Art & Decorative Objects

Globe

A globe is a spherical representation of the Earth—or occasionally celestial bodies—mounted on a stand or base, used in interior design as a decorative object that evokes exploration, education, and worldly sophistication. Globes have been crafted since antiquity, with the oldest surviving terrestrial globe dating to 1492, created by Martin Behaim. In centuries past, globes were prestigious possessions found in the libraries and studies of scholars, navigators, and aristocrats. Their presence in a room signaled intellectual curiosity and a connection to the wider world. In contemporary interiors, globes continue to carry associations of adventure, knowledge, and refined taste. They come in a remarkable variety of styles—vintage cartographic globes with sepia-toned continents, modern minimalist globes in matte black or white, illuminated globes that double as ambient light sources, and whimsical bar globes that open to reveal hidden cocktail storage. A globe introduces a perfect spherical form that contrasts beautifully with the angular geometry of most furniture, adding visual softness and organic shape. Whether placed on a desk, bookshelf, or floor stand, a globe is both a conversation piece and a timeless symbol of curiosity.

Key Characteristics

  • Spherical form provides visual contrast to angular furnishings
  • Evokes themes of exploration, education, and worldliness
  • Available in vintage, modern, and novelty styles
  • Some models illuminate to serve as ambient light sources
  • Comes in tabletop, floor-standing, and hanging configurations
  • Functions as both a decorative accent and a conversation starter

Types & Variations

Vintage cartographic globe
Modern minimalist globe
Illuminated light-up globe
Bar globe with hidden storage
Floor-standing pedestal globe

Common Materials

Printed paper on resin sphereWood standMetal standBrass meridian ringGlassAcrylic

Placement & Usage Tips

Place tabletop globes on desks, bookshelves, or side tables where they can be spun and examined up close. Floor-standing globes make excellent accent pieces in home offices, libraries, and living room corners. An illuminated globe works beautifully as a soft ambient light on a nightstand or in a dim reading nook.

💡 Pro Tip

Vintage globes with outdated political boundaries add charming historical character, but be mindful that some viewers may find obsolete country names problematic. If displaying a vintage globe, embrace it as a historical artifact that marks a specific moment in cartographic history rather than a current reference.