fonts that have a touch of personality, and don't be afraid to use warmer-toned photos from golden hour.

For the bold & eclectic collector 🎨

If your space is a vibrant mix of colors, art, and travel treasures, your book should be just as dynamic.

• Cover: Go for a full photo-wrap cover with your most colorful and exciting shot. Think of a bustling market scene or a dramatic festival photo.
• Inside: This is the perfect place for dynamic collages. Mix and match photos of different sizes, and use Journi's map feature to add a geographical flair to your travel stories.

Coffee Table Book FAQs 

What is a good size for a Coffee Table Photo Book?

A good Coffee Table Photobook size is typically larger to make an impact. Formats like our large landscape or large portrait sizes are perfect for creating an immersive viewing experience. Discover our sizing options here. 

What is the difference between a Coffee Table Book and a regular Photo Book?

A Coffee Table Photo Book is a premium version of a standard Photo Book, defined by its high-quality hardcover, larger size, thicker paper, and stylish, curated design. It’s created to be both an archive of memories and a piece of decor.

Can I create a Coffee Table Photo Book on my phone?

Absolutely! The Journi app is a powerful Coffee Table Photo Book maker right in your pocket. You can do everything from letting the AI create your first draft to perfecting every page, and then order album online directly for delivery.