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Gorgeous Coffee Table Books about Old Houses
25
items I have a soft spot for beautiful old houses, and these books are a feast for the eyes! From historic homes and grand estates to gorgeous old-house interiors, these are the books I’d happily curl up with and browse for hours.
Sections
4
Historical House Books
Historical Interior Design Books
Traditional Architecture Books
Specific Historical Eras
Historical House Books
If you love wandering through old houses (even if it’s just through photos!), start here. These books are full of beautiful homes, historic details, and plenty of inspiration.
Grand English houses, gorgeous gardens, and rooms full of history. This is the kind of book I’d happily lose an afternoon browsing.
The English Country House: Archives of Country Life
Beautiful historic estates along the Hudson River? Yes, please! A lovely pick if you enjoy old houses with fascinating stories and stunning surroundings.
Life Along The Hudson: Historic Livingston Estates
Ever wish you could wander through a grand historic mansion? This book gives you a closer look at the beautiful rooms and details inside the Frick home.
The Frick Collection: The Historic Interiors
For anyone who loves exploring unusual and important houses. This one leans more modern, but it’s fascinating to see how architects approach home design.
The Iconic House: Architectural Masterworks
One day I’m going to travel and see these houses. I think of this lost as inspiration for my architectural bucket list.
150 Houses You Need to Visit Before You Die
My family spends a week in Maine every summer so it’s a special place in my heart. So I find this book especially appealing. It’s a chance to explore three centuries of Maine homes and all the character that comes with them.
Historic Maine Homes: 300 Years of Great Houses
I’ve only been to Charleston once, and wow it was an experience!! Beautiful Southern homes, distinctive architecture, and plenty of historic charm. This one is for anyone who loves seeing how houses reflect the places they’re built.
Historic Charleston and the Lowcountry - Books
Love traditional homes that feel timeless and welcoming? Award-winning NY architect Gil Schafer (he has written a bunch of books too…) shares plenty of inspiration for anyone who appreciates classic American architecture.
Gil Schafer The Great American House
Sometimes I just want to look at beautiful old houses without having a project to tackle. This is the sort of book to browse when you’re in the mood for a little old-house inspiration.
Old Houses Book Steve Gross Susan Daley Vintage
Historical Interior Design Books
I’m always drawn to the details that give an old house its character. These books let you peek inside beautiful rooms and get ideas for bringing a little of that charm into your own home.
I love seeing old buildings adapted for modern life without losing their character. This book explores that mix of old and new beautifully.
Living Heritage: Modern Interiors in Old-Town
For anyone who loves peeking inside beautifully designed homes and noticing all the little details that make a room special.
Architectural Digest Historic Interiors Hardcover
Classic rooms, beautiful furnishings, and traditional style that doesn’t feel tied to a trend. (I’m not a trendy person). A lovely browse if you lean toward timeless interiors.
Veranda American Style: Timeless Interior Design
A look at homes with classic American character and thoughtfully designed interiors. Lots to enjoy if you love traditional architecture and beautiful details.
Distinctly American: Houses & Interiors
What happens when historic spaces meet modern living? This is a dilemma so many of us old house owners deal with on a daily basis. This book explores that mix and offers plenty of beautiful ideas for anyone who loves interiors with a sense of history...
Today's Historic Interiors: Rooney, E. Ashley
I went to college in Western MA and it is a beautiful area. Especially in the fall. A peek at historic homes from a fascinating period in New England architecture. Especially fun for anyone who loves discovering the stories behind regional house styl...
Houses Berkshires 1870 1930 by Jackson Richard Gilder
If grand old estates and Gilded Age details are your thing (think the HBO series), this one is worth a look (I grew up in Newport RI and loved the mansions). It explores the houses, interiors, and landscapes connected to Henry Clay Frick.
The Henry Clay Frick Houses: Architecture
Traditional Architecture Books
Love a classic New England house, a welcoming front porch, or beautiful old-fashioned details? Me too! These books are full of homes and architectural styles worth lingering over.
In all honesty this book’s cover doesn’t have the same “oomph” as the others. But I can’t tell you how amazing this book is. It’s the OG of old house books. Ever wonder what style your house is (or why it looks the way it does?). This book tells you.
A Field Guide to American Houses (Revised)
Like the Field Guide with the less stylish cover than the others, here’s a deeper look at the many styles that have shaped American homes. Great for curious old-house owners who want to learn more about what they’re looking at.
American Homes: Illustrated Encyclopedia of Architecture
A closer look at the historic homes created by one of America’s best-known architectural firms. A good choice if you enjoy the history behind beautiful old houses. I grew up in Newport RI where these architects built some glorious houses.
The Houses of McKim, Mead & White
An old house, a renovation, and beautiful interiors…. what’s not to love? This book follows the transformation of a historic home while keeping the character that makes it special.
This Oak House: Renovation & Interior Inspiration
For anyone who never gets tired of classic architecture and traditional details. Browse for ideas and inspiration from homes designed to stand the test of time.
Timeless: Classic American Architecture
Specific Historical Eras
Some architectural styles deserve their own deep dive! These books explore particular eras and the homes that make them so interesting.
I used to not be a fan of this era. But I’m learning to appreciate it. Love the clean lines and big windows of mid-century modern homes? This book is full of architectural inspiration from a distinctive era of house design.
Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Houses
This one is a bit more textbook-like but still worth a look. A fascinating look at the experimental California homes that helped shape mid-century modern architecture. Perfect for anyone who loves this particular period of design.
Case Study Houses: Complete Program 1945-66
The OG of American craftsman architecture. Frank Lloyd Wright’s homes are anything but ordinary. This book lets you explore his distinctive approach to architecture, from the exteriors to the way each house works with its surroundings.
Frank Lloyd Wright: The Houses
Old doors, reclaimed materials, and architectural pieces with a past. I love the idea of giving these things a second life. This book is full of inspiration for anyone drawn to character and vintage details.
Retrouvius: Contemporary Salvage Home Design