This post is all about the best surf coffee table books.
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Let’s face it, an empty coffee table is just not cute. The aesthetic of your living room relies heavily on your coffee table, so picking out the best surf coffee table books is an extremely important step. Whether you are looking to decorate your beach cottage or you have always had a deep love for surfing, these surf books are going to complete your space. There are many shapes, designs, sizes, and color options to choose from, so that’s why we have broken down all of the details for you.
What Are the Best Surf Coffee Table Books?
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1. Best For Interior Design
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2. Best For History Geeks
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3. Best Photography/Stories
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$22.71
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$46.69
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$38.92
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1. Surf Shack: Laid-Back Living by the Water
Surf Shack is one of the most popular books when it comes to decorating a coastal space. When you do a basic search for beach coffee table books, I can almost guarantee this one is going to pop off every time. And, that’s with good reason because it is one of those books that will satisfy everyone’s taste from an aesthetic standpoint and photography/content standpoint. So, let’s break it down . . .
Key Takeaways:
Book Cover Aesthetic:
Minimalistic
Vintage style with bold lettering
Authentic surf room visual
Ideal for book stacking (highly visible book spine title)
Book Content:
Vibrant photographs of surfer abodes
Beautiful beaches including the coast of Malibu to the coast of Japan and Australia
A dive into the space of several well-known figures including Blake and Heather Mycoskie of TOMS
Highly visual content that is easy to digest for any type of reader (surf enthusiasts and your average Joe)
Dimensions:
8.2 x 1.2 x 11.3 inches
Overview:
Overall, this style works well with a beach cottage or surf shack style (SHOCKER, I know!). As we dive deeper into different styles and designs, you will see that some books are more sophisticated. So, it all comes down to finding the best coastal coffee table books that already fit the aesthetic of your space.
2. Big Wave Surfer: The Greatest Rides Of Our Lives
At first glance, this book will grab anyone’s attention. I mean for crying out loud, the surfer looks like an ant on top of an anthill compared to that insanely large wave. The photography of this book cover makes it ideal to be the top stacked book. Also, it is written by one of the most well-known big wave surfers himself: Kai Lenny, making it one of the top 3 best surf books.
Kai Lenny was inducted in the Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame: Read More Here
Key Takeaways:
Book Cover Aesthetic:
The image speaks for itself
Sophisticated design that can fit into most coastal spaces
Deep blue color scheme
Pairs well with light-colored coffee tables (creates a bold look on top)
Book Content:
Astounding photographs of big wave surfing around the world
Kai Lenny shares his journey with big wave surfing
30 elite surfer tell tales about their own big wave experiences
A look into some of the most dangerous waves and risks taken
Dimensions:
10.3 x 1.3 x 11.7 inches
Overview:
Visually, the design of this book is sleek and professional. It will complement any coastal living room space extremely well, as it makes a great “top” book for your coffee table. Watch your guests pick up this book and start flipping through the pages in a state of astonishment.
Related Post: 17 Unique Coastal Coffee Tables For Beach Homes
3. Leroy Grannis: Surf Photography of the 1960s and 1970s
This book gives us a look into the early days of surfing, a sport that was developed over 5 centuries ago by Hawaiian Islanders. It is one of those books you can mindlessly pick up and flip through while lying on the couch. You can get a glimpse of longboarding in the early 1960s, in California and Hawaii. The retro, vintage design is perfect for giving your space a pop of color and character.
Key Takeaways:
Book Cover Aesthetic:
Vintage, retro photography
Bold, bright colors that will catch your eye
Fitting for quirky, laid-back spaces
Ties in the heart of surfing, where it all began
Book Content:
Leroy Grannis captures up-close images of surfers
Photographs of some of the most wild wipeouts on North Shore, Oahu
A rewind in time showcasing vintage surfboards
A look into a lifestyle, not just a sport
Grannis was inducted into the Surfing Hall of Fame in 1966
Dimensions:
7.2 x 1.5 x 9.8 inches
Overview:
To capture the full essence of surf culture, you need to go back in time. That’s why this 1960s and 1970s surf photography fits perfectly into the assortment of surf-themed books. In my opinion, stacking a vintage surf book in the middle of your book choices will give you the complete look.
4. Salt & Silver: Travel, Surf, Cook
Not only is Salt & Silver: Travel, Surf, Cook a beautifully designed book from the outside, but it is also full of so many great photos, stories, cultures, insights, and more on the inside. This is the one for those who want a little more than just surf culture, a deeper dive into everyone’s favorite topics. With that said, it is time to get lost in the intriguing stories of traveling, surfing, and food cultures throughout South and Central America, all through the eyes of two adventurous guys.
