Gifts for Design Lovers

Gifting for someone with a developed eye for design means working with rather than around their taste, and our design-lover edit gathers pieces from named makers, heritage brands and celebrated contemporary studios. Think reissued icons, signature-scented candles, hand-thrown ceramics and architectural objects, each with a maker story worth sharing. Gift presentation is consistent with the rest of the range.
  • Yuta Segawa Vase Yuta Segawa Vase Blue/Yellow
    4 Colour options
  • Type 75 Desk Lamp Paul Smith Edition 4 Type 75 Desk Lamp Paul Smith Edition 4
  • Versailles Glass Mug Set of 6 Versailles Glass Mug Set of 6 Clear
    3 Colour options
  • Ball Clock Natural Ball Clock Multi
    By Vitra
    Ball Clock
    From £295
    5 Finish options
  • Sgraffito Demi Mug Sgraffito Demi Mug Moss Green
    5 Colour options
  • Yuta Segawa Mug Yuta Segawa Mug Blue (Gloss)
    5 Colour options
  • Type 75 Floor Lamp Anglepoise Paul Smith Edition 4 Type 75 Floor Lamp Anglepoise Paul Smith Edition 4
  • Hang It All Coat Rack Hang It All Coat Rack Hang It All Black Ash
    +1
    7 Finish options
  • Les Oiseaux Vase Les Oiseaux Vase
  • Sgraffito Mug Sgraffito Mug Moss Green
    4 Colour options

    Design lovers typically respond to pieces with clear provenance, meaningful materials and recognisable design vocabulary. Gifts from established makers (Vitra, Fritz Hansen, Hay, Hem) or well-known contemporary designers land reliably. Anonymous or heavily branded mass-market pieces tend to miss the mark.

    The edit covers a broad price range, from small ceramic or paper objects under £30 to substantial furniture pieces well above £500. Design credentials, not price, are the unifying theme. The filter on the collection page sorts by price to match any budget.

    Observing what they already have in their home gives useful clues, particularly the designers or brands they've clearly chosen deliberately. Pieces that complement rather than compete with their existing collection land best. Consulting a shared contact with inside knowledge of their home can resolve uncertainty.

    Heal's premium gift wrap uses restrained, high-quality paper rather than novelty prints, which generally sits well with design-lover recipients. Keeping the card simple rather than elaborate matches the aesthetic. Our packaging is consistent across the range for this reason.

