SO books overview

Bespoke coffee table book design for luxury brands

We design and produce bespoke coffee table books for luxury brands across a diverse range of sectors – from art galleries, museums, architecture, property and interiors through to jewellery, B2B professional services, private investors and private family businesses.

Through SO Books, we collaborate with our long-standing colleagues at Anew to offer bespoke coffee table book design and print for brands who want to produce something truly considered and lasting. This collaboration allows us to offer a seamless, end-to-end book making service, from initial concept and copywriting through to design and art direction, printing and book packaging.

You can explore examples of our work in our coffee table book portfolio.

Custom coffee table book design bound in orange bull leather

Why invest in coffee table book design?

A well-crafted coffee table book gives brands something digital simply can’t – permanence, presence and physical impact. It’s an opportunity to present your story, values and achievements in a format that feels considered, curated and built to last.

For luxury brands in particular, this matters. A coffee table book allows you to communicate on a different level – where design, materials and scale all contribute to how your brand is perceived. It becomes more than content, it becomes an object that reflects quality, attention to detail and intent.

Large-format, image-led and visually arresting, these books combine copywriting, photography and design to create something immersive. The ‘high art’ aesthetic and considered pacing allow space for storytelling in a way that feels elevated rather than promotional.

How luxury brands use coffee table books

Coffee table books are often used as high-end sales tools, brand showcases and legacy pieces. They can attract investors, present high-value property, showcase products and collections, or celebrate milestones. They also work as premium leave-behinds for UHNW clients – something tangible that continues to communicate your brand long after a meeting, pitch or event.

When done well, a coffee table book becomes a long-term asset, not just a one-off piece.

Custom coffee table book for Reveal Rox – a company that extracts marble and other precious stone

The book box looks and feels like real rock, when opened it reveals the beautiful natural treasure within

Our approach to coffee table book design

All strong coffee table books begin with a clear concept. We don’t start with layouts. We start by understanding your brand, your audience and what the book needs to achieve. From there, we develop a creative direction that informs the narrative, structure and overall feel of the book – ensuring it is cohesive, intentional and aligned with your brand, rather than simply styled.

Luxury coffee table book for Decca Luxe, the sister company of Universal Music

What we design and deliver

We offer a complete, end-to-end coffee table book design service covering every stage of the process – from concept development and content structuring through to page design, art direction, editorial support, copywriting and printing. We also design bespoke book boxes and book packaging to elevate the final piece. From paper stocks and binding through to specialist finishes, every element is specified and managed to ensure the finished book reflects the quality of your brand.

Beautiful custom book and book box concept for a superyacht called JOY

Bespoke materials and craftsmanship

Every coffee table book we create is entirely bespoke, with format, materials and construction tailored to an individual brief. Internally, we carefully specify paper stocks, often combining different weights and finishes within a single book to create contrast and pace. Book covers can be simply printed or wrapped in tactile book-binding materials, with the option to incorporate inset elements such as metal plaques or other detailing.

Presentation boxes offer further opportunity for materiality, from classic paper-over-board constructions through to fully bespoke pieces in wood, metal or acrylic. Previous projects have incorporated materials such as fossilised black oak, shagreen, and gold leaf. These choices are integral to how the book is experienced, reinforcing the story and elevating the perceived value of the final piece.

Huge coffee table book in calf leather and shagreen with gold leaf detailing

The importance of content and imagery

A coffee table book is only as strong as the content inside it. High-quality photography is critical, as the format relies heavily on visual impact. We can guide you on commissioning photography or work with existing assets to ensure they are used to their full potential within the design.

Bespoke coffee table book design for leading aviation brand Bombardier

Luxury coffee table books, designed to last

The books we create are designed to hold weight, both physically and in perception. Format, materials and production techniques all contribute to that. From oversized formats to specialist finishes, every decision is made to enhance the experience and ensure the book feels substantial, considered and enduring.

If you’re considering creating a bespoke coffee table book for your brand, we’d love to talk through your ideas and advise on the best approach.