Key Takeaways:
Book Cover Aesthetic:
Highly visual
More of a busy design
Less of a classy look, and more of a conversation piece
Well-rounded, not just surfing
Book Content:
Johannes Riffelmacher and Thomas Kosikowski share the best surfing locations, stories of local surfers and restaurant owners, and recipes as they travel through South and Central America
90 regional recipes
250 photographs
Dive into the Cuban surfing community
Something for everyone to enjoy from the cook, the surfer, and the traveler
Dimensions:
8.25 x 1 x 11.5 inches
Overview:
With Salt & Silver, you get more than just a surf story. You get to know each place for its food, culture, and surf community, and hear from the locals who share their perspectives. This is an interesting book that everyone can truly enjoy.
Related Post: 11 Classic Surf Room Ideas For Your Home
5. The History of Surfing
Yet again, you can’t have a complete set of surf coffee table books without going back to where it all began. Matt Warshaw takes you through an in-depth look at the history of surfing and the culture that the sport has created. Not only is it an aesthetically pleasing book design, it is a piece that will touch the hearts of every surfer.
Key Takeaways:
Book Cover Aesthetic:
Vintage photograph embraces the historical aspect
Minimalistic design with the main focus on the image
Soft, washed-out colors that compliment the coastal style
Pairs well with “Big Wave Surfing”
Book Content:
Not just for surfers
Crafted after 5 years of research and writing
Matt Warshaw is an expert surfer and well-known figure in surf culture
Dimensions:
9.5 x 1.75 x 11 inches
Overview:
This book will satisfy your interior design needs while bringing value to anyone who decides to pick it up and read even just a few pages. It is an extremely insightful piece of work that is crucial to any surfer’s home.
6. Jeff Divine: 70s Surf Photographs
Jeff Divine captured raw photographs of surfers and surf culture along the coast of California and Hawaii. He was the photo editor for 35 years for Surfer Magazine and Surfer’s Journal, with his work displayed in museums, galleries, books, magazines, and media all around the world. Flip through these 70s photos and you will instantly be taken back to when there were no worries, just waves.
Key Takeaways:
Book Cover Aesthetic:
Quirky, hippie title with fun lettering
Sleek photo choice
Simplistic design with white border
Combination of retro and modern
Fitting for a modern space
Book Content:
Colorful photographs of surfers and surf culture
Foreword by Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author William Finnegan
Authentic in-the-moment photographs
Based in California and Oahu
Entertaining content that anyone can enjoy
Each photo makes you feel good
Dimensions:
12 x 0.7 x 9.7 inches
Overview:
Photography books are my favorite kind! Not much thinking has to be done, simply kick back and get lost in the 70s surf lifestyle. For style, this book does an amazing job of combining modern and vintage design. This book will fit perfectly in a little rustic surf shack or even a large modern beach home. It is a timeless design that is made for your coffee table.
7. Surf Craft: Design and the Culture of Board Riding
The design of this book cover is unlike the others we have seen thus far. The assortment of surfboards are all different colors and shapes on top of the dark background making a statement. Instead of focusing on the act of surfing, you can immediately tell that this book is going to be dedicated to the surfboards that make the sport possible.
Key Takeaways:
Book Cover Aesthetic:
Bold design with pops of color
A quick look into the history of board shapes
Minimalistic, no title on the cover
Pairs well with lighter-colored books (an accent piece)
Book Content:
Dive into the history of surfboard designs
Original wood surfboards shaped by hand
Traditional Hawaiian folk designs
Modern-day fiberglass boards that are mass-produced
150 colorful images
Dimensions:
10.31 x 0.9 x 11.31 inches
Overview:
Crafting the best stack of surf books for your coffee table takes skill. And, one of the best methods to follow is to include a handful of books that each cover a different topic on surfing and surf culture. So, including a book that dissects the history of the surfboard will help you complete the entire surf topic.
8. Surf Tribe
Surf Tribe is a unique photo book that showcases black and white portraits of some of the world’s most renowned surfers. As opposed to a typical surf photography book that captures in-action surf shots, Surf Tribe focuses on the raw portraits of surfers. Each image will make you feel the true passion and heart of surf culture that pours out of each of these surfers.
Key Takeaways:
Book Cover Aesthetic:
Minimalistic, sleek design
Sea green shade compliments the coastal style
Easy on the eyes
Intriguing title
Book Content:
Photobook covering international surf culture
Black and white portraits of surfers
Reveals the respect that surfers have for the ocean
A look into the true passion of surf culture
Over 300 portraits
Dimensions:
8.9 x 1.8 x 11.5 inches
Overview:
Surf Tribe is more than just your typical surf photography book, it reveals the true passion that lives in the souls of these surfers. The respect that these individuals hold for the ocean and nature, there is more to the sport than just competition. These portraits are taken of surfers from all around the world. It makes a stunning coffee tablepiece inside and out.
Related Post: 11 Cute Surf Themed Nursery Ideas 2024
9. Surfing: 1778-Today
This book uncovers the evolution of surfing dating back to 1778, the first recorded European contact by Captain James Cook. After 3 and a half years of intense research, this book uncovers the history of surfing with hundreds of images and several essays by some of the world’s top surf journalists.