    • Design Lovers: Help Romeo Find His Juliet Chair
      Heritage
      Design Lovers: Help Romeo Find His Juliet Chair
      Nick relaxing on the Romeo chair at his home in Surrey. This Valentine’s, Heal’s is looking for love as we attempt to reunite our Romeo and Juliet chairs. One of the great joys of working at Heal’s is reading your enquiries regarding our archive designs. So when Nick’s letter dropped onto our desk we couldn’t help but go all mushy inside. In it he tells the story behind his Romeo chair, bought from Heal’s in 1963 as a wedding gift for his wife Judith and originally sold as a pair alongside the Juliet chair. Over five decades on, Nick is on the hunt for a Juliet for Judith and needs your help. We’re calling on all you design lovers out there to help us reunite these two star-crossed designs. So if you happen to know an owner in Verona or fancy yourself as a vintage design connoisseur, get in touch today by emailing: pressoffice@heals.co.uk Nick's sketch comparing the Romeo and Juliet chairs drawn ‘from memory’. Designed circa 1963, the Romeo and Juliet chairs are typical of the Scandinavian inspired furniture produced by Heal’s during this period. The upholstered shell seat evokes designs from Verner Panton with both pieces resting on a four-pronged metal base that allows the chair to swivel. Each was upholstered in a textured wool weave, the Romeo finished in purple while the Juliet in a vibrant yellow. The Romeo chair at Nick and Judith's Surrey home. Now in their eighties, Nick and Judith reside in a leafy suburb in Sussex. Throughout the 1950s and 60s the pair lived in South Kensington, London where Nick trained as an architect while Judith worked as a music producer at the BBC. It was on the commute to work that they would pass Heal’s Tottenham Court Road store, falling in love with the building and eventually popping in to buy the Romeo chair. The original letter sent to Heal's by Nick.
    • Housewarming Gift Ideas
      Buying Guides
      Housewarming Gift Ideas
      Unless you’ve been sent a wish list or a specific request, buying a housewarming present can be a difficult feat. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite, most thoughtful housewarming gift ideas. An important thing to remember is that you aren’t shopping for yourself. Always consider the style of the new homeowner and if they would prefer something more traditional. If you do choose for something with a more traditional aesthetic, don’t be afraid to go vintage. Scour your local antiques shop and see if anything catches your eye. This way, you may be able to find something that suits their tastes perfectly. Housewarming gifts for couples Moving house is all about new beginnings, so why not choose housewarming gift ideas that help them to settle in. Something like a bulb planter is a great idea. That way they can track their plant’s progress by how long they’ve been living there. Another nice gift to give is a candle or room diffuser. A fresh scent in a new home will make it feel more inviting and add a touch of personality to a space. Especially considering they may not have fully unpacked yet. If you know what candles they prefer, then err or on the safe side as scents are hugely personal. If you’re taking a wild guess, then we advise keeping it fresh and light. Deeper, muskier fragrances tend to be a bit like marmite. Urban Apothecary creates sophisticated home fragrances inspired by memories, places and moments, translating them into beautifully balanced scents that enrich everyday living. From elegant candles to reed diffusers, each piece makes a thoughtful housewarming gift, helping couples create a warm and welcoming atmosphere from the moment they move in. Alongside its considered approach to fragrance, the brand is committed to continually improving its manufacturing processes and sustainable practices to reduce its impact on the environment. Discover Urban Apothecary home fragrances here. For couples who embrace bold colour and playful design, Block Design offers homeware that's anything but ordinary. From sculptural vases and vibrant glassware to contemporary jugs and candle holders, each piece brings a fresh perspective to everyday living. Designed to stand out while remaining beautifully functional, these colourful accents make thoughtful housewarming gifts that help transform a new house into a home full of personality. Discover the Block Design collection here. Practical housewarming gifts Practical housewarming gifts are often the ones that are used and appreciated every day. Beautiful tableware is a thoughtful choice, giving couples the opportunity to build a collection they'll enjoy for years to come, whether it's for everyday meals or hosting friends and family. Broste Copenhagen's Nordic Sea and Nordic Sand collections are ideal examples. Crafted from stoneware with distinctive reactive glazes, every piece has its own unique finish, bringing character and warmth to the table. Inspired by the colours of the Nordic coastline, Nordic Sea features rich blue-grey tones, while Nordic Sand offers a softer, neutral palette. Designed to mix, match and layer, both collections make timeless housewarming gifts that are as practical as they are beautiful. Discover Broste Copenhagen tableware here. For something with a more exclusive feel, the Heal's x Surrey Ceramics collection celebrates British craftsmanship through timeless, everyday tableware. Handmade in Surrey using traditional techniques, each piece is finished with a distinctive glaze that gives every plate, bowl and mug its own unique character. Designed to be mixed, matched and enjoyed daily, the collection is perfect for couples creating a home centred around shared meals and relaxed entertaining. Beautifully made and built to last, it's a thoughtful housewarming gift that will become part of everyday rituals for years to come. Discover the exclusive collaboration here. Traditional housewarming gifts Traditional housewarming gifts were chosen to symbolise comfort and prosperity, with bread, wine and coal offered to wish a household lasting food, drink and warmth. Today, these thoughtful gestures can be reimagined with a more contemporary approach. Instead of a bottle of wine, consider a beautifully crafted decanter or elegant set of glassware that can be enjoyed for years to come. Pair it with their favourite vintage for an extra-special gift, or take inspiration from tradition with a handcrafted bread board, artisan serving pieces or a sculptural candle and holder to bring warmth and atmosphere to their new home. Whether they're celebrating their first dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet evening together, Georg Jensen's glassware makes a sophisticated housewarming gift. Founded in Copenhagen in 1904, the Danish design house has become renowned for combining exceptional craftsmanship with timeless, functional design. From elegant champagne flutes to beautifully balanced wine and cocktail glasses, each piece reflects the brand's enduring Scandinavian aesthetic, bringing a sense of occasion to everyday moments and celebrations alike. Discover the Georg Jensen collection here. Housewarming gifts for first homes If this is their first home, then it can be quite difficult to judge someone’s style. So, when choosing housewarming gifts for first homes, we advise selecting something that isn’t too out there. Keep it simple and buy them something they’ll need but may not be at the top of their priority list. Think a vase, wine glasses or some nice serving bowls. Of course, if you know the new homeowner well, then it may be easier to predict their style. In this case, you could opt for something a little more exciting, like wall art or a throw. Housewarming gifts ideas for design lovers For couples with an eye for contemporary design, HAY offers everyday objects with a playful twist. Believing that good design should be accessible to everyone, the Danish brand collaborates with leading designers to create pieces that combine colour, functionality and timeless appeal. The Flare Candle Holder brings sculptural form and a warm glow to a dining table or mantelpiece, while the Tint Glasses add a subtle pop of colour to everyday dining and entertaining. Thoughtful, practical and beautifully designed, they're gifts that will become part of daily life in a new home. Discover the HAY collection here. For those looking to give an iconic design piece, &Tradition's lighting collection offers a thoughtful balance of heritage and innovation. Working with renowned designers including Verner Panton, Arne Jacobsen and Jaime Hayon, the Danish design house creates enduring pieces that are made to be lived with and enjoyed. The Flowerpot VP9 Portable Table Lamp, designed by Verner Panton, is one of the brand's most recognisable designs. Cordless and rechargeable, it moves effortlessly from dining table to bedside or garden, making it a versatile housewarming gift that combines timeless style with everyday practicality. Discover &Tradition lighting here. Like what you see? Shop all housewarming gifts at Heal’s.
    • The 10 Best Designs Of 2015
      Products
      The 10 Best Designs Of 2015
      December wouldn’t be quite the same without a best of list, and what a year it’s been for design. From the biggest Heal’s Modern Craft Market yet to the launch of our new Queens store on London’s Westbourne Grove, it’s safe to say we’ve had a busy schedule. So before we jump headlong into a new year of interior trends, we’re taking some time to recap our top ten new designs for 2015. Which will be your favourite? Ease Chair by Gareth Neal Designed and made for the Great Heal’s Bodging Race in February this year, Gareth Neal’s winning Ease Chair has been through a whirlwind few months going from prototype to a fully-fledged piece of Heal’s furniture. The combination of traditional craftsmanship and clean, modern lines has won the Ease numerous accolades from interior design bibles such as Homes & Gardens through to fashion and lifestyle guru Mr Porter. Shop Now Pinner Four Poster Bed by Heal’s For our new Pinner range, we looked to the traditional proportions of archive Heal’s furniture for inspiration. The classic look of a turned-wood four poster bed, once an iconic part of the Heal’s logo, stood out at once and seemed ripe for a refresh. With its choice of Atlantic blue or flint white finish, the Pinner provides a bold counterpoint or seamless serenity that’s suited to clean, washed-out interiors – think exposed wooden floors, bay windows and traditional cornicing. Shop Now My Ami by Alexander White One of the winning pieces from our annual design competition Heal’s Discovers, Alexander White’s smart My Ami range fits perfectly within next year’s big trend for space-saving hacks. The simple forms combine to create a series of functional folding furniture, including a round dining table, bistro table and matching stool that double up as an occasional table. Shop Now Melt Pendant by Tom Dixon Unveiled at the annual Milan design festival in March, the molten form of the Melt pendant transforms at the flick of a switch - a mirror finish when not in use that turns translucent once light is emitted from its interior. Typical of Tom Dixon lighting design, both the Melt and Melt Mini pendants are finished in a choice of opulent brass chrome, copper or gold. Shop Now Span Dining Table by Jonathan Lane-Smith The second of our Heal’s Discovers winners to make it on the list, Jonathan Lane-Smith’s Span table quickly established itself as a focal point of our dining room collection. Inspired by a double pedestal table from the Regency period, the Span, as seen here with matching Bench, translates slender 18th century form by pairing with a smoked glass top. Shop Now Edie Rug by Heal’s Replicating the decorative motifs of art deco pattern through a modern palette of pastels, Edie was all over our Autumn Winter 2015 design shows. The contrast of soft fibres and sharp, graphic lines looks set to continue as a key trend for next year with the Edie’s choice of pastel tones diffusing its minimal, modern look. Shop Now Fawn Dining Chair by Gazzda When we first laid eyes on the Fawn range of furniture, with its sculpted oak silhouettes and smooth craftsmanship, we knew it would look right at home within Heal’s collections. Winner of a Red Dot Design award 2015, the Fawn Chair is the impetus for the entire range featuring a modern angled base inspired by the profile of a baby deer plus supportive fabric webbing on the seat. Shop Now Original 1227 Centre Point Edition by Anglepoise This year saw two of Britain’s biggest design exports, lighting institution Anglepoise and print makers Eley Kishimoto, join forces to celebrate one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Taking the silhouette of the Original 1227 desk lamp, the duo have added three monochromatic designs inspired by the Centre Point façade to create a graphically styled icon for your home. Shop Now Mask Rhombus Mirror by Petite Friture We love the way the geometrically styled Mask range reimagine conventional the wall mounted mirror into a contemporary work of art. Each piece of angular glass is finished in a polished metallic lustre with its pattern of overlaying lines screen printed to create its statement look. Shop Now Banbury Sofa by Heal’s While slender shapes are always high on the design agenda, nothing beats sinking into a comfortably cushioned sofa. Designed to add elegance to the family home, our new Banbury has a deep seat, tailored profile and turned solid oak feet – try our range of velvet fabrics for a glamorous look. Shop Now Back to top