LEGO Roman Colosseum
The Roman Colosseum is one of the seven man-made wonders of the world, and this 9,036-piece LEGO version of it might just be the eighth. A faithful bricked re-creation of the famous 80,000-person capacity oval…
Class up Your Space with a Ranger Station Old Fashioned Candle
When it comes to improving the ambience in a room, there’s nothing like a good candle. But we don’t want peppermint hibiscus honeysuckle or other big box scents, we want scents that are a little…
6 Perfectly Fine Cheap Desk Chairs Available Under $250
Coronavirus has forced millions of office workers into dedicated work-from-homers overnight. Most of those people’s living spaces are not suited to working eight hours comfortably, which is fueling them to buy nice office chairs en masse. But money is tight and a properly aligned spine can be had for less than $500 (if you’re willing to sacrifice longevity). Starting at $75, here are six chairs that will do the trick.
AmazonBasics Mid-Back Mesh Chair
This chair’s price changes with the wind, but it usually hovers between $55 and $75. It’s an Amazon branded chair that offers up the bare bones of what a good desk chair should have. The back is mesh, not faux leather or foam, which promotes temperature regulation (you sweat less). The back offers some semblance of lumbar support and its shape — a curve that presses on the center of your back and keeps you supported — is in line with premium, ergonomics-focused chairs that cost much more money. Will this chair serve you for years and years? No, it’s made with the cheapest materials possible and will fall to pieces. But it will keep itself together until we all have commutes again.
Alera Elusion Mesh High-Back Chair
Our Best Office Chair Under $200 sports everything the AmazonBasics chair does (mesh, ergo-focused shape, etc.) and throws in adjustable height armrests and a waterfall edge seat cushion, which passively relieves pressure on your legs. What is has against it: it’s supremely boring to look at and doesn’t support comfortable reclining for very long. Treat the latter as a positive disguised as a negative — you shouldn’t be reclining all that much anyway.
Flash Furniture High Back Office Chair
A mesh back, ergonomics focus, waterfall seat and an adjustable headrest for $143 is hard to beat. The heaviest knock against it, other than chintzy materials, is the lack of adjustable height armrests. The bright side is the armrests are locked higher — read: where they should be — than most cheap desk chairs.
Branch Task Chair
While office furniture isn’t quite as sexy as flashy cookware or branded luggage, its no less worthy of the direct-to-consumer treatment. Branch is a new-ish company pushing out affordable home office gear, including this $199 (on sale) task chair. Its ticks the baseline ergonomic boxes — adjustable height armrests, tilt, tilt tension, lumbar support and your basic up-down functions. Plus, the base is anodized aluminum, which is significantly sturdier than the cheap plastics deployed by AmazonBasics and other ultra-cheap options. For $80 more, you could also get Branch’s upgraded version that looks better and offers more ergonomic flexibility.
Ikea Markus Chair
Ikea has a number of desk chairs that are built almost entirely for aesthetics rather than performance. Let other people buy them. The Markus chair is the Swedish company’s most body-minded offering in the category. Its extraordinarily high mesh back is ideal for taller folks and those of us who run hot, and despite Ikea’s reputation for cheap builds, it’s significantly sturdier than the other chairs on this list. Plus, because it’s an Ikea product and not made by a company you’ve never heard of in your life, you’re more likely to get customer service if something’s not quite right.
Sihoo Ergonomics Office Chair
This chair floats between $225 and $300 with regularity (it’s $276 at time of publishing). What you get: high mesh back, adjustable headrest, proper lower back support, variable armrests and easily the best spring-lock tilt mechanism of the bunch. In other words, you get everything you need in a pinch.
Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.
