A universal symbol of adventure and curiosity, and potentially of human connection, we love artisanal luxury globes as an essential element of office or home décor. They make wonderful gifts, especially to mark a significant life event or the conclusion of a marvelous trip. Here’s our curated list of the best brands of luxury globes in the world right now that double as sophisticated home or office décor, including desk, floor and bespoke hand-crafted models. Let’s go!
globes occupy a vital place in art and history
When you think of a globe sitting on a desk, you’re probably instantly transported back to elementary school.
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Sometime around third grade seems to be the universal moment when we’re all introduced to the idea of a globe, and it’s generally an exercise in memorization. Where is Lithuania? Point to the Baltic Sea!
You know what we mean, dear reader.
But in fact, globes have always stood for so much more than that.
a strategic tool
Throughout history, they’ve been a vehicle for the dissemination of practical information. And not just for school children and budding diplomats. For example, Winston Churchill and Franklin Delano Roosevelt are said to have both been given globes during World War II as an aid to joint strategy sessions.
a repository of dreams and ambitions
But globes have also stood for millennia as the expression of dreams, fantasy, narrative and history. What could be more profound than trying to express a representation of the planet, with an accounting of territorial lines, natural elements, and sometimes even weather patterns and clouds?
There are numerous famous artistic globes. One is the Yves Klein blue globe, which is described by his estate in this way: “In 1957, Yves Klein stated that the Earth was entirely blue. It was on that occasion that he created a Blue Relief globe. Four years later, [Russian] cosmonaut [Yuri Alekseyevich] Gagarin – [the first human to ever journey into outer space] – stated that the Earth is of a deep intense blue!!!”
In the artist’s hands, the pure blue color becomes the symbol of the elimination of landmarks and boundaries. “A magic cover that transforms the terrestrial into the aerial.”
at home in museums around the . . . globe
Because they’re historic objects as well as works of art, several iconic globes have homes in the leading museums of the world.
There’s actually a globe museum in Vienna. And one of the first exhibits at the Louvre Abu Dhabi was of historic and stunning globes from around the . . . globe. It was a stunning and revealing look at how different cultures have represented the planet over the past 2,500 years – a dazzling array of over 40 different symbols and representations of the Earth throughout history.
the best brands for custom and designer luxury globes right now
Small wonder then, given this rich history – where a globe can be not just a factual representation of land and water, but a personification of dreams and tales of conquest – that globes can be a dramatic statement element of luxury home decor.
There are a surprising number of luxury brands renowned for their expertise in crafting custom globes for a desk or stand on a floor. So you’ll be pleased with how many options you have. Personally, we’re enchanted with the brands
Some of our favorite people are fond of globes, so it occurs to us that a globe might also be a wonderful gift for a special someone – especially if the person loves travel, history or works of art on paper.
the best luxury globes right now for sophisticated home décor
If you have such a person in your life – or are such a person yourself – here are some of the best, most stunning luxury globes right now.
Any of these would be a perfect fit for a sophisticated home or office decor scheme. And perhaps a vessel of memory and dreams for your gift recipient. Or for you.
Whether you perch one of these stunning luxury globes on a desk, side table or floor, they’re sure to spark thought, conversation, discussion, perhaps even lively debate. You may hear tales of adventure, or hopes for the future. There might even be an increase in connection and understanding. Imagine that.
the best luxury globes right now for sophisticated home décor
Those are our top picks of the best brands for artisanal luxury desk and floor globes right now, many of them custom. Gorgeous statements for a home or office that can speak to both the cerebral and the celestial in us all. What’s your favorite?
join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier Newsletter here. And see luxury in a new light.
Join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier newsletter. And see luxury in a new light.