By May Zhee Lim, Markets Media Life Correspondent

A good coffee table book can stimulate conversations, offer precious insights, and add a splash of color to your living room. The trick is finding a book that channels your personality and interests, but can still be enjoyed over a hot beverage. Here are five coffee table books that will let you share your passions with the world, and maybe impress a few guests along the way:

1.For the film enthusiast

Award-winning critic Matt Zoller Seitz guides readers through the astounding life and career of Wes Anderson with previously unpublished photos, essays, interviews, and quotes by the director himself. The artwork of the book is a tribute to Anderson’s artistries and idiosyncrasies, capturing the playful and childish aesthetics of his films. This coffee table book will instantly brighten up any living room and enliven any conversation – just the way Anderson would have wanted it.

2. For the fashion-conscious traveler

Be one of the first to show off this recently released clothbound hard cover by the fashion design house. Hot off the success of Things We Love, this new volume focuses on the theme of stylish travel, offering words of travel wisdom, elegant photography, inspirational quotes, and old-world glamor. With this book, you and your house guests can see the world – from Paris to Marrakech – through the eyes of the kate spade new york girl.

3. For the History Buff

Reproduced by his great-grandson in its unmodified form, this photo journal of a German officer in World War I was one of the most funded publishing projects on Kickstarter. Koessler played the role of soldier and photographer, meticulously documenting all four years of the war, taking photographs out of biplanes and in the trenches. It’s a rare look into the life of a soldier from the opposing camp, and incredible photographs meant to be shared with your closest friends and family.

4. For the imperfectionist

This book is best buried under a clutter of other books. Carter, who is a photographer, designer and longtime creative director for Ralph Lauren, has written the book on how to live a full life without constantly striving for perfection. She draws her inspiration from how other designers, photographers, artists, and writers have integrated their passions and histories into their homes. Unlike other interior design books, this book combines practical tips with a liberating philosophy, accompanied by intimate photographs of different living spaces.

5. For the blank slate

If you’re looking to buy your first coffee table book, this collection by Life Magazine will introduce you to some of the best photographs taken in history. The editors of Life have cherry-picked the most powerful and provocative out of their vast collection of images, which cover just about every significant event in the past 70 years. The Platinum Anniversary Collection also includes a section with every Life magazine cover since its first publication. Regardless of your passions or proclivities, LIFE 70 Years of Extraordinary Photography is the kind of book you need on your coffee table.

Featured image via Flickr/Sarah Sphar under creative commons