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Decorative mobiles that are definitely not for kids
Delicate and kinetic, these grown-up designs are akin to hanging sculptures
Sitting somewhere between a design object and a piece of art, decorative mobiles are having something of a moment (though a handful of Scandinavian companies have been quietly creating artisanal pieces for years).
Forget parades of colourful animals – these are beautifully crafted pieces that would look just as at home in a living room as they would a kids’ bedroom. We’ve selected eight of our favourites designs, but you’ll find that most of these brands have a array of interesting configurations to suit any space.
‘Vento’ mobile, Oh DaDa
Handmade in its Berlin studio, artisan brand OhDada makes eclectic pieces from mixed materials. The ‘Vento’ combines unusual forms in wood, acrylic and brass for a beautifully balanced design with a real sense of movement. Approx £98, ohdada.de
‘Airflow 36’ mobile by Flensted Mobiles, Finnish Design Shop
Inspired by the curve of a spiral staircase, this clever design has been created from fine white serigraphic foil for a lightweight feel. Flensted is a pioneer of the art mobile, and there are plenty of stylish options for kids rooms, too. £74.45, finnishdesignshop.com
‘I’m Only Sleeping’ mobile by Tempo, NiMi Projects
A clever configuration of acrylic resin bars gives this design by Naoki Terada a sculpture-like quality. Available in two colourways, its gentle movements will refract light around the room. £155, nimiltd.com
Brass and paper mobile, Stephanie Barbie
Barcelona-based maker Stephanie Barbie creates jewellery-like mobiles with beautifully fine details. Each is finished by hand for a brushed satin effect, and then coated with lacquer to prevent tarnishing. £114.69, etsy.com
‘Milan’ mobile by Volta, The Conran Shop
Delicate designs can get lost in larger spaces. Not so for Volta’s spectacular ‘Milan’ mobile, which is handcrafted in the brand’s workshop in Spain. Its primary palette references abstract art from the 1950s. £599, conranshop.co.uk
‘Shapes’ mobile, Livingly
Ideal for compact spaces, this elegant brass mobile has a contemporary, geometric appeal, courtesy of its series of squares, circles and semi-circles. Danish brand Livingly also creates exquisite designs in paper. Approx £340, livingly.dk
‘Plywood Mobile, Model B’ by Charles and Ray Eames, Vitra
Two Matisse-like forms grant a sense of balance to this simple mobile by design titans Charles and Ray Eames. Created in the 1940s as a way to experiment with plywood moulding techniques, they were originally hung from the ceiling of the pair’s Los Angeles apartment. £119, vitra.com
‘Leaves’ mobile by Lappalainen, Urban Coo
As well as metal candleholders, lamps and a well-curated selection of vintage objects, German brand Lappalainen sells mobiles with graphic appeal. This sleek polished brass design will add an artful edge to any space. £215, urbancoo.co.uk
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