Key Takeaways:
Book Cover Aesthetic:
Unique art design of surfers
Large block lettering
Visible title on the book spine (ideal for stacking)
Coastal color scheme - blue, green, white
Book Content:
Evolution of Surfing
Breaks down surfing as a sport, lifestyle, and philosophy
Showcases surfing around the world
Combination of images and essays
Dimensions:
8.9 x 1.8 x 11.5 inches
Overview:
If you are looking for a beautiful home decor piece, then this one will NOT disappoint. It has a stunning book cover design that is ideal for stacking with other books, as it has a visible surfing title on the book spine. However, if you are also a surf geek who is ready to kick back and be entertained for hours on end, this is the PERFECT book for you! It will satisfy everyone’s needs from the interior designer to the real surfer.
10. Surf Like a Girl
That’s right . . . Girls can be professional surfers too! Not to be biased but I think this surf book is one of the BEST. If you’re tired of hearing about all the best male surfers, then it is time to add this Surf Like a Girl book to your coffee table. In this book, you will learn about 30 different women surfers from all over the world - including breathtaking photography and their own inspirational stories.
Key Takeaways:
Book Cover Aesthetic:
Clear and crisp surf photograph
The main focal point is the girl
A white color scheme with the natural ocean colors
Resembles more of a magazine look (professional)
Book Content:
Beautiful photography and inspirational stories
Reveals that anyone can surf no matter what
Meet surfers over 60 years old, teach yoga, surf pregnant, and more
Learn what inspired each woman’s passion for surfing
Dimensions:
9.8 x 1.1 x 12.1 inches
Overview:
Let’s face it, girls don’t get enough recognition in the surf world. So, you bet I was THRILLED to see this surfer girl book that is full of women ripping waves all over the world. If you are a girl, please do the women's surf community a favor and add this to the bunch!
11. Surf Shacks: An Eclectic Compilation of Surfers' Homes from Coast to Coast
And, right back to where we started . . . Surf Shacks. Just in case you can’t get enough, here is another book that is dedicated to Surf Shacks all over the globe. As you can tell by now, surfing is not just a sport out on the water. It is a way of life. And, surfers need a cozy place to come home to after a long day out on the water. That’s why this book dives deep into the design of these surf shacks as well as the lives of those who call these sweet spots home.
Key Takeaways:
Book Cover Aesthetic:
Interior design focused
Professional and shares a glimpse of what’s inside
Neutral colors
Book Content:
Photographs of surfers’ abodes
In-depth interviews
Personal anecdotes
A wide variety of lifestyles - bungalows, vans, apartments, and more
Dimensions:
9.8 x 1.3 x 11.3 inches
Overview:
You will find that the love for the ocean lives beyond just surfing, it finds its way to the homes of surfers. There are so many different forms of surf shacks and lifestyles, so this book lets you be a fly on the wall. If you are into interior design and are slowly crafting your surf abode, it is only right to hear from those who have already done it.
How to style surf coffee table books?
As you can see, there are so many different styles including vintage surf coffee table books, modern surf books, minimalistic surf books, history surf books, and more. So, it can be overwhelming to decide which books will work best stylistically together.
For a simple guide, two of the books you choose should be similar in color scheme. Then, your third book will be your bold, accent book that makes a statement. For instance, if you go with two light blue books, then your third book will have a dark blue or black base.
Lastly, you will want your top stacked book to have the most intriguing book cover design. This is the key to having your guests pick it up and start flipping through the pages. Also, we recommend that the two bottom books have a clear and visible title on the book spine, this is important for creating your surf aesthetic.
How will surf coffee table books make your home feel more complete?
No one likes a plain and empty coffee table that doesn’t have any decor on it. However, you don’t want just any type of decor that just fills up space. Instead, hand-select books that will accompany the surf and coastal aesthetic of your home. The best part about using coffee table books is that they are wonderful conversation starters for your guests.
How We Selected the Best Books For You:
Design: Does the style complement coastal living?
Content: Is the content easy to read and understand by everyone?
Dimensions: Are each of the books an ideal size for a coffee table?
Variety: Does the overall list hit each topic under surf culture?
Creating Your Surf Aesthetic
It is time to take the first step necessary to make a humble surf abode, which is styling your coffee table. The best way to approach this is by not overthinking it and having fun with the design and setup. If you simply love three or four books, but none of them match each other . . . who cares! That’s the beauty of making your space YOURS, so embrace it and choose the books that you gravitate towards most.
What is the most common coffee table book size?
The most common coffee table book size is 9” x 9” for square books, 8.5” x 11” for portrait books, and 11” x 8.5” for landscape books.
How many coffee table books are on a table?
You should typically keep 3 to 4 coffee table books on a table.
How do you stage a coffee table with books?
You can use the coffee table books as a stand for other small decor pieces including a candle, decorative beads, a vase, and more.
This post was all about the best surf coffee table books.
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