In praise of side table books

When you hear the words "coffee table book," what comes to mind? Chances are it's something like this detail from the September cover of Elle Decoration UK:

Coffee table books are typically thick, colourful slabs arranged in look-but-don't-touch formations along with assorted sculptural objects.

They're the literary equivalent of dress-to-impress and they're very good at what they do: setting a tone of opulence for a room.

But at a time when we're tentatively reopening our homes to friends and family, are coffee table books really so relevant? Aren't they a bit boorish? Don't they behave like conceited attention hogs, stealing the spotlight while the interesting things happen elsewhere in the room?

Side table books are the true stars of a room because they don't try too hard. They have the self-assurance to wait until they're noticed. Their messages are quieter and therefore more interesting, luring us with a whisper.

In fact, coffee table books and side table books are warring opposites: calculated versus spontaneous, remote versus intimate, predictable versus surprising, formal versus devil-may-care.

So when you're planning for a visitor, try ignoring the coffee table for once and attend to a side table instead. An easy win? Casually position a novel you're reading on it, bookmark in place, for your guest to discover:

Or focus on entertainment value and choose something fun, fast and flippable:

In the time it takes you to make espresso, your guest might learn how to change a flat tire or break up a fist fight:

A self-help book is a sly move. It might be seen as self-deprecation – or else as a possible nudge to your visiting friend:

If you're a fellow Torontonian, consider Spacing magazine's smart, compact books about our city:

One of the best options of all is a peculiar vintage find:

There really aren't any rules about side table books, so don't overthink it.

But do give it some attention. Unlike a coffee table, a side table can go almost anywhere – so the opportunity is huge.

You'll add depth of character to your home with almost no effort at all. And you'll create an effervescent welcome for your long-awaited guests.