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Interiors porn: 18 best unusual Christmas gifts for the home

From blingy skulls to brain-themed bookends, we round up some of the most interesting homeware to give this Christmas

Sally Newall
Saturday 30 November 2013 16:23 GMT

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1. Jonathan Adler Muse Noir candle

A scented candle with a bit of an edge. The wax is midnight black and the funky porcelain holder glows as the candle burns.

£69, giftlibrary.com

2. Farg Form storage boxes

This set of three storage boxes with a fun cloud print are perfect for keeping the kids' bits and bobs out the way.

£37.99, kidsen.co.uk

3. Lotta Flower Me Happy vase

For something a little bit different to put your blooms in, this unusual vase from a Danish design duo is just the thing.

£49.95, liberty.co.uk

4. Eames Vitra chair

Swiss furniture company Vitra have re-issued their version of the iconic 1950s design. Unlike their old model, discontinued in 1993, this one's recyclable. Comes in a range of colours - we particularly like it in Ocean.

£320, heals.co.uk

5. Silver lobby desk phone

In the1930s, the finest European hotels would have one of these beauties installed in their lobbies. They look rather good in the home, too. Has an original mechanical bell ring.

£65, liberty.co.uk

6. Dorothy skull

Whether it's taxidermy or skulls, animals are big news in interiors at the moment. This ram skull with firey Swarovski crystal-encrusted horns is an example that stands out from the flock.

£280, hornythings.co.uk

7. Knowledge in the Brain bookends

A replica of the designer's own head, these innovative bookends are made from rubber coated stone-resin. They weigh 2Kg, so they'll keep large hardbacks in check.

£120, harveynichols.com

8. Fornasetti magazine rack

This is the F1 of magazine racks; a stylish black wooden piece with a contrasting white town print design. The gold-tone metallic legs and divider set off the monochrome. Yes it's pricey but makes a statement.

£960, farfetch.com

9. Kartell F1/Y pendant light

These hanging pendant lights look striking alone or in clusters. The transparent shade means they create a light and airy feel in a room. Available in a range of colours.

£159, heals.co.uk

10. Mosaic wallpaper

Wallpaper's made a comeback and this geometric print, incorporating over 30 colours, will look great on a feature wall.

£230 for 2 rolls, olivelovesalfie.co.uk

11. John Derian heart in hand plate

The image dates from the 1880s and is by acclaimed American printmakers Currier and Ives. It's been collaged onto hand-blown glass to create this pretty plate. One for the wall.

£42.50, selfridges.com

12. Franco wooden desk lamp

Work in style with this contemporary twist on the classic Anglepoise lamp, with its beech wood arm and base and plain fabric shade.

£40, habitat.co.uk

13. William Yeoward crystal pineapple

The pineapple's a traditional symbol of hospitality. If money's no object, this hand-made crystal number topped with silver fronds looks fab as a focal point on a table or in a grand hallway.

£675, gift-library.com

14. Vitra Design Museum clock

This clock, based on a 1948 version by American industrial designer George Nelson, embodies the modernist style popular across the Atlantic in 1940s and 50s. A good one for fans of the minimalist look.

£260, liberty.co.uk

15. Utopia coathanger/book stand

This innovative and fun design lets you hang clothes or accessories from the hooks - the palace's domes - at the front and you can prop up pictures or books in the deep grove behind. Lovely for children's bedrooms.

£62, olivelovesalfie.co.uk

16. Palmeral cushion

East London-based interiors company House of Hackney are known for their bold prints and out-there designs. This velvet cushion is a retro 70s palm leaf design is a cool case in point. We want.

£148, houseofhackney.co.uk

17. Geometric blanket

This snuggly blanket's made from 100% merino wool from sheep bred on an organic farm in Denmark. No harsh chemicals are used in the manufacturing process, just biodegradable soaps and oils. Comes in a range of colours. We like this cheery orange.

£95, shopfloorproject.com

18. Jon Klassen Node rug,

Handmade by a fair trade group of traditional Nepalese carpet makers, this rug is part of Node's collaboration with 18 designers and illustrators. There are only 10 of each work, so whoever you give this to would be getting a rare - and ethically produced - piece.

£950, designmuseumshop.com

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