Using a Globe as a Decorative Home Resource

Linking a geographical theme to your home is possible through a single component. Using the globe as a decorative resource will invite the world into your home and indulge your passion for wanderlust. It’ll also allow you to contemplate different territories and learn more about the countries that form our planet.

From an aesthetic point of view, the globe has a place in every home. Although it serves educational purposes, it also contributes to decor and as such, provides dual functionality.

Today, there are numerous types and sizes of globes. From globes that serve as illuminating lamps to those that have hidden storage. In fact, nowadays, we can even find square-shaped ornamental globes!

The globe as a symbol of education

We’ve all seen old academic photos from the 20th century where our ancestors were depicted with a book, a quill pen, and a globe.

Without a doubt, a globe is a learning tool that’s still found in study rooms and still creates an intellectual environment. However, trends are changing and its use also acquires other connotations.

In the world of interior design, a globe contributes aesthetically and also conveys a certain degree of sophistication. It could be said that it’s an ornamental piece but with a certain pedagogical link.

Globe typologies for ornamental decoration

As we’ve mentioned before, there are so many different types of ornamental globes. Depending on the aesthetic application that we want to achieve, we can use one or several. Here are four main types:

1. The standard globe format is secured on supports and a base. Sometimes it has a light inside to clearly display the geographical content that’s represented on the surface.
2. Another possibility is a globe with an old-fashioned appearance. The external design has territorial representations in the form of an old world map, where polychromy, copper, and earthy tones predominate.
3. Mother-of-pearl balls with wooden supports are another type of globe. They’re usually large and suitable for decorating living rooms, studies and offices. They reflect an ancient decorative concept that’s typical of the university libraries of the past.
4. A more modern typology would be the balloon globe that remains suspended in the air. This is due to a curved structure that supports it by means of a magnetic field. Thus, it produces a magical and attractive visual effect.
5. Similar to the previous example, there’s another option that levitates on an independent base. An electromagnetic field is also produced to allow the globe to float to such an extent that it can be manipulated and rotated. It’s a completely innovative concept.

The globe as a lamp

The circular shape of the globe is perfect for configuring it as a lamp. On the one hand, there are ceiling globe lights, which bear a certain resemblance to Chinese rice paper lamps, or a simple bell shape depicting half the terrestrial sphere.

The one we usually found in homes is the table lamp, suitable for bedrooms and living rooms. The light generates a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. Although it isn’t a functional lamp to use as a light, but rather, to create a decorative effect.

There are globe lamps with colors or, simply, with a whitish tone where the territories are in dark colors so that they can be differentiated by their shape. In addition, it may contain the names of countries and oceans without losing the didactic and pedagogical relationship.

Your representation on vinyl

Special mention must be made to the representation of the globe on smooth surfaces such as walls. In stores, you can buy vinyl where territory profiles are represented, both in circular designs and landscapes–like a map.

Another possibility is using textiles including cushions with prints of countries and oceans. It doesn’t have a spherical format, but the content adapts to the shape of the cushion, thus obtaining a really attractive result.

Main image: pinterest.es