I eschew the word “knick-knacks,” because they imply Precious Moments figurines placed around a room of spindly furniture that you can't really sit on – like my grandma has! But what-nots, those are entirely different. They just hang around. I'm down with that. So, here are 7 pretty what-nots for your home – and I promise there are no Precious Moments in sight!
Price: $88.00 at shop.nordstrom.com
Jonathan Adler, whom I adore, is responsible for this … and it makes the list because I have a dachshund. Of course, mine is a miniature long haired one, and is thus endlessly prettier than Jonathan's (he is, in fact, the prettiest dachshund in the world), but I'm still a fan of this. It's way better than his whale shaped butter dish, which I do not understand at all.
Price: $29.00 at shop.nordstrom.com
This dish, by Michael Aram, is just gorgeous. I love orchids, and seeing them stylized in this dish makes me very happy. It's a simple piece but it makes a statement, especially with its black nickel plating. You could use it to contain many things but personally, I would let it sit just as it is – it's perfect!
Price: $39.95 at crateandbarrel.com
You don't always need to go all out to make a statement with the what-nots around your house. Bubble spheres always look grade, and this one is no different, in part because it's handcrafted. I love this things, I don't know why. I've just never gotten over the way the bubbles are trapped inside.
Price: $150.00 at shop.nordstrom.com
All right, $150.00 is a lot to pay for a vase but I love this. I love the colors and how it looks like a watercolor print. It's gorgeous. Asa Jungnelius designed the vase, and used a technique without a brush to paint it. Whatever technique, it works. This is absolutely breaktaking.
Price: $19.95 at crateandbarrel.com
If you're into odd, sweet looking statement pieces that will definitely start a conversation, here you go. This is a hand blown glass bottle, and because its hand blown, none of the pieces will be the same. The glass is also recycled, so extra props for that!
Price: $35.00 at shop.nordstrom.com
I love candle holders, especially for votive candles, and this one is gorgeous. It's sure to look like a diamond when you have a candle lit within it. Designed by Orrefors, it's another of those pieces that's sure to start a conversation.
Price: $36.95-$69.95 at crateandbarrel.com
Agave bowls are always great what-not pieces, and these are no exceptions. They are hand blown as well, and the colors are so striking. I love the green base, and the iridescence around the rims are absolutely gorgeous. Again, each piece will be different, for added individuality.
You don't have to choose ceramic cats and things for your what-not shelves – unless that's your thing, of course. I prefer edgier, original pieces that you don't see everyday. What's your favorite kind of statement piece?