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Upgrade Your Setup with This Insane Deal on Home Office Furniture
At Gear Patrol, we assumed that our shift to working from home would last for a brief period of time. We opted for temporary at-home office set-ups, chose makeshift desks in odd spaces, and simply plopped on our couches to get by. Months later, there’s no doubt that for many of us, working from home is here to stay. And now’s the perfect time to figure out what you need to create a beautiful, healthy, productive home office that feels just right. Fully — the pros at creating your ideal at home workspace — makes upgrading your office set up easy. And there’s never been a better time to shop on the brand’s website. This isn’t your typical cyber sale, it’s a month-long discount across its entire site — everything is 15 percent off. It’s the first time ever that the brand has run a sale of this size. Start with a desk that allows you to stand, sit, stretch and more with its award-winning Jarvis Standing Desk. Next, pick from an assortment of chairs — from ergonomic saddle style, modern kneeling options and much more. And finish your work space with ideal accessories like standing anti-fatigue mats or under-desk bottle openers. But get a jump on it before November 30th and before the holiday rush — Fully offers fast free shipping, tier-one customer service and is a certified B Corp, so you can feel good about doing business with them.
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Weighted Blankets Burn Away Anxiety. Here Are the Best Ones to Buy
Sleep is an integral part of immunity, and yet, trouble sleeping is something we’re likely all struggling with. If your mind starts racing as soon as your head hits the pillow, a weighted blanket could be your solution. The calming effect of the weight will slow things down, comfort you while keeping cozy. They feel like a hug, so whether you can’t remember the last time you had human contact, or you’re getting sick of hugging your S.O., this blanket can help you.
The Short List
- Best Overall Weighted Blanket: Gravity Blanket
- Best Cheap Weighted Blanket: Luna Weighted Blanket
The Best Weighted Blankets
- Best Cooling Weighted Blanket: YNM Cooling Weighted Blanket
- Best-looking Weighted Blanket: Bearaby Tree Napper
- Best Washable Weighted Blanket: Layla Weighted Blanket
- Best Weighted Blanket for Athletes: Bedgear Hyper-Cotton Weighted Blanket
The Short List
Best Overall Weighted Blanket: Gravity Blanket
Weight Options: 15, 20, 25-pounds
Gravity weighs you down, so logically, a blanket with the same name is the heavyweight of this competition. Its soft and plush, and what we dream of wrapping ourselves in while we’re at work. A duvet-like cover with two types of internal clips means the weighted piece stays put, even if you go from your stomach to your side to your back all in one night. The external cover is machine washable, while the interior is hand-wash only.
Price: $189+
Best Budget Buy: Luna Weighted Blanket
Weight Options: 12 to 30-pounds for Full, Queen and King
The lightest weight starts at 12-pounds for just $60, so you can keep your kids calm, too. The plethora of options for all bed types and weights are the most we found. Luna’s seven-layer blanket is washable, breathable and affordable.
Price: $60+
What Are Weighted Blankets Good for?
For those who have insomnia, weighted blankets “can provide a beneficial calming effect,” according to a study published in the Journal of Sleep Medicine & Disorders. The study found that movement during sleep decreased, and participants subjectively liked sleeping with the blanket. If you enjoy the process of going to sleep, you’re more likely to sleep, basically.
In addition to helping you sleep, weighted blankets can also help decrease anxiety and stress. “Weighted blankets were first used for patients with an autism spectrum disorder, who found the weight of the blanket served as a grounding mechanism and helped them calm down,” Dr. Nina Vasan, MD, chief medical officer of Real and Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Stanford, says.
Do Weighted Blankets Work?
Yes, and the reason they work is found in the deep touch pressure effect. “Deep Touch Pressure, where firm touch is applied to the body either by the self or by a machine, has been shown to improve functioning and reduce symptoms of anxiety,” according to a study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice. It relaxes the nervous system and makes you feel calm, according to Dr. Vasan. If you have anxiety or stress, studies show that a weighted blanket can help.
Whether you have trouble falling asleep or feel stressed during the day, a weighted blanket can provide the relief you need to feel better.
What’s the Best Weight for a Weighted Blanket?
When shopping for a blanket, you’ll likely have to figure out what size. While some brands separate by your bed size (twin, full, queen, king), many provide just weights. Consensus says the blanket should be about 10 percent of your body weight, so for a 150-pound individual, 15-pounds is best. However, if you and your partner share a bed, it’s easier to get one that’s for a Queen or King bed, which more and more brands are creating to make it a no-brain decision as to what to buy.
Weighted blankets are intended to be heavy, and with that comes heat. It’s like being wrapped in a flannel sleeping bag — you might go to bed cold, but you’ll wake up sweating in the middle of the night. To prevent that, many brands offer materials that cool while compressing, but if you’re a hot sleeper, it’s worth trying a lighter weight.
The Best Weighted Blankets You Can Buy
Best Cooling Weighted Blanket: YNM Cooling Weighted Blanket
Weight Options: 7 to 30-pounds for Twin, Full, Queen and King
As someone who can’t sleep when hot, I’m especially appreciative of this YNM blanket. Made from 100 percent bamboo fabric, it’s cool to the touch and stays that way all night long. The glass beads are sandwiched between multiple breathable fabrics. You have to spot clean this one, and sadly there’s no laundry option.
Price: $56+
Best-looking Weighted Blanket: Bearaby Tree Napper
Weight Options: 15, 20, 25-pounds
Whether you live in a studio apartment and your bed is in full view all day long, or you like having a dual-purpose blanket that doesn’t just live on your bed, the Bearaby Tree Napper is as chic as it is functional. A woven design looks like a more cozy (and less hot) afghan blanket. It’s like a chunky knit sweater with just the right amount of stretch and zero itch. The plant-based fabric, Tencel, is naturally weighted and hand-knit. Bonus: it’s machine-washable.
Price: $269
Best Washable Weighted Blanket: Layla Weighted Blanket
Weight Options: Twin, Queen, King
Layla dropped its weighted blanket in early 2019, and it quickly rose to the top of the charts thanks to its bonus touches. Instead of having 15, 20, and 25-pound blankets based on customers’ weight, Layla opted to go with the bed size instead: twin, queen and king. Being a mattress company first, the brand used those insights to inform its first weighted blanket design. Just like the mattresses, the blanket is reversible — one side is a soft mink-like fur, and the other is 300 thread-count 100% cotton that’s more smooth. Microglass beads weigh the blanket down, but don’t make any noise, which is a common complaint about weighted blankets. And best of all, Layla’s blanket is machine-washable.
Price: $129+
Best Weighted Blanket for Athletes: Bedgear Hyper-Cotton Weighted Blanket
Weight Options: 15-pounds
Bedgear makes some of my favorite pillows — just the right amount of firm, somehow always cool and squish-proof. Dr. Lorenzo Turicchia, a sleep scientist, developed this blanket to eliminate the common problem areas: the weight moves (think when your duvet gets bunched in one corner), overheating, and inability to wash. There are no beads, so no noise and no bunching. A cover that unzips makes it easy to clean, and the silky Hyper-cotton is lightweight and breathable. If you treat sleep like it’s your job, this is the blanket for you.
Price: $200
The 2,700-Acre Hawaiian Ranch from ‘Lost’ Is for Sale
When it comes to TV shows that stick with us to this day, there are few shows that stick with us like Lost. One of our 7 Mindf*ck TV Shows Every Guy Should See, Lost…
Anxious About the Election? Buy These Cozy Flannel Sheets to Ease Your Mind
Tomorrow, November 3, is Election Day, and everyone is anxious about the results. So after you get your vote in (props to those who’ve already voted), buy these new flannel sheets from Gravity. Because you just might want to hide under the covers for awhile.
While known more for its weighted blanket, Gravity just launched a collection of bedding with Modernist Studio, a design and strategy consultancy. The capsule collection includes a custom-designed weighted blanket, a weighted robe, duvet covers and flannel sheets. The flannel sheets may not change the world, but at least you can hide from Election Day-induced anxiety under them. The sheets are made of 100 percent cotton, and the same way linen sheets are associated with summer, flannel sheets are made to stave off winter chill. Available in two plaid colorways, a penguin print and blue-and-white stripes, Gravity’s new sheets are as inviting as they are cozy.
The Gravity x Modernist collection is available now, and prices start at $60 for the duvet covers.
Price: $75+
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The 15 Best Places to Buy Houseplants Online
Emmi Laitinen/EyeEmGetty Images
Get some houseplants, everyone’s doing it. Not only do they add brightness and color to otherwise drab spaces, but houseplants also help reduce stress and improve air quality (slightly). If you can’t make it out to your local nursery, there are a number of retailers online that safely ship affordable plants directly to your front door. Whether you want pre-potted plants or rare cacti, here are 15 of the best online plant retailers.
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What You Should Know about the Porsche 996, and the Parts You Need to Upgrade Yours
Porsche
Few cars command the amount of allure, respect and reverence that classic Porsche 911s do. They strike an incredible balance between luxury and performance. Few 911s strike that balance as well as a classic 911 (996). While Porsche’s air-cooled 911s get most of the attention, the 996 represented the first 911 to move to a liquid-cooled power plant. Some collectors will scoff, but the truth is that the liquid-cooled 3.4 L–3.6 L naturally aspirated/twin-turbocharged flat-six represented a significant performance upgrade over its predecessor. Classic 996s can still be had for incredibly reasonable prices, and are worth looking into whether you’re a seasoned Porsche fanatic or are looking at purchasing your first car from Stuttgart.
1.
Dramatic Increase in Performance: In 1998 when Porsche introduced the 911 (996), it came with upgrades in speed, power and overall performance. This was largely due to switching from an air-cooled to a liquid-cooled power plant.
2.
An Extensive Catalog of Parts: Perhaps the best part about owning a classic 911 (996) is that you can still purchase classic genuine parts from Porsche Classic. Whether you own a 911 Coupe, Cabriolet or Targa, you can find the parts you need to keep it going — over 13,500 of them, in fact.
3.
Continued Development: From 1998-2005, the liquid-cooled power plant in the 996 continued to evolve and see development. This is typical of Porsche’s dedication to performance, and desire to continue improving on its vehicles. Regardless of where your engine falls in the date spectrum, Porsche Classic has what you need.
Build Your Collection
Whether you’re a 996 owner or not, Porsche Classic offers something for every level of Porsche enthusiast. Even if you haven’t taken the step to ownership yet, there’s a host of high-quality lifestyle product and memorabilia that’s worth adding to your own collection. For the 996 owner, it’s worth checking out the PCCM+ — Porsche’s DIN-2 head unit specifically designed to fit in your 996 seamlessly. It works with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, offers Bluetooth functionality for hands-free use and two USB ports. For the aspiring 996 owner, Porsche’s Leather Key Pouch, which is crafted from high-quality leather, can complete your everyday carry.
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Need to Reach Someone Beyond the Grave? Just Get This
Skip the heavy lifting and go straight to what’s best. Just Get This is our no-nonsense guide to the gear you need, now.
We’ve all been there – you need to contact a spirit beyond our mortal plane, and for whatever reason, they’re just not responding. Whether they’re too deep in their eternal slumber, you’re making mistakes in your incantations or perhaps you’re just running into some sort of ghostly interference, it can be murderously frustrating. But there’s no shame in needing a little bit of outside help in conducting a productive séance. And while there’s a wide variety of wands, orbs, cauldrons and other cursed objects that can facilitate this process, none are quite as convenient as the Ouija Board.
Price: $21
Accessible and Affordable
The Ouija Board materialized into our world in the late 1800s and has helped countless satisfied customers communicate with the deceased since. While other magical objects range in price from five newt tails all the way up to one human soul, the Ouija Board can be had for as little as about twenty dollars, with no blood offering necessary. And though other talismans can offer useful features like conjuration or divination, the ease-of-use and simplicity of the Ouija Board makes it by far the best choice for the layperson or less magically-inclined.
What to Watch Out For
The only drawback to speak of is the dark entities that may attempt to join your party, but that’s a standard problem across the board for any magical object used to meddle in mortality. Should any pesky spirits set up camp within you or your loved ones, simply contact your local priest, medium or whichever exorcism consultant you prefer.
Remember to be polite to your poltergeist, and happy halloween.
Courtesy
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FLÎKR Fireplace
Born out of the desire for a simple indoor fireplace that could operate on clean burning, inexpensive and readily fuel, the Flikr Fire Place is a personal fireplace fueled by run of the mill rubbing…
Rumpl NASA Blankets
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Hey Office Chair Holdouts, Get Yourself a Seat Cushion at the Very Least
Purple
If you work in front of a computer, you should buy an office chair. But for some reason, some home office workers refuse to cave and buy one. Whether it’s price, size-constraints or commitment, we understand if buying an office chair isn’t in the cards. The least you can do is buy a seat cushion. Not one of those decorative, unsupportive slabs of foam, but rather an ergonomic accessory that will improve your posture and productivity. None of these seat cushions will make your dining chair into an ergonomic throne like one from Knoll or Herman Miller, but they will make your 9-to-5 seating situation just a little better.
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Why Are So Many Door Knobs Made of Brass?
Welcome to Further Details, a series dedicated to ubiquitous but overlooked elements hidden on your favorite products. This week: the reason why so many doorknobs are made of brass.
Few things are touched as often in a day as door knobs. Despite the necessity of door knobs, they’ve become something of a trap due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to a centuries-old decision to craft door knobs from brass, we can confidently say, well, it could be worse.
After America won the Revolutionary War, Americans began inventing things to replace the goods Europe once supplied. This included, believe it or not, the door knob. Door knobs weren’t necessary during colonial times when doors were about a quarter of an inch and secured with a latch. In the late 1800s, brass became the norm among most door knobs for its resistance to corrosion and rust. Now we’re seeing brass is more than just an aesthetic touch.
Health officials have said that coronavirus can live for days on hard surfaces. Brass, a copper alloy, appears to be an exception. Studies show that surfaces made of copper kills bacteria and viruses almost immediately on contact. The U.S. Environmental Protective Agency registered copper as the first antimicrobial solid surface material. This self-sanitizing phenomenon is called the oligodynamic effect.
Sonia TapiaGetty Images
Copper’s antibacterial properties are rooted in history. Ancient Egyptian medical texts documented the application of the metal to treat wounds and sterilize water. In light of the pandemic, today’s entrepreneurs and designers are working with the metal to fashion a plethora of no-touch tools to minimize how many public surfaces you have to touch.
Though we find comfort in knowing the invisible enemy is not invincible, door knobs are not the answer to the coronavirus — wearing a damn mask, washing your hands and maintaining proper social distancing standards is. Changing out the hardware can’t hurt, though.
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The Gozney Dome Is the Pro-grade Outdoor Oven You’ve Been Looking For
Despite the fact the temperature is starting to drop into the more frigid numbers, you don’t have to stop cooking outside… as long as you have the right hardware. The Gozney Black Edition Outdoor Oven…
Some of the Best Air Purifiers on the Market Just Went on Sale During Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day is on! To stay on top of all the best deals, visit and bookmark this page.
Prime Day shopping is largely about buying little things for yourself or crossing off names on a holiday shopping list. Despite the volume of deals, there usually aren’t many actual steals. An actual steal: Blueair purifiers — for large and small rooms — for 30% (and a little more) off.
Even if a significant percentage of the United States weren’t actively burning and there wasn’t a wildly infectious virus floating around the planet (the CDC now says air purifiers can help with its spread in closed spaces), investing in decent air purifier would’ve been a wise move, especially if you live in an area with poor air quality.
There are relatively few brands that you can trust, wholesale, in the air purifier space — Blueair is one of them. Its 211+ purifier is best for large rooms (up to 540 square-feet) and the 311+ is ideal for offices or small bedrooms (about 150 square-feet). Both are significantly marked down today, and both are well worth the money.
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13 Coffee Table Books Our Staff Can’t Live Without
What really is a coffee table book? In essence, they’re any book you keep on your damn coffee table. But we’re talking about illustrative books with a focus on art united by a motif or theme.
As Robert Klanten, founder of leading illustrative book publisher Gestalten, told us: “We publish books with the hope that they may help a person to understand who they are, what they really care about and aspire to be.” Hopefully these glimpses into what books we own gives you a better understanding of the people reading them.
A Man & His Watch
“There are a bunch of beautifully illustrated watch books out there, but A Man & His Watch by Matt Hranek is more than that. It speaks to the nature of watches as deeply personal items like few other such books do. Rather than history and technical explanations, it features a collection of individual watches of all kinds with stories from their actual owners about their significance. Each watch featured is a visual treat accompanied by a charming and digestible anecdote.” — Zen Love, Staff Writer
Buy Now (Amazon): $25 | Buy Now (Bookshop): $37
Beams: Beyond Tokyo
“Beams went from a tiny store in Tokyo to a global fashion powerhouse, with part of the lure being how hard it is to get in the states. For over 40 years, Beams has consistently released timeless, well-made clothing, home goods and accessories across its off-shoot brands like Beams Plus, Beams Boy and bPr Beams. Some of the brand’s highlights are its collaborations with popular brands like Levi’s, Clarks, Arcteryx, Danner, L.L. Bean — you get the picture. Beyond Tokyo rounds up some of the best Beams collaborations with their backstory and essentially creates a wishlist for Ebay and Grailed digging. Notable fashion people, like Sofia Coppola (just look at the style in Lost in Translation!) and Bape creator Nigo, offer insight into Beams’ influence on themselves and the rest of the world.” — Tyler Chin, Associate Staff Writer
Buy Now (Amazon): $41 | Buy Now (Bookshop): $55
Bill Cunningham: On the Street
“When I worked in NYC, I used to see [Bill Cunningham, the late New York Times fashion photographer] at events and on the street fairly often. We spoke a few times, and he took my picture at least once. He was a very kind and pleasant man. When this book came out I had to get it as I always enjoyed his work in the NYT and the trades, and it also brings me back to those days in the city.” — Scot Bondlow, Pacific Northwest Advertising Director
Buy Now (Amazon): $42 | Buy Now (Bookshop): $60
Cabins
“At $120, this book is a hefty investment (I purchased a used copy, which was still around $80). It’s also, quite literally, hefty. But if you’re interested in poring over some pretty incredible cabin designs in a range of remote locales, Cabins beats an Instagram or Pinterest rabbit-hole every time.” — Caitlyn Shaw, Product Manager, Growth
The Complete Calvin and Hobbes
“I grew up on Calvin and Hobbes. Unfortunately, my original books are either tattered or lost. That’s why a few years ago I purchased this complete guide. There are four separate books, which I constantly rotate in and out (or on and off) of my coffee table. Why? Because there isn’t a better light read than a classic Bill Watterson comic.” — Tucker Bowe, Senior Staff Writer
Buy Now: $71 | Buy Now (Bookshop): $115
Flannery O’Connor: The Cartoons
“No one can do southern gothic quite like Flannery O’Connor, which has cemented her as an all-time favorite for this fellow Georgia-native. Before she wrote any of her novels or short stories however, she made linoleum cut comics for her school’s newspaper. This collection of her cartoons offer great insights into her strange sense of humor, and serve as a great appetizer to her body of work.” — Scott Ulrich, Editorial Associate, Editorial Operations
Buy Now: $54
Home: The Foundations of Enduring Spaces
“Before leafing through the pages of the New York School of Interior Design’s interior design codex, I was under the impression the title of ‘interior designer’ was more of an advanced hobby. Not anymore. Though it can be dense at times (subheadings like ‘Anatomy of a Wall’ and ‘Collaborating with a Drapery Workroom’ abound), I’ve never encountered a book as beautiful as it is actionable. This isn’t a book of hand-wavey interior design with vague suggestions to pops of color or material contrast – it’s a textbook that spells out how to build rooms that people want to be in, from the ideal mounting height of a sconce to the average dimension of a six-seater oval dining table.” — Will Price, Assistant Editor
Buy Now (Amazon): $51 | Buy Now (Bookshop): $60
Iten
“As much as I love coffee table books, I don’t love them on my coffee table, which has a tendency to get overrun with various remotes, gaming controllers and other random junk that doesn’t have a permanent home in my apartment. That said, I picked up this book last year and kept it close at hand for inspiration during my training cycle for the New York City marathon. Published by the Parisian running boutique Distance, Iten brings readers to a small town in Kenya, famous for producing some of history’s greatest distance runners.” — Jack Seemer, Deputy Editor
Liu Bolin
“I have lots of love for this coffee table book by Liu Bolin. He’s known as the Invisible Man and his work amazes everyone who sits at my couch and flips through it. I consider it something akin to an adult I Spy, Bolin being the object that you must spy. Honestly, the man really blends in — it’s incredible.” — Nghi Ho, Advertising Sales Planner
Buy Now (Amazon): $14 | Buy Now (Bookshop): $60
Long Story Bit By Bit: Liberia Retold
Henry Phillips
“One of my absolute favorite photo books (that happens to look great on a coffee table) is this one by the late Tim Hetherington. As one of just a couple photo journalists behind rebel lines of Liberia’s second civil war, Hetherington was able to get access to places and people that shaped and molded a country marred by violence and unrest.
What’s phenomenal though is what he did with that access. The photos are beautiful, revealing and deeply impactful. The associated text are miles more compelling than your average photo book and proves what an impressive storyteller Hetherington was. It’s a gem of my small but mighty photo book collection.” — Henry Philips, Deputy Photo Editor
Permanent Coffee Break Vol. 1
“My current favorite coffee table book is Permanent Coffee Break Vol. 1 by Timothy Leeds. He’s a documentary street photographer in San Francisco, who spent time to curate all the photos in this book. It just published earlier this year and is filled with awesome black and white photographs.” — Meg Lappe, Creative Project Manger
Project Vitra
“I picked up this book on the giveaways table at a previous job. It details the work, history and cultural impact of Vitra, known for its production of furniture and collaborations with prolific designers and architects, including Zaha Hadid, Osamu Noguchi, Verner Panton and, of course, the Eameses. At 369 pages, it’s comprehensive, but it is beautifully designed with lots of photography, drawings and various paper stocks and finishes, so it’s easy to want to return to and keep flipping through. I look at it for inspiration for choosing furniture for my apartment as well as for designing magazine and book projects.
An excerpt I like: ‘Vitra sees designers not simply as contractors but as authors. […] Collaborations are always a subtle synthesis of artistic freedom, production know-how and industry knowledge.'” — Sherry Wang, Senior Designer
Buy Now: $30
Surf Shacks
“Surf Shacks is just what it sounds like: an intimate look at the surf shacks of creatives and prominent surfers. Originally a running series from Indoek, Surf Shacks really exudes how important a surfer’s living space is to them in terms of proximity to and inclusion of the beach. While the interior design each of them employs widely varies from coast to coast, we surfers share the common thread that there must always be a place for boards and an outdoor shower. I’m pretty jazzed up about Surf Shacks Vol. 2, which is due out this October.” — Ryan Brower, Commerce Editor
Buy Now (Amazon): $40 | Buy Now (Bookshop): $55
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Luckbox Is Your Guide to Life, Money & Probability
Want to stay on top of all things investing, sports, gambling, spirits, cryptocurrency, business, politics, entertainment, life & money without having to spend a single dime on the knowledge? Check out Luckbox. The most awarded…
