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As far as household objects go, few blend functionality with aesthetic appeal quite like a globe. Their timeless appearance brings a level of sophistication to any room, and there's nothing that'll inflame your imagination like giving your globe a twirl and gazing over the amazing variety of landscapes that our blue planet holds.
Whether you're looking for a quality globe to adorn your study or an interactive map to aid your kids with their geography homework, our buying guide is here to help. We'll walk you through everything from illumination to meridian style to help you make the right choice. We've also ranked our picks of the best-selling globes in the UK to buy from Amazon, eBay and John Lewis.
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Table of Contents
There's a whole world of globes out there, and if you're utterly clueless as to where to start, you're in the right place. Read on for our buying guide, where we'll walk you through everything you need to know.
Before we dive into the finer, aesthetic details, it's worth determining what you're actually buying your globe for. Are you looking to broaden your knowledge of our planet, its continents and its countries; or are you simply looking for a classy ornament to display in your study?
If it's the former, look for an educational globe to make the task much easier. They can feature everything from tactile lumps and bumps that represent mountain ranges to interactive 'point and click' functions that'll reveal useful information about a country and its people with just the tap of a pen.
Such features detract somewhat from the visual appeal of a globe, so if education is not a priority, or if aesthetic appeal is important to you, you'll definitely want to steer clear and opt for a traditionally styled globe. It's still entirely possible to educate yourself with such globes; it's just that the education in question will be a little more independent.
We're all familiar with the average-sized, circa 30 cm desktop globe, but globes actually vary wildly in their dimensions. From tiny models that can be transported in a bag all the way up to huge globes that require a four-leg support system, size is certainly something to consider.
For most people, the middling size will do just fine, but if you're somebody – perhaps a teacher or a student – that would benefit from having a globe close to hand, something portable would be much more preferable. Conversely, if you're buying one to serve as a statement piece or set the tone in a study, only the biggest globe will suffice.
Luckily, size is one of the easiest things to determine about a globe before you buy it – simply check the product specifications. Keep a tape measure nearby for reference, and there's no way you'll be disappointed with the size of your globe when it arrives in the post.
The traditional green and blue might be what immediately springs to mind, but globes today are available in a wide variety of colour schemes. Of course, this classic combination remains popular, albeit in a slightly updated form with nuanced shades of green and yellow to indicate different types of landscape.
Then there are antique-style globes that represent the world's oceans with a dusty brown, in the style of maps popularised in the 16th century. Such globes are extremely evocative, giving off an olde worlde appeal and complementing the wooden furnishings of a traditionally styled home.
From here on out, you might say the world's your oyster. There are globes that differentiate each country with a series of bright colours – great for reference purposes but perhaps not ideal if you want something elegant. Either way, from black oceans to golden land masses, there really is a colour scheme to suit every taste.
All but the uninitiated are likely unaware that the piece of metal that supports a globe is called a meridian, and that meridians come in a variety of styles. Especially if you're forking over a fair amount of money, you want to be sure that your new globe looks as you want it to and therefore the meridian should definitely be taken into consideration.
The most common style is the semi-meridian, which fastens at the top and bottom of a globe, encompassing half of its circumference and allowing you to swivel it left and right. Then there's the full meridian, which, as the name suggests, encompasses the whole globe.
Longitude and latitude lines have now rendered them redundant, but meridians were originally used to locate positions on a globe, and their inclusion is essential if you want a traditional look. If you want something more modern, opt for an inclination globe, which uses no meridian at all, instead sitting on a slightly inclined mount.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Nova Rico Optimus Globe | £159.99 High Mid | The Perfect Blend of Modernity and Antiquity | ||
2 | Nova Rico Tactile Globe | £66.99 Mid | An Updated Version of Our Blue Planet | ||
3 | Jowhol Levitating Illuminated Globe | £73.99 Mid | Kids Will Marvel at This Realistic Levitating Globe | ||
4 | Nova Rico Cynthia Globe | £574.99 High | The Very Best Antique-Style Globe | ||
5 | TTKTK Illuminated World Globe With Constellation Pattern Night Mode | £19.99 Low Mid | A Beautiful Way to Learn About the Constellations | ||
6 | Clementoni Interactive Educational Talking Globe | £74.29 Mid | An Indispensable Learning Aid for Children | ||
7 | National Geographic Mars Illuminated Globe | £117.87 High Mid | A Striking World Alternative With a Warm Glow | ||
8 | Ravensburger Globe 3D Puzzle | £10.26 Low Mid | Create Your Own 3D Puzzle World | ||
9 | Exerz Mini Antique Globe | £8.99 Low | The Ideal Globe for Your Desktop | ||
10 | Lesser & Pavey Vintage Rotating Gold and Black World Globe | £23.88 Low Mid | A Unique Colour Scheme That Paints it Black |
If you're looking for a globe with a distinctly 'olde worlde' look to it but you're not quite willing to fork over hundreds of pounds for the full article, this globe, with its dusty colour scheme, is sure to serve as a happy medium.
