"I promised her the world, but instead I bought her a globe."-Jarod Kintz
It is funny that the more our lives are enhanced by technology, the more nostalgic we are for those obsolete objects that have been replaced (Q: If we think it is cool to have a vintage typewriter or rotary phone as decor today, will our grandkids be decorating with iPhones?)
One home accessory that has somewhat stood the test of time is the trusty globe. Sure, you probably have more updated means to get your geographic information , but isn't there just something magical about having a tangible, mini-Earth in your hands? Beautiful globes have long been a staple accessory in home decor adding a bit of gravitas to any room. (How can you not look scholarly when you have a globe on your desk?) I absolutely loved the big globe my parents had in our study growing up. My brother and I would close our eyes, spin it, and play "Where will you live?" landing on an unknown, exotic place we had never heard of (or the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.. which thankfully, granted you a second spin). Even today, whenever I spot the globe in my own living room, it is such a great reminder to plan that next trip or read about a new place. If you are feeling truly nostalgic, the best source for a good vintage (and inexpensive) globe is often flea and antique markets and garage sales. But lately, I have noticed several high and low end home decor sources all carrying interesting, new globes and a plethora of cute, globe DIY projects around the web. Here is some decorating inspiration and sources for globes.
If you are wanting to start a collection, vintage globes are pretty easy to score at flea markets (and online) but there are also a wide variety of new ones at retailers right now. (I found the vintage inspired globe shown above in the title picture at Home Goods for less than $20). Here are a few more from around the web.
1. Artistic: Anthropologie
Honestly, this hand-painted beauty that I saw at Anthropologie a few months ago is what inspired this post. The artistic globe is from 1canoe2, a paper shop that created a handful of custom globes that later got picked up by Anthropologie. The look has inspired many similar versions and DIY versions if you are interested in alternatives. One of my favorites is this DIY chalkboard paint globe (which is great as a kid's gift)
2. Traditional: Hayneedle or World Market
Classic. Old school. Legit.
3. Romantic: Etsy
This Etsy shop, Wild and Free Designs takes vintage globes and paints sayings on them. There are also other Etsy shops that do custom work.
4. Basic and elegant: World Market
5. Functional: CB2
How lovely would it be to track where you have been and where your going with this cork globe?
6. Modern: Design Within Reach
If you are looking for the opposite of the look of the cutesy, Anthropologie globe, this is all business but super chic. The mint and silver, aluminum globe is made in Italy and also comes in a black/silver version.
image source: top image: SD; inspiration images: Popsugar, Pinterest, Elle Decor
P.S. To get truly vintage, no discussion of globes is complete, without watching this.
-SD
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