We a good story
Quick delivery in the UK

Architecture & Design

Are you looking to be inspired by some of the finest designers and architects? You find a wide selection of fascinating architecture and design books at Tales. The design books can inspire you to renew your style or house, but you can also use them in your creative process both as a student or professional. If you are more into buildings and the process behind them, take a look at our architecture books that will take you around the world to the most wonderful and groundbreaking buildings on Earth. All of them will look good on your coffee table.
Show more
Filter
Filter
Sort bySort Popular
  • Save 20%
    - How the Hidden Rules of Design are Changing the Way We Live, Work & Play
    by Robert Fabricant & Cliff Kuang
    £11.99

  • Save 24%
     
    £18.99

    A year-by-year journey through the life and work of David Hockney that follows the artist from London in the Swinging Sixties, via Californian swimming pools, to the landscapes of his native Yorkshire. Artworks and biographical text together let the reader take part in Hockney's artistic research, inspiration, and creation.

  • - A Quick Guide to the Styles of Norse Animal Ornament
    by Jonas Lau Markussen
    £13.99 - 39.99

  • Save 23%
    by Alan Lee
    £15.49

    This richly illustrated book celebrates in words and pictures the beautiful work that award-winning artist Alan Lee produced for J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, and includes dozens of brand-new paintings and pencil drawings exploring the world of Bilbo Baggins.

  • Save 29%
    - Evocative Style
    by Kelly Wearstler
    £31.99

    For her first book in ten years, Kelly Wearstler, one of the most irreverent and fascinating designers working today, continues to push boundaries with her inventive and opulent interiors, here inviting readers into her latest creations including her newly designed home.

  • Save 20%
    - Wonderful Things
    by Tim Walker
    £23.99

    A journey through the unique creative mind of one of the world's leading photographers, this book includes over 100 new photographs by Tim Walker, inspired by the V&A's enormous and eclectic collection, from Renaissance stained glass to an Alexander McQueen gown.

  • Save 16%
    - Its History from the Eighteenth Century to the Present
    by George H. Marcus
    £33.49

    Written with the student in mind, an exploration of the development of design from the eighteenth century to the cutting-edge practices of the present.

  • Save 19%
    - Manga-inspired Art and Tutorials by Asia Ladowska
    by Asia Ladowska
    £19.49

    Following on from Asia Ladowska's hugely popular online and weekly #SketchwithAsia challenge, is a book filled with Manga-inspired art, tips, and tutorials.

  • Save 29%
    by Dodie Kazanjian
    £35.49

    Vogue: The Covers (updated edition) is a stunning masterpiece by Dodie Kazanjian, released in 2017. This book is a tribute to the magazine's 125th anniversary, showcasing its remarkable cover collection that has been updated and refreshed for this edition. Published by Abrams, this coffee-table book is a must-have for every fashion enthusiast. It gives the reader an exclusive look into the world of Vogue, featuring iconic covers from its 125-year history. The book is a testament to the exceptional talent of the artists who have contributed to the magazine over the years. This book is a journey through time, presenting a visual record of the cultural and aesthetic revolutions that have taken place since the magazine's inception. Vogue: The Covers (updated edition) is not just a book, it's a piece of fashion history.

  • Save 21%
    - Expert Color Information for Professional Results
    by Leatrice Eiseman
    £14.99

    The only color guide a designer will ever need; The Complete Color Harmony, Pantone Edition has been completely updated with Pantone colors and new text.

  • Save 21%
    - Achieve precise color when painting landscapes, portraits, still lifes, and more
    by William F Powell
    £14.99

    If you thought there was no hope of finding a comprehensive paint color-mixing resource, along comes the 1,000 Color Mixing Recipes for Oil, Acrylic & Watercolor.

  • Save 29%
    by Axel Vervoordt
    £31.99

  • Save 20%
    - Essential Skills for Every Artist
    by Barrington Barber
    £11.99

    What does an artist need to know about drawing? And what has to be mastered in order to achieve the drawings you want? In this beautiful book Barrington Barber shows you, offering advice and tips he takes you through the various stages.

  • Save 29%
    - A Visual Communication Manual for Graphic Designers, Typographers and Three Dimensional Designers
    by Josef Mulller-Brockmann
    £35.49

    Suitable for those who work with automated text and image design, this work shows examples of working correctly on a conceptual level. It gives the user exact directions for using all of the grid systems presented (8 to 32 grid fields).

  • Save 24%
    by FUEL
    £18.99

    Working as a prison guard in St Petersburgs notorious Kresty Prison, the author diligently recorded over 3,000 criminal tattoos, documenting their meanings within this closed society. This title explores the extremes of this collection.

  • Save 23%
    by Charlotte Fiell
    £15.49

    Explore the modern age of design in this Bibliotheca Universalis edition of the 20th century's key movements and trends. Featuring countless works from around the world, this is an essential compendium for design aficionados everywhere, with star turns including De Stijl, Dieter Rams, Charles and Ray Eames, and Philippe Starck.

  • Save 10%
    by Michael Connelly
    £8.99

  • Save 31%
    by Suzanne Collins
    £48.49

  • Save 10%
    by Liz Tomforde
    £8.99

    RYANShe's a distraction, that's what she is.I'm the newest Captain of the Devils, Chicago's NBA team, and the last thing I needed this year was for Indy Ivers, my sister's best friend, to move into my apartment. She's messy, emotional, and way too tempting.But when the team's General Manager vocalizes his blatant disapproval of my promotion to Captain, referring to me as an unapproachable lone wolf with no work-life balance, I can't think of a better way to convince him otherwise than pretending to date my outgoing roommate.The only problem? Faking it feels far too natural.Having a fake girlfriend wasn't supposed to be messy but having Indy under my roof and in my bed is complicated, especially when she wants all the romantic parts of life that I could never give her.INDYI never imagined I'd be living with my best friend's brother, NBA superstar Ryan Shay. Even more unbelievable? He needs me to act as his loving girlfriend who's suddenly changed him into a friendly and approachable guy.Because, well . . . he's not. He's controlling of his space and untrusting of others.Our arrangement isn't one-sided, though. I'm in a wedding coming up, one where every one of my childhood friends, including my ex-boyfriend, will be in attendance, and there's no better date than my ex's celebrity hero.Blurred lines make it almost impossible to separate real from fake. Falling for my roommate was never part of the deal, especially when Ryan is quick to remind me that he doesn't believe in love.I'm a romantic and can't help fantasizing that he'll change, but soon enough, I find myself questioning if sharing a roof with my best friend's brother was the right move after all . . . REAL READERS LOVE THE WINDY CITY SERIES: 'SWEET MOTHER this is my new favourite book . . . literally left a mark on my soul'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Read it!! I promise you, you won't regret it!!'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I laughed and cried and swooned'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Someone please slap me for putting this off for so long!'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I can't believe it's over. I want to turn back to page 1 and start all over again!!'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Save 21%
    by Lonely Planet
    £13.49

  • Save 10%
    by Stephanie Garber
    £8.99

    The Ballad of Never After is a captivating masterpiece by Stephanie Garber, a renowned author who has consistently thrilled readers with her engaging storytelling. This book, published in 2023, is a testament to her exceptional writing prowess. The narrative unfolds in a genre that blends reality with a touch of the fantastical, creating a unique literary experience. The Ballad of Never After takes readers on a riveting journey, full of unexpected twists and turns, keeping them hooked from the first page to the last. The book was published by Hodder And Stoughton Ltd., a publisher recognized for bringing quality literature to the market. This book is written in English, making it accessible to a broad audience. Don't miss out on this extraordinary literary piece by Stephanie Garber.

  • Save 25%
    by Hayao Miyazaki
    £20.99

  • Save 24%
    by Kiki Nelson
    £18.99

    "Sharing more than 125 wide-ranging, simple recipes and the four-week meal plan that helped her lose weight and reverse her risk for diabetes and heart disease, the author presents this updated edition of her plant-based, low-fat cookbook that has been expanded with new information, inspiration, and photos."--

  • Save 31%
    by Malene Birger
    £51.99

    GROSSFORMAT: 28 x 36 cm , 256 Seiten Sprachen: Deutsch, Spanisch, Englisch, Französisch Dritter Band der Bestseller-Reihe mit je mehr als 10.000 verkauften Exemplaren Inspirierende neue Einrichtungsideen von der mehrfach preisgekrönten Designerin Handwerk und Hightech, Kunst und Mitbringsel, kuratierte Dinge und objets trouvés - Malene Birger verbindet sie gekonnt Malene Birger hat viele kreative Talente. Sie arbeitet als Inneneinrichterin und Künstlerin. Sie lässt ihre grafisch-monochrome Malerei für sich sprechen, gestaltet sehr persönliche Objekte und Skulpturen aus Ton und Marmor und hat kürzlich eine Edelschmuckkollektion entworfen. Ursprünglich kommt Malene Birger aus der Mode. Seit ihrem Abschluss an der Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Kopenhagen in den späten 80er-Jahren ist sie beruflich immer ihrem Herzen gefolgt. Und da sie als Nomadin bekannt ist, war dieser Weg schon immer vielfältig und inspirierend. Malene Birgers Gespür für Materialien, Texturen, Kompositionen und ihre eklektischen Kombinationen von Möbeln, Kunst und Objekten sind unverwechselbar. Ihr charakteristischer Einrichtungsstil wurde bereits in zwei erfolgreichen Bildbänden präsentiert. Der dritte Band widmet sich nun besonders der Kunst in ihren Häusern und bietet einzigartige Einblicke in ihre Interior-Projekte in London, Italien, Griechenland und Mallorca. Sprachen: Deutsch, Spanisch, Englisch, Französisch

  • Save 20%
    by Sylvia Plath
    £11.99

    Bell Jar, a captivating novel penned by the iconic Sylvia Plath, is a title that warrants your attention. This engrossing piece of literature, which was published in 2022, is a testament to Plath's profound understanding of the human condition. The genre of the book, which is a blend of autobiographical and psychological elements, is a testament to the author's ability to weave a complex narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is engaging. The Bell Jar is a testament to Plath's ability to capture the complexities of the human psyche with an unparalleled level of depth and sensitivity. Published by the renowned Faber And Faber Ltd., this book is a must-have for any literature enthusiast. If you're a fan of deeply introspective and emotionally charged literature, then Bell Jar is a title that you simply cannot afford to miss.

  • Save 10%
    by Graham Brown & Clive Cussler
    £8.99 - 18.99

  • Save 23%
    - And the Clothes he Wears
    by Terry Newman
    £16.99

    Discover the world of Harry Styles in this captivating biography written by Terry Newman. Published in 2022 by ACC ART BOOKS, this book delves into the life and career of one of the most influential figures in the music industry. The book, fittingly titled 'Harry Styles', offers a comprehensive look at the artist's journey, shedding light on his rise to fame, his music, and his impact on pop culture. It's an essential read for fans and anyone interested in the music industry. Newman, a renowned author in the genre of biographies, beautifully captures the essence of Styles' personality and talent. Don't miss out on this 2022 publication from ACC ART BOOKS.

  • Save 24%
    - A Guide to the World's Greatest Kicks, from Sport to Street
    by Mathieu Le Maux
    £18.99

    A visual history of the world s most coveted and popular footwear, from early Keds and Converse All Stars to the latest fashion and design icons.

  • Save 10%
    by Emily St. John Mandel
    £8.99

    The award-winning, bestselling author of &i>Station Eleven&/i> and &i>The Glass Hotel&/i> returns with a novel of art, time, love and plague that takes the reader from Vancouver Island in 1912 to a dark colony of the moon three hundred years later, unfurling a story of humanity across centuries and space.

  • Save 27%
    - Brilliantly Unique Interior Designs from Around the World
    by Alexander Breeze
    £25.49

    The Life Eclectic celebrates the vibrant, eclectic and highly unique homes of creatives from around the world

Architecture

Our selection of cultural books also include architecture books. If you are fascinated by beautiful or memorable buildings we have the books for you. 

Architecture is the art form everyone is in contact with everyday. We move across a wide variety of buildings everytime we go out the door. Schools, work spaces, museums and even your own home is a form of architecture. Some buildings however have that extra effect on you. They make you shop and wonder, and most importantly they are products of their time. They are part of our history and tell the story of the time they were made. Some architects also go beyond that creating something never seen before and these are the buildings that we remember and they might even become attractions or landmarks like the beloved Eiffeltower in the city of lights.   

You could also get inspired as an architect or architectural student yourself. The architecture books invite you into the process of making a building out of the ordinary. If you are interested in sustainability you could also find architecture books about that. In the last couple of years we have also seen an increase in sustainable architecture, where materials are reused or alternative and good for our planet. They are the buildings of the future. 

We also have a collection of garden architecture books. In recent years open air spaces have been desired especially in the big cities, where fewer and fewer have access to a garden or park. Therefore we need innovative ways of finding new green areas in the cities also in order to be sustainable. For that matter we need to plant more trees and have nature surrounding us both for our planet, but also for the wellbeing of ourselves. Find ideas for new kinds of creating just that in our selection of architecture books. 



Fashion and design

Everyone wants to be stylish, and in our selection of design and fashion books you can get inspired by some of the best style icons and designers in the world. You can get that extra tip that will help you become the most stylish person in the room or one of the new style icons of Instagram.  Whether it’s about interior or clothes you will find it all among our fashion books and design books.

Fashion is a way of showing who you are. The way you dress reflects your personality and it is a way of showing how you feel or wants to feel that day, although it can be difficult to mix your outfit in the right way, and that is where the fashion books can help. Another wonderful thing about the fashion and design books is that they look stylish in themselves, and they will look gorgeous as a coffee table book. They add that extra level of style to your furnishing, and you display all your knowledge about fashion. So that is why you find the most beautiful and cool fashion books for decor at Tales. 

In our selection you find the popular fashion book In Paris by the French Instagram it-girl Jeanne Damas and Lauren Bastide. In the book they try to cover the secrets of the parisienne; who she is, what she wears and where she is heading. The fashion book contains interviews with 20 of the most inspiring French women from the city of light, and concludes that being a parisienne is not just about how you look and dress, but a way of life. 

If you yourself dream of having a designer carriere, you could also find fashion books for designing in Tales’ selection of culture books. Get the perfect guide to sewing, draping, and picking patterns for your next stylish creation. 

If you need inspiration to renew your furnishing you could - in addition to selecting a stylish book among our fashion books for coffee tables - also find design books about that. They help you pick the most tasteful furniture on the market and most importantly how to style them, and you could end up with the most wonderful interior in your own house. 


Join thousands of book lovers

Sign up to our newsletter and receive discounts and inspiration for your next reading experience.