With a base made from cherry wood and brass, it'd make a perfectly classy addition to any study or library, and, despite its antique appearance, it possesses one distinctly modern feature – it can be illuminated! It's a perfect hybrid of new and old, and that's why it's our favourite.
The range of globes now available is quite incredible, but there's nothing quite like the classic blue and green depiction of our planet. This 'tactile globe' from Nova Rico is both beautiful and affordably priced.
Yet, there's more to this globe than its classic appearance would suggest, including a light that highlights political features, illustrated ocean currents and mountain ranges that are demarcated using relief, or lumps and bumps. Essentially, it's a modern classic!
There are some amazing globes out there that offer incredibly detailed depictions of our planet, but there's no denying that the bases and meridians that support them somewhat detract from the realism. This globe offers a depiction that's a little closer to the real thing, with an Earth that levitates in the air.
As well as offering a slightly more realistic depiction of our planet, it's also quite a marvel to look at. Kids will love spinning it on its invisible axis too, though it can also be programmed to rotate by itself. This, in combination with the fact that it can be lit up, makes it quite an amazing object to possess.
This is about as luxurious as it gets when it comes to globes. If you've always dreamed of having a sophisticated library or study in your house that's decked with rich mahogany, you'll love this freestanding globe made from premium wood and solid brass.
Its predominant use of browns gives this globe a distinctly antique look that would look incredible in a similarly themed room. If you've got the money to spare and you're looking for a globe that's a handsome statement piece as much as a functioning object, this is the product for you.
As well as our own planet, globes are often used to depict the constellations. This incredibly clever globe does both: learn more about the earth and its landscape in the day, and become acquainted with the stars at night.
Not only does the illuminated globe make a beautiful ornament, but it's also great for facilitating learning. All the countries, continents, oceans and major landmarks are designated, and the surface of the globe is even designed so that markings can be made on it using a pen and washed off later. A great buy for kids and adults alike.
There are many reasons that teaching our kids about geography is important. It can inflame their imaginations and sense of wonder and open their mind to other peoples and cultures. A globe is a useful tool to have in such an enterprise, especially one that talks!
Using the interactive pen, they can click on a country and learn everything from its name to its currencies and some interesting facts. There are even quizzes to test their knowledge and an associated smartphone app that unlocks some amazing 3D features. If you want to encourage a love of our planet in your children, this is an indispensable tool.
Nobody said that a globe could only represent planet Earth. It might be a while before we're living on Mars, but there's no harm in getting prepared with this beautiful and detailed depiction of the red planet. The copper-coloured stand and warm glow once illuminated only add to its charm.
It's all too easy to think of Mars as a barren planet, devoid of any recognisable features, but this globe is enough to prove that notion wrong, with all its major plains and regions marked and named. Visually, however, it is much more subtle, and so this globe is perhaps one for grown-up decoration – or for the space boffins.
Ever wonder what it might be like to create your very own world? This 3D puzzle gives you the chance to do just that. Once you've assembled the 550 pieces, you'll end up with your very own, fully functioning globe.
Not only is it incredibly fun, but it's also extremely educational – there's no way that your geography knowledge won't improve as you gradually build our planet piece by piece. Just be careful that you don't accidentally break it and ruin your hard work once it's built!
Globes make great statement pieces and attractive items of furniture, but sometimes you need something small and convenient that can be consulted whenever you need it. This tiny globe, measuring only 10 centimetres in diameter and in height, is sure to fit that bill.
Its depictions of our planet's continents and countries are unavoidably small but still incredibly detailed, so make sure you have your glasses at the ready! If you need a globe that you can take out and about with you or that you can keep on your desk, this is the one for you.
Globes make great statement pieces, and what better way to make a statement than with a globe that uses a colour scheme entirely different to what we've come to expect? This unique black and gold globe is sure to catch eyes immediately.
Though this globe certainly sets itself apart with its distinct colour scheme and lovely metal base, it's not the most intuitive when it comes to actually using it – all the countries tend to blend together in one gold mass and names can be hard to read against the black background. If you plan on using your globe regularly, maybe opt for a different colour.
Now you've got your brand new globe, you may wish to create a sophisticated space to display it in. Whether it's furniture, antiquated objects or something to enjoy while you spend time there, we've got you covered with the articles below.
Whether you're looking for an elegant ornament or a tool that'll help broaden your geographical knowledge, there really is no reason not to have a globe in your home. We hope our buying guide has helped you find one that means the world to you.
Author: Ben Willimett
No. 1: Nova Rico|Optimus Globe
No. 2: Nova Rico|Tactile Globe
No. 3: Jowhol|Levitating Illuminated Globe
No. 4: Nova Rico|Cynthia Globe
No. 5: TTKTK|Illuminated World Globe With Constellation Pattern Night Mode
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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