They're billed as something to decorate a nursery or something to brighten your home, but I can't help feeling these telephone box lights from the London Transport Museum offer a great alternative to traditional Christmas lighting.
Tag: telephone
GPO 1970s dial phone at John Lewis
Not quite an exact replica of the original, due to the demands of modern technology. But this GPO dial phone is a replica of the 1970s original and only available at John Lewis.
eBay watch: 1960s Grillo telephone by Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper
Interesting design, although if you opt to bid for this 1960s Grillo telephone by Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper, you'll need to be in the right country to use it or get someone to adapt it for you.
Might be worth doing though, as this is a really stylish item. Designed by Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper back in 1966, it's incredibly reminiscent of the era, especially in that orange colour. Clamshell design, dial inside – it's going to make your calls, but it's not going to get you through call centre menus.
It's working and described as being in 'excellent condition' with 'no cracks, no chips, no stains or discolouration' and currently at a price of £30.98.
1970s-style Detraform Model 500 space age cordless phone
A great design that's inspired by the past, but has everything the modern home telephone needs today – the Detraform Model 500 cordless telephone.
The work of Kiwi and Pim for Detraform, it's a design that might pass for a Joe Colombo piece, certainly fitting into a 1960s or '70s-inspired home with ease. The cordless DECT phone is made of anodised aluminium and polycarbonate, with a digital display that merges nicely into the design, sat just above the integrated keypad of the phone, which stands around 21cm tall.
Ben de Lisi vintage telephone cushion from Debenhams
An unlikely source but this Ben de Lisi designed vintage telephone cushion has a good retro look. Produced as part of the designer's range for Debenhams, the image of a classic dial telephone is printed onto the front of the cushion.
The telephone is depicted in a vibrant red contrasting to the white background and black piping of the cushion. If you like this, there's an accompanying design featuring another object of vintage affections – the typewriter.
The cushion is in the Debenhams sale and is currently available for £14.40.
Buy it online
Sagemcom Sixty telephone – vintage handset meets modern technology
The Sagemcom Sixty Telephone combines the best retro design with a host of modern features.
Design-wise, it is in the style of a classic telephone, except the handset is cordless. The orange finish adds to its retro appeal. Its handy modern features include automatic power management, 150-name phone book and a 20-minute answering machine.
It is available to buy from John Lewis for just under £99.95.
