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10 of the best contemporary paperweights
From a mushroom-shaped metal option to a wooden take on a Rubik’s cube, you’re sure to find a design that suits your desk
A desk accessory? In the age of the digital nomad? Let us explain: these playful, design-led pieces double as statement ornaments that can bring personality and pizzazz to your mantelpiece as well as the home office. So even if you’re more likely to be found sending emails than sending letters, one of the below paperweights can still provide aesthetic pleasure.
‘Lito’ paperweight, L’objet
If you’re after a paperweight that delivers character in spades, the ‘Lito’ by L’objet is your answer. Coming in at a generous 18 centimetres long, the oversized office aide is handcrafted from porcelain and 24K gold. Plus, the ever- watchful eye will dissuade people from reading your personal letters. £385, uk.l-objet.com
Paperweight by Gather
Suffer from writer’s block? Take a break from staring at your laptop to gaze into the globular coloured glass drops of this lava lamp-esque paperweight, which is handblown in London. £146, abask.com
Paperweight by Pierre Yovanovitch for Dior
A grown-up Rubik’s cube, this variation is made from 100 per cent oak wood and will bring a warm touch to your working from home space. Chic yet functional, it exemplifies the fashion house’s signature style. £700, dior.com
‘Gravity Zodiac’ paperweight by Salvatori
Prevent your papers from flying away with this sturdy natural stone globe-inspired weight, which comes in a choice of 12 marble hues that reflect the signs of the zodiac. £195, monologuelondon.com
‘Marble Pear’ paperweight, Oka
The body of this fruity design is made from a green marble while the stem is sculpted from stainless steel. Aimed at adding a playful touch to your home office, we think it’d also work on a kitchen shelf. £30, oka.com
‘Mushroom’ paperweight, Arket
The funghi-like form of this paperweight is crafted from silver-plated brass, making it suitable for holding down stacks of sheets. Plus, the metallic material has a reflective, shiny finish that will elevate any surface. £49, arket.com
‘Khal’ paperweight, Gilles & Boissier
Though best known for its eclectic Parisian interior design projects, Gilles & Boissier also has an extensive product offering that allows you to take a little slice of its trademark style home. The new ‘Khal’ murano glass paperweight is speckled brown and white. Approx £480, gillesetboissier.com
‘Oriol’ paperweight, Iitala
As this captivating egg is just one of 750 limited-edition pieces, you’ll be hard pressed to find someone else with one at home, making it a special collector’s item for the history books. The striking purple glass is mouthblown in Finland at Iitala’s iconic glass factory. £430, iittala.com
‘Foot’ paperweight, Kelly Wearstler
Part sculpture part paperweight, Kelly Wearstler’s paperweight is a surreal take on the utilitarian desk staple. Though it is moulded on the foot, the natural brass gives it an elevated look. Approx £255, kellywearstler.com
‘Lao’ paperweight, Hermès
The shape of this adorable wooden paperweight by Hermès is inspired by the elephants of Laos. Made in neighbouring Vietnam, it comes in three highly saturated classic colour options –bringing a playful accent to the table or desk. £510, hermes.com
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