Little luxuries under £200
Monday, 11 August 2025
I'm a big fan of small, beautifully crafted, everyday objects. I just love the tactility of well-made things - lacquered wood, buttery leather, smooth silk, ornate glass; they bring a touch of extravagance to the mundane.
Granted, luxurious items often come with a luxurious price tag, so it's important that high quality materials and renowned craftsmanship are at the forefront of each object. I believe that luxury items should not only look and feel special, but make the owner of those items feel special too.
I've included 13 pieces here that I think ooze sophistication and true artistry. Prices range from £20 to £195.
This fan is handcrafted in Spain using lightweight cotton adorned with Aspinal of London's signature Edwardian Garden artwork and hand-painted ivory birch wood bearing the esteemed Abanico Español guild seal. The case is made from the finest full-grain leather.
Invented in 1908 by Frank Smythson, this Panama diary is crafted in England from crocodile-embossed calf leather. It has gilt-edged, pale blue Featherweight paper, perforated corners, and a slip pocket.
The iconic orange rubber-cushion pad is still made by hand using the techniques pioneered by Mason Pearson over a century ago. The brush's handle is made from cellulose acetate, and the bristles are a combination of boar bristles and nylon tufts.
This passport cover is crafted from soft cow leather with a small printed grain effect and contrasting Nappa lining. It has four card slots, three slip pockets, and is finished with Mulberry's foil embossed signature.
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Lily Soap by Floris, £20.00.
Hand wrapped and finely milled, Floris hand soap is made with a vegetable base, producing a rich, creamy lather and contains added shea butter to help moisturise the skin and leave it soft and delicately scented. The skill and time dedicated to scenting the hard soap, along with the process of stamping it with their iconic design, remain unchanged - Floris still use the same mould originally created in the early 1800s.
This pill box was created in England’s last remaining traditional enamel factory, where every step of production is carried out in-house. Each box is handcrafted using the timeless technique of applying enamel to copper and finishing with a refined palladium frame.
The smaller-sized Pencil umbrellas are both lightweight and strong. These handmade items are amongst the most popular items sold from the James Smith & Sons shop at 53 New Oxford Street, London. The animal head is made from acrylic and is mounted on a beechwood stem finished with a gilt collar and swedge.
This compact metal folding shoe horn comes in a case handmade from traditional English Bridle Hide leather on the outside, and suede on the inside. Ettinger remains a family business and is one of the last remaining leather manufacturers in the UK.
The Caldwell is one of Olivia von Halle's new-season florals that draws inspiration from the eccentric interiors of English country houses - namely the maximalist vintage fabrics that adorn their walls and furnishings - as well as the rolling gardens they look out onto. This eye mask is made from 100% silk with black piping and raw silk padding.
These pencils are made from genuine incense-cedar wood from California and Oregon with a premium Japanese graphite core. They create the smoothest of lines with minimal pressure and have outstanding point retention. Each pencil features Blackwing’s distinctive metal ferrule, replaceable rectangular eraser, and eraser clip.
These straight sided, hand-crafted crystal tasting glasses are specifically designed for those who enjoy their whiskey with a splash of water, a dash of soda, or an ice cube or two. Their universal shape is wide enough for the liquor to breathe and perfect for all types of whiskeys and bourbon. Waterford have been crafting iconic crystal pieces since 1783.
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This scarf is made and printed in Italy from 100% silk twill. The print is inspired by May Morris’s exquisite embroideries and sketches from the William Morris Gallery Archive and boasts a contemporary interpretation of traditional Arts & Crafts style.
Acca Kappa's Historical range of toothbrushes are created using the same detailed hand-crafted methods of production that were established when the brand first began in 1869. Each toothbrush is hand-cut, milled, and hand-shaped from acetate, then infused with bundles of pure white bristles or top-quality nylon. The tips of each tuft are rounded to protect tooth enamel, maximize cleaning efficiency, and gently massage the gums.
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