Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: 1970s space age Atomium desk clock

Atomic

I'm not sure the image above does this justice, so check out the full listing of this 1970s space age Atomium desk clock to see some close-up shots. It's an impressive thing.

With a case made of black and transparent perspex and a clock mechanism built into the base, the clock's hands are a mix of three-dimensional rings and chrome-plated balls. So how do you tell the time? Simple – you look down and see the time based on that structure and base. There's also a 'seconds' hand that (as you might guess) constantly moves, creating an object that's both practical and attention-grabbing.

It still works perfectly and is powered by a single AA battery. Unsurprisingly, there's already interest in this, but the bidding is still at just £21. A real bargain.

Find out more at the eBay website

Categories / Homeware

Micke desk from Ikea

Micke desk

Like a stripped back modernist style for your office? Well, for the look without the price tag, you might like the Micke desk from Ikea.

While it's certainly not the polished wood and gleaming aluminium you'd normally associate with the style (this one is made from a combination of fibreboard and plastic), it's certainly got the clean Bauhaus lines. It's also got the modern advantage of having cable outlets and compartments built into the design. And, if you need more storage, there are more units that can be purchased to be added on. 

It's one of those budget designs that Ikea is so famous for, costing just £65. 

Available in-store only, you can see it online here.

Categories / Design and Interiors

Katakana midcentury-style writing desk by Dare Studio

Desk
It looks like a piece out of the 1950s, but this Katakana midcentury-style writing desk by Dare Studio has one eye on the present.

The Katakana desk has apparently been designed for use with a laptop, so just enough room for your average notebook, with special compartments for a power supply and clever cable management for unsightly wires. Or if you fancy writing a letter, there are tapered drawers which keep your pens always at the front of the drawer.

Made from black walnut, it’s available from Liberty, but not cheap at £3,295.

Find out more at the Liberty website

Categories / Design and Interiors

1930s-style Alchemy floor and table lamps at Graham and Green

Alchemy1

If you want something with a classic look, inspired by the earlier part of the 20th century, check out these Alchemy floor and table lamps at Graham and Green.

With a look that wouldn't look out of place in a 'well to do' 1930s home, the lamps are traditional in shape, not to mention heavy, with the smallert version perfect for a table, desk or bedside, the larger for an imposing floor lamp.

Both are adjustable via wing nut fittings, with on/off switches located on the top of the respective light heads. The table/desk version is yours for £130, the floor for £189. See an image of the latter over the page.

Find out more at the Graham and Green website

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Categories / Design and Interiors

Industriel furniture collection at Lavender and Sage

Industriel bookcase

If you're looking for some new furniture with a more industrial feel, you may want to take a look at the Industriel collection, new in at Lavender and Sage

The collection looks like it has been taken from a workshop and features a desk, a circular stool and the bookcase pictured, all made from oak and metal. The material has been treated to give it a used feel (so you can pretend it's vintage, rather than purchased from the web): the wood has been patinated and the metal has been greyed and aged. 

A set of two stools costs £170, while the desk is £325 and the bookcase is £425. 

See the range online

Categories / Cars and Bikes, Design and Interiors, Homeware

‘Old time’ car desk accessory by Troika

 

Troika car
 

Got the retro car bookends? Complete the look of a high-flying executive office with Troika’s old time car desk accessory.

It’s described as ‘old time’ and I’m afraid I’m also no closer than that to recognising the model of car this might have been based on. However, it’s definitely got a glamorous retro look, suitable for adorning (presumably walnut) writing desks. It’s also vaguely useful too – as it’s magnetic you can use it for storing up paper clips or having other office based fun with metallic items.

It’s perfectly priced for a gift at £25.

Buy it from the Liberty website