Accessories
Trend Alert: Ampersands
The 'And' Symbol Is Popping Up Everywhere
Apparently, "and" is so out, "etc." is so five minutes ago, and "&" has never been hotter. In researching the origins of this symbol, I fell down the rabbit hole of typography terms such as "ligature," "grapheme" and "glyph," and got a headache. Let's just go with the simple description of its origins: a shorthand way of writing et, which means "and" in Latin, as in "Et tu, Brute?"
Big or small, bronze or nickel, stenciled or lit up like Broadway, the ampersand is having its moment. Here are the ways designers are incorporating them into home decor, and several of our favorite picks if you'd like to order up some for your home.
Big or small, bronze or nickel, stenciled or lit up like Broadway, the ampersand is having its moment. Here are the ways designers are incorporating them into home decor, and several of our favorite picks if you'd like to order up some for your home.
A petite gray ampersand adds a typographical touch to this tablescape. The color and size is just right with this grayscale artwork and varying sizes of prints.
Ampersand Wall Decor
A bold red ampersand fills this modern canvas. Three of these in a row would be great on a wall.
A bold red ampersand fills this modern canvas. Three of these in a row would be great on a wall.
A dash of brass adds visual balance to this holiday decor arrangement.
A contemporary and glamorous table gets a part of its form from the ampersand.
Galvanized & Symbol Single Hook
This is such a clever symbol to use on a hook; it's like it's saying "and don't forget your scarf/purse/windbreaker!"
This is such a clever symbol to use on a hook; it's like it's saying "and don't forget your scarf/purse/windbreaker!"
Even when she loses the photographs, the ampersand stays. I'd say this classic symbol deserves a nice white frame, wouldn't you?
Ampersand Wall Mirror by Fluxglass
If you're looking to glam up your typography a bit, try a mirrored version of the symbol.
If you're looking to glam up your typography a bit, try a mirrored version of the symbol.
House Industries - Objects - Iron Ampersand
This heavy cast-iron ampersand can serve as a doorstop, bookend, or fun sculpture on a desk or tablescape.
This heavy cast-iron ampersand can serve as a doorstop, bookend, or fun sculpture on a desk or tablescape.
Type Pillow - Ampersand 18" x 18"
I love the idea of "and" repeated and repeated. This pillow turns the ampersand into a contemporary print.
More typography in action:
Houzz Tour: Designs for Every Space from Atypical Type A
The Details: Using Typography in Design
Esty Designers at Home: VisuaLingual
More typography in action:
Houzz Tour: Designs for Every Space from Atypical Type A
The Details: Using Typography in Design
Esty Designers at Home: VisuaLingual
This electric sign celebrates the ampersand Las Vegas style. Speaking of typography and Vegas, I keep noticing The Neon Museum's Boneyard in TV shows, movies, and editorial fashion spreads, and dream of taking pictures there.