If you have a budding Amelia Earhart or Charles Lindberg in your family, or an adult member who works with aeronautics professionally, then metal airplane décor might be just the ticket for special occasion gifts or interior decorating. Airplane models and wall art create added interest for a child’s room, the den, or the family room, and can even grace more formal portions of your house. Once a futuristic idea, airplanes have become commonplace, especially with a space station orbiting Earth and an expedition to Mars in the planning stages. For all of that, they are a part of the human exploration of the world around us.
Decorative Options
You can decorate with airplanes in several different ways. An easy method is to mount a plaque or wall decoration. Another easy method is to suspend a toy or model airplane from the ceiling. A more sophisticated method is to decorate with small sculptures or to have airplanes on items that are used around the house. Napkin rings or holders for items are good examples of this.
The Legend of Airplanes
History and myth can become mixed when talking about airplanes. Of course there are the records set by the early aviators and mysterious disappearances of people like Amelia Earhart. There are also legendary airplanes such as the Spruce Goose. Built entirely of wood, due to wartime constraints on materials, the gigantic plane was flown exactly one time, for one minute and it went a little over one mile. The giant plane was referred to in Dream Park, by Larry Niven and Steven Barnes. Airplanes were the next step in transportation evolution after trains, motor vehicles and steam engines for ships. As such, they are a part of the fabric of history.
Airplanes and Toy Collection
Airplanes were and are a part of the toys provided to children to use in imaginative play. As such, vintage toy airplanes are of interest to toy collectors – even if they are not necessarily all that interested in planes. Toy planes have been made from balsa wood, metal, and plastic. Some of them are designed to be thrown and to glide on the wind. Others were created to be propelled by rubber bands or even by small motors. Indeed, remote-controlled planes could be said to be the precursor of today’s drones. Although not strictly a plane, Icarus and his wings made of feathers and wax should not be forgotten. But airplanes are humankind’s first step off the big, blue marble, with all the romance that implies.
The perfect gift for a junior aviator or a collector, the picture of a P-548 etched on a piece of distressed, whitewashed iron will invoke the early history of planes. Added to the picture are two three dimensional propellers, also made of metal. This offering is from Cole & Grey, the plaque made in China.
Airplane Napkin Ring
Show your appreciation of your favorite aviator or pilot with this nickel-plated napkin ring decorated with a twin-engine plane. It comes as a set of four, a perfect gift for a promotion, gaining a license or other special occasion. The napkin rings are from Godinger Silver Art Co., a family-owned business that takes pride in making fine accessories available.
Chubby metal bi-plane supports, fine chain and a bell to create a wind chime. Three Hands is a design and import business that has been operating for more than thirty years to bring fine collectibles to you.
Contemporary Transportation Wall Décor
This is finely worked three-dimensional metal and wood sculpture of an airplane taking off. Painted in hues of beige and gray, it looks as if it were taking off in the rain. This 17 Stories contemporary transportation wall hanging will be a conversation piece for many years to come, whether on a wall in your business or in your home.
Airplane Wall Decoration
This brightly colored, distressed, airplane wall hanging looks as if it is flying right out of the wall. It’s a fantastic gift for the aeronaut in your life or a decoration for your own wall. Use as part of a mural or on its own for an eye-catching conversation piece. Offered by American Mercantile for your pleasure.
Vintage Toy Airplane Replica
Hang this one from the ceiling for a bit of nostalgia harkening back to when boys rooms were decorated with airplanes and trains, rather than with spaceships, Transformers, and savage aliens. From EC World Imports for you to enjoy, along with many other decorative and useful items.
Broun Airplane Decorated Bottle Stopper
Perfect for that unplanned layover or just to preserve your favorite drink a little longer, this brass bottle topper is the answer to not having to drink the whole thing. It is a brass spike, wrapped with a rubber seal, and topped with a chubby little brass airplane. The Broun airplane stopper is brought to you by Charlton Home.
From Urban Designs, this little bi-plane model can be hung from the ceiling or displayed on a pedestal. Similar designs are also available from Cheungs, and from Cole & Grey. Excellent ornaments for anyone interested in vintage airplanes and airplane models, or for anyone who enjoys collecting vintage toys. Its cheerful colors and bright designs can go with any den or family room décor.
Vintage Airplane Quartz Clock
Wake your aeronautics enthusiast with this replica bi-plane that has a quartz clock embedded in its frame. Originating for Ashton Sutton, it features an all-metal, wrought-iron, hand welded case, with a beige clock face. If you have someone in your family who is crazy about airplanes or is employed in a related field