11 Reasons Mobiles Aren’t Just for Babies Anymore

Inspired by Calder.
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Mobiles may have been a long-standing fixture in nurseries, but lately, they’ve proven their versatility in design and their timeless style. In the early 1940s, American sculptor Alexander Calder inspired a fresh perspective with his innovative kinetic mobiles. The artist’s pieces graced the halls of countless modern museums across the country, and years later, they have once again made a comeback in design.

Mobiles have crept back into the latest crop of design products and trends, appearing in literal forms as well as creative interpretations—lighting, jewelry, and wallpaper included. In short, they’ve secured themselves as a decorative must-have that will instantly set your space apart from the rest. Read on to see our edit of the coolest hanging mobiles out right now.  

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Courtesy of MoMA

Translation Mobile, MoMA, $24

We’re loving this vibrant refresh of the original mobile, chock-full of eclectic shapes, colors, and pattern.

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Courtesy of Need Supply

Kenya Standing Mobile, Volta, $145

With its saturated palette and retro-inspired structure, this one’s poised to become quite the desktop accent piece.

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Courtesy of Francesco Ciccolella

Alternative Portrait No.1, Francesco Ciccolella, price upon request

Ciccolella’s massive mobiles take on an abstract form with a cheeky element that’s elevated yet refined.  

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Courtesy of Anthropologie

Sibilia Table Mobile, Anthropologie, $110

Comprising a muted array of neutrals and a bold brass base, this tabletop accent piece is lustrous and chic.

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Courtesy of Ekko Workshop

Copper Cascade Mobile, Ekko Workshop, $290

Brushed copper gives this mobile a sleek and modern refresh, resulting in a finish that’s multidimensional and dynamic, to say the least.

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Courtesy of Ladies & Gentlemen

Point-Counterpoint, Ladies & Gentlemen Studio, price upon request

Ladies & Gentlemen’s wall-mounted mobiles embody the quintessence of a statement piece. We love the medley of metallic finishes on this one.

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Michael Anastassiades

Mobile Chandelier 9, Michael Anastassiades, $24,065

The mobile trend makes its way into the realm of lighting, found by way of this inspired and modernized take on a classic staple.

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Courtesy of Urban Outfitters

Ariana Ost Selenite Crystal Mobile, Urban Outfitters, $120

Channel and harness the full mystical powers of crystals by way of a decorative accent piece.

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Courtesy of Ladies & Gentlemen

Full Lune Mobile, Ladies & Gentlemen Studio, $2,800

This wall-mounted sculpture is dubbed as an exploration of shape and balance, manifested in the form of one seriously eye-catching piece.

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Courtesy of MoMA

Birds in Harmony Mobile, MoMA, $28

We’re swooning over the vibrant color details of this whimsical mobile, perfect for adults and the little ones alike.

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Photography by Saar Manche for Etsy

M6 Hanging Mobile, Etsy, $304

Talk about adding drama to a space—this brass-and-iron hanging mobile is quite an ode to the original.

Read on:

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Anna Kocharian Avatar

Anna Kocharian

Writer/Editor

Anna has a penchant for travel, fresh flowers, and books. You can usually find her on some sort of culinary adventure, seeking the best burgers or waffles in the city.