Quirky Collectables That Make Home A Feel Special

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When it comes to decorating your home, there’s something magical about owning pieces that spark joy, curiosity, or even a bit of a giggle. While tasteful vases and framed prints are lovely, sometimes it’s the quirky collectables that help to give a home its true character, the little oddities that make visitors smile, and you feel completely at home.

If you are thinking about getting into collecting some wonderfully weird and delightfully unique collectables, then I’ve put together some ideas of what to look for and where to find them.

Vintage Items with a Story

There’s a certain charm in owning something with history and sitting and wondering whose it used to be and where it might have been houses. Old typewriters, biscuit tins, ornaments and paintings can both transport you to another era and add personality to your space. 

Example: A 1970s Huntley & Palmers biscuit tin shaped like a double-decker bus
Where to buy: eBay, Etsy, or local antique fairs

Whimsical Figurines

These little treasures inject fun into your décor. No matter if it’s a ceramic cat mid-yoga pose or a dinosaur in a party hat, whimsical figurines add lightness and playfulness to any shelf or side table. You could even think about hiding them in unexpected spots for a little surprise factor.

Example: A ghost from Matlock Ghost Emporium (I was recently given some miniature ones, and they are beautiful).
Where to buy: Matlock Ghost Emporium, Not On The High Street, Independent gift shops, Etsy

Art That’s Different

Your walls should make you smile, or at least make people look twice. There is so many different art styles out there that this is a category which can be filled 100 times over. From surreal landscapes to animals dressed in historical clothing, it can show off your personality and get your guests looking twice. 

Example: A print of a pet dressed in a Victorian outfit
Where to buy: Society6, Redbubble, local art markets

Curiosity Cabinet

A curiosity cabinet is like a personal museum. You can fill it with so many different things, such as seashells, unusual crystals, vintage postcards, or old keys. From using it to show off your adventures or just things that fascinate you. It’s a great way to tell your life story through objects. For a smaller wall version, you could upcycle an old printer drawer into a display. 

Example: An old thimble with an intricate design. 
Where to buy: Car boot sales, antique markets, charity shops.

Collectables from Your Favourite Fandom

Fandom collectables are a brilliant way to bring your favourite things into your home. From limited-edition plushies to vinyl figures and enamel pins, this is a personal touch that is both meaningful and perfect for sparking chats with fellow fans.

Example: A limited-edition Funko Pop! of your favourite character
Where to buy: Pop In A Box, Forbidden Planet, Amazon UK, WhatNot

Quirky Kitchenware

As someone who collects mugs, they always have to be quirky, as after all, it gives me a smile with every cup of tea. As well as mugs and glasses, there’s a wide range of fun teapots and even plates, all manner of crockery and cooking utensils, which are bound to add some joy to your daily routine. 

Example: A llama-shaped teapot
Where to buy: TK Maxx, Oliver Bonas, Anthropologie

Handmade & One-of-a-Kind

Supporting small businesses not only means you probably just made someone smile but also means you will often own a one-of-a-kind piece (as creating by hand often means no two items look the same). Think hand-painted plates, crochet creatures, unique candles, anything that can make your home feel warm, cosy and yours.

Example: A crochet cactus in a tiny pot
Where to buy: Etsy, Folksy, local craft markets.

No matter what your quirky heart is drawn to, there is a world of collectables out there waiting for you. So why not get hunting for your next love?

What is your favourite type of collectable and how do you display them?

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