In this online book-loving community there is a place for fiction and non-fiction. We share the love for YA, NA, and even erotica, and we critique and review literary master-pieces, as well as self-penned autobiographies.

But there is one category of books that is often over-looked, and that is the joy of the coffee table book.

Coffee table books are usually quite large, and slightly more expensive than your average book. Often focused on a particular subject or specialism, they include pictures or illustrations, and are intended for casual reading. You can learn a lot about someone by checking out which coffee table books they own…

So today, I’m bring you 6 coffee table book recommendations:

BBC Life Story – Is there anyone alive who isn’t a David Attenborough fan? Life Story lays bare the extraordinary journey animals make to achieve life’s goal – to continue their bloodline. Whether learning new skills, finding a mate, or protecting their young, everything they do works toward that goal.

Packed with stunning photographs from the BBC series, Life Story is an unforgettable portrait of the natural world’s dramatic moments.

Humans of New York – In the summer of 2010, photographer Brandon Stanton set out on an ambitious project: to single-handedly create a photographic census of New York City. Armed with only his camera, he covered thousands of miles on foot, all in his attempt to capture ordinary New Yorkers in the most extraordinary moments.

This book, inspired by the blog, includes 400 colour photos that will appeal not just to those who have been drawn in by the larger-than-life personalities of New York, but to anyone interested in the breathtaking scope of humanity.

Forces of Nature – A beautiful exploration of our planet, this groundbreaking book accompanies the BBC series, providing answers to simple questions, such as: why is every snowflake different? And: why is life symmetrical?

Forces of Nature takes you to the great plains of the Serengeti, the volcanoes of Indonesia, and the northern lights of the Arctic. Professor Brian Cox answers questions that illuminate our understanding of the Universe. Think you know our planet? Think again.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls – Suitable for all ages and genders. What if the Princess didn’t marry Prince Charming but instead went on to be an astronaut? What if the jealous step-sisters were supportive and kind? Illustrated by 60 female artists from every corner of the globe, Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls introduces us to 100 remarkable women and their extraordinary lives, from Ada Lovelace to Malala, Amelia Earhart to Michelle Obama. Empowering, moving, and inspirational, these are true fairy tales for heroines who definitely don’t need rescuing.

The Little Girl Who Gave Zero Fucks – I stumbled upon this book when I helped to crowdfund The Disappeared by Amy Lord, and obviously had to have this one too. A lovingly produced, full colour hardback book, with colour printed endpapers and bookmark ribbon. The Little Girl Who Gave Zero Fucks is a fairy tale of everyday bravery, and a beautifully illustrated feminist handbook for the modern day.

There are 17 books in this Big Ideas Simply Explained series that you could collect, or just pick and choose the topics that interest you. The award-winning series uses infographics and images to explain key ideas and themes, acting as a grown-up subject-specific encyclopedia. Available in both paperback and hardback, when I see one of these on offer I always pick it up. The Literature Book is available for just £4.99 on Amazon currently, and is sure to be of interest to Book Geeks.

When investing in coffee table books, there are a few key ingredients you will also require – coffee and a coffee table are a great place to start.

For coffee lovers, nothing beats a proper cup of coffee, and thankfully there are some great machines available so you can get the cafe-taste at home. From Dolce Gusto to Tassimo, there are machines available to suit a range of styles and budgets, and with deal websites the pods don’t need to cost a fortune either. Check out Latest Deals for cheap Tassimo pods.

Now that the beverages are sorted, we’re on to the coffee table. Perfect for a living room, dining room, or personal library (if you’re lucky enough to have one!), these beauties will show off your coffee table books to their very best:

Ikea Vejmon | Next Madsen | Made.com Hooper

What are some of your favourite coffee table book recommendations? Do you plan on picking any of these up? Do you have a coffee machine that you love? Let me know in the comments!