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Coffee Lids: Peel, Pinch, Pucker, Puncture
A fascinating design history and field guide to one of modern life's everyday conveniences, with 200 full close-up photographs and patent designs.
A fun look at how the genius of design is often hidden in plain sight. Ever wonder about how everyday objects come to look the way they do? The disposable coffee lid is a design paradox of the modern era. It must simultaneously open and close to allow for drinking on the go while protecting against unwanted spillage. See your coffee cup lid for what it really a magical design artifact that contains fascinating variations.
The premier guide for take-out coffee drinkers everywhere – Learn more about the mechanics behind your morning cup of joe. Impress and stump the coffee-aficionados in your life with your expansive knowledge of slosh-drainage systems, ergonomic drink apertures, foam accommodation techniques, and sensory enhancement features.
From the world's largest coffee lid collection – Louise Harpman and Scott Specht have collected over 550 of these triumphs of industrial design for decades, creating what Smithsonian magazine calls "the world's largest collection of coffee cup lids."
A fun look at how the genius of design is often hidden in plain sight. Ever wonder about how everyday objects come to look the way they do? The disposable coffee lid is a design paradox of the modern era. It must simultaneously open and close to allow for drinking on the go while protecting against unwanted spillage. See your coffee cup lid for what it really a magical design artifact that contains fascinating variations.
The premier guide for take-out coffee drinkers everywhere – Learn more about the mechanics behind your morning cup of joe. Impress and stump the coffee-aficionados in your life with your expansive knowledge of slosh-drainage systems, ergonomic drink apertures, foam accommodation techniques, and sensory enhancement features.
From the world's largest coffee lid collection – Louise Harpman and Scott Specht have collected over 550 of these triumphs of industrial design for decades, creating what Smithsonian magazine calls "the world's largest collection of coffee cup lids."
255 pages, Paperback
Published March 13, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 30, 2018
Their collection is impressive. Their prose, not so much.
But we didn't pick up this book for the words.
Also, strange to see Phil Patton only mentioned in passing. His blog post on coffee lids is still an enjoyable read http://philpatton.typepad.com/my_webl...
But we didn't pick up this book for the words.
Also, strange to see Phil Patton only mentioned in passing. His blog post on coffee lids is still an enjoyable read http://philpatton.typepad.com/my_webl...
March 4, 2021
Probably a better book on paper
Having read this on Kindle, I think the drawings were difficult to see on a device. I’m not sure they would have been better on paper but they were better when I looked at them on my iPad than on my Kindle device. Overall, an interesting concept book.
Having read this on Kindle, I think the drawings were difficult to see on a device. I’m not sure they would have been better on paper but they were better when I looked at them on my iPad than on my Kindle device. Overall, an interesting concept book.
March 12, 2026
Such a fun, quirky book and unique gift for, dare I say it, ardent coffee enthusiasts. Think of it as a great Secret Santa idea.
It was interesting to see all the thought that goes into something we overlook every day and yet, at the same time, probably have an opinion of when asked. Kudos to the authors for sharing!
My scoring system:
- 5 stars: I will tell others about the book whether they want to hear it or not:
- 4 stars: Fantastic read, and I wouldn't hesitate to read the book again.
- 3 stars: Enjoyed the book throughly, but once is good for me.
- 2 stars: I probably wasted my time reading the book and wouldn't ever read it again.
- 1 star: If I've given this rating, then please perform an intervention.
It was interesting to see all the thought that goes into something we overlook every day and yet, at the same time, probably have an opinion of when asked. Kudos to the authors for sharing!
My scoring system:
- 5 stars: I will tell others about the book whether they want to hear it or not:
- 4 stars: Fantastic read, and I wouldn't hesitate to read the book again.
- 3 stars: Enjoyed the book throughly, but once is good for me.
- 2 stars: I probably wasted my time reading the book and wouldn't ever read it again.
- 1 star: If I've given this rating, then please perform an intervention.
January 29, 2023
This book is totally fascinating. Engrossing. You'll look at everyday objects in a whole new way after reading this. The balance between images and text is just right. Architects, industrial designers, artists and coffee lovers will vibe on this book.
December 23, 2018
Interesting especially for the coffee lover!
May 12, 2021
Fun for a light read.
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March 11, 2026Read for Technology Commercialization class, consensus is that there are way too many types of coffee lids.
September 1, 2024
Great for the coffee table. There's a bit of engineering in these lids after all.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews