World Globes

Discover the Best World Globes in the UK: Stylish, Educational, and Perfect for Every Room

Why a World Globe Still Matters in the Digital Age

Do you ever scroll on your phone and wish something tactile and beautiful sat on your desk instead? A world globe does more than point out countries — it anchors a room, sparks curiosity, and doubles as art. Even in an era of maps-on-demand, a globe brings geography to life in a way a flat screen can’t. It’s like having a miniature, rounded stage where mountains, oceans, and political borders perform together.

Featured Manufacturer and Retailer: Menkind

Menkind’s Globe Collection

Menkind has carved a niche for novelty and statement pieces, and their range of world globes is no exception. From classy desk globes to tech-forward levitating designs, Menkind mixes whimsy with design-forward sensibility—perfect if you're shopping for a standout centrepiece or a clever gift that makes people say, “Where did you get that?”

Notable Globes at Menkind

Menkind stocks a number of standout globes, many of which are highlighted across the UK market. A few eye-catching examples include MOVA-style rotating globes — which spin silently under ambient light — and levitating globes that appear to float like a small planet above their base. They also carry novelty items such as storm glass globes and decorative double-axis models that feel vintage yet modern.

Types of Globes You’ll See in UK Stores

MOVA Rotating Globes (Earth and Moon)

MOVA globes rotate using ambient light and magnetics, without plugs or batteries — a neat trick that makes them ideal for desks or mantels. Popular models include the Mova Earth 6 with clouds and the Mova Moon 4.5, both of which create a hypnotic slow spin. If you like subtle motion in a room that doesn’t scream for attention, this is your go-to.

Levitating and Magnetic Globes

Levitating globes add a dash of sci‑fi to basic décor. They use magnetic suspension to hover above a base, rotating slowly while suspended in air. These are conversation starters and work well in modern interiors, home offices, or as a focal point on a coffee table. Just keep them away from very small children or heavy magnets.

Storm Glass and Decorative Weather Globes

Storm glass globes combine decorative geology with old-world weather lore. These pieces often contain crystalline solutions that react to temperature and pressure changes, creating shifting formations inside the glass — like a tiny, poetic weather lab on your shelf. The effect is ornamental rather than meteorological, but it’s mesmerizing.

Double-Axis and Classic Desk Globes

If your taste leans toward the traditional, a double-axis globe (like the Iron & Glory Deluxe double-axis model) lets you tilt and spin the globe with satisfying motion. Classic desk globes come in sizes from about 4 inches to 12 inches or more and can be finished in brass, chrome, or distressed wood for an antique vibe.

Scratch-Off and Interactive Globes

Scratch-off globes are playful and rewarding: you scratch away countries or regions you’ve visited, revealing colorful maps underneath. They’re perfect for travel lovers who want a visual travel diary that doubles as wall art or a desk piece.

Top UK Stores to Buy World Globes

Menkind

As mentioned earlier, Menkind is a strong choice for novelty and designer globes — especially if you want modern takes like levitating or MOVA rotating models. They often curate unique items that you won’t easily find elsewhere in the high street mix.

John Lewis & Partners

John Lewis is a go-to for reliable, well-styled homewares. Their globe selection ranges from educational floor globes to sleek desk models. If you're after a quality finish and good product support (warranties, etc.), they’re a sensible stop on your shopping list.

Argos

Argos offers budget-friendly globes across sizes and styles. From plasticated student-friendly globes to attractive metal-accented desk pieces, Argos is useful if you want a quick solution without breaking the bank.

Oliver Bonas and Habitat

Oliver Bonas and Habitat lean into design-forward and slightly quirky options. Expect globes that blend colour, texture, and contemporary styling — great for homes where décor needs to feel curated and stylish.

Heal’s and Selfridges

If you’re looking for luxury and statement pieces, Heal’s and Selfridges stock high-end globes with premium materials and designer credentials. These stores are ideal for finding heirloom-quality items or bold statement pieces for special spaces.

Not On The High Street and Etsy UK

Independent designers and artisans on Not On The High Street or Etsy UK create custom and handcrafted globes — think hand-painted vintage finishes, bespoke bases, and unique colour palettes. These platforms are best for one-of-a-kind pieces and bespoke requests.

How to Choose the Right Globe for Your Space

Consider Size: Desk, Table, or Floor

First ask: where will it live? Desk globes commonly measure between 4 and 10 inches in diameter, perfect for a home office or bedside table. Larger table or floor globes can be 16 inches or bigger and become a room’s centerpiece. Measure your intended spot — a globe should be visible but not overpowering.

Think About Movement

Do you want a static decorative globe or one that moves? Rotating models like MOVA globes add kinetic charm, while levitating globes bring that modern magic. If you prefer quiet and low maintenance, stick with a static or classic double-axis globe.

Material and Finish

Materials range from plastic and paper-mache to metal, glass, and wood. A glass or metal finish reads as premium and will age well if cared for correctly. Paper-mache or laminated globes are lighter and cheaper but can show wear. Pick a finish that matches the room’s aesthetic and your level of handling care.

Styling Tips: Making a Globe Part of Your Decor

Pair with Books and Small Sculptures

Think of a globe like a small planet in your personal galaxy of objects. Pair it with stacked books, a brass lamp, or a small succulent to create a layered vignette. The globe’s roundness offsets angular objects beautifully.

Use Height and Lighting to Your Advantage

Place medium-sized globes on eye-level shelves or higher side tables so that their details are visible. For MOVA or translucent globes, add soft ambient lighting nearby to enhance the rotating effect — it’s like setting a tiny stage light on a rotating performer.

Go Themed: Travel Corners and Study Nooks

Create a travel corner with maps, postcards, and a scratch-off globe or pair a moon globe in a science-themed study. Matching the globe to the room’s theme will make it feel intentional rather than like an afterthought.

Care and Maintenance for Longevity

Cleaning Different Finishes

Glass and metal globes respond well to a soft microfiber wipe. Avoid harsh solvents; a damp cloth with a drop of mild soap is usually plenty. Paper-based or laminated models should be dusted gently to avoid peeling. Always test a hidden area if you’re unsure.

Handling and Placement Precautions

Keep levitating globes and MOVA units away from strong magnetic fields and extreme heat sources. Avoid direct sunlight for prolonged periods, as it can fade printed maps. And if you have pets or young children, consider placing delicate or levitating models out of reach.

Budgeting: What to Expect to Pay

Price Ranges Across Styles

Globes span a wide price range. Small, basic desk globes might start around £15–£30, while mid-range MOVA or decorative models typically fall between £40–£120. Levitating and designer pieces often range from £80 to several hundred pounds depending on materials and brand. If you shop around sales at John Lewis, Selfridges, or Menkind, you can often find deals.

Where to Splurge and Where to Save

Spend more on materials and mechanics if you want a long-lasting, eye-catching piece — a solid brass base or a properly balanced levitating system is worth the premium. Save on simple educational globes or temporary décor pieces if you plan to rotate styles frequently.

Educational and Gift Considerations

Globes for Learning

For kids and students, pick a globe with clear, legible typography and political boundaries. Some models include time zones or latitude/longitude markers which are useful for learning. Scratch-off globes are terrific for tracking travels and encouraging curiosity about the world.

Gift Ideas for Different Personalities

Looking for a gift? For the tech-lover choose a levitating globe. For the traveler, a scratch-off or scratch-map globe is charming. For the design-conscious friend, a polished metal or MOVA globe makes an elegant housewarming or office present.

Where to Find Rare and Specialty Globes

Antique Shops and Auctions

If you want an authentic vintage globe, try antiques shops or specialist auctions. These pieces can be true conversation starters with patina and history built into their surfaces. Be sure to verify authenticity and condition if you’re collecting.

Independent Makers and Bespoke Options

Independent makers on platforms like Not On The High Street and Etsy UK offer custom-painted globes, bespoke stands, and unusual finishes. These often carry a higher emotional value because they’re made to order and unique.

Quick Comparison: Popular Globe Models Mentioned

MOVA Earth 6 with Clouds Rotating Globe

The MOVA Earth 6 model combines a realistic map with subtle cloud patterns for a layered, atmospheric look. It rotates quietly and requires no batteries, relying on ambient light for motion — a peaceful addition to any room.

MOVA Moon 4.5 Rotating Globe

For lunar lovers, the Mova Moon 4.5 captures cratered textures and subtle shading in a compact 4.5-inch diameter, making it an excellent desk companion or nightstand piece for stargazers.

Ingenious Perpetual Orbiting Globes

Perpetual orbiting globes keep their motion in a mesmerising, perpetual drift. They’re perfect for those who enjoy kinetic décor that moves slowly and deliberately, like a slow-breathing sculpture.

Scratch Globe

Scratch globes combine the fun of a travel journal with practical décor. Each scratched-off country reveals bright colors and a sense of achievement that doubles as a design element.

Storm Glass Globe and Earth Storm Glass

These globes are decorative experiments — crystalline formations inside the glass change with conditions, producing a living sculpture effect that’s more art than weather instrumentation.

Iron & Glory Deluxe Double-axis Globe

This style nods to classical exploration and craftsman sensibilities. The double-axis mechanism provides tactile interaction and an old-world charm that suits traditional interiors.

Levitating Globe

The levitating globe is modern theatre: it floats and spins almost by magic, using magnetic suspension. It’s a bold choice for techy spaces, contemporary offices, or anyone who loves a bit of optical wonder.

Final Buying Checklist

Before You Checkout

Measure the intended space, decide whether motion is desired, choose a material finish that fits your décor, and set a budget. If you’re purchasing a premium or mechanical globe, check product reviews for reliability, and consider stores with good packaging standards to protect delicate pieces in transit.

Conclusion

Globes are timeless companions for curious minds and stylish homes alike. Whether you choose a MOVA rotating globe, a levitating showpiece, or a classic double-axis model, the right globe can spark conversation, educate, and elevate your décor. Shops across the UK — from Menkind and John Lewis to independent creators on Etsy — offer options to suit every taste and budget. So pick a spot, imagine the world turning slowly on your shelf, and bring home a little planet of your own.