Where to get the latest and greatest design books

Giant megabookstores like Borders and Barnes & Nobles are great for getting coffee table design books that everyone and their momma has. But if you want to snag ultra-cool limited-edition books, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

Here’s my favorite places to discover new books before everyone else. Most are in Europe because that’s just where the better design books are published. This means If you live in the states, you’ll have to pay a bit extra for shipping. It’s a small price for the extra cool-factor:

1. Nijhof & Lee
   I’ve been ordering from this little design bookstore in the Netherlands for 9 years. You’ll find a select list of their latest offerings on their website. If you’re looking for an obscure or older title, you can contact them and they’ll try to hunt it down for you.

2. Amazon UK
   To get European design books before everyone else in the states, you’ll have to order it directly from, that’s right, The Europe. Fortunately, Amazon has a UK store which will let you buy these books before their US version carries them.

3. Magma Books
   This English bookstore was recommended to me by designer extraordinaire, Conor Mangat. He also happens to be British too, but there’s no bias whatsoever. Besides stocking design books, Magma also carries supercool homeware, posters, lighting, and “weird stuff.”

4. Hennessey + Ingalls
   I stumbled upon this place in sunny Santa Monica when I was about 19. It’s a large bookstore, and the staff clearly cares for the books they sell. All of the design books I saw were meticulously wrapped in clear library protector sheets. Very professional.

5. William Stout Books
   There’s no way I can forget to mention the best design bookstore in my town, William Stout. It houses an enormous collection of architecture-related books, but you’ll also find a large visual design section in its basement. Of course, you can order from their website as well.

Remember, new and shiny ain’t always better. There’s plenty of used rare and amazing design books to find using my favorite book searcher, AddAll.com.

Do you have a secret design bookstore you’ve been hiding? Please share the love and tell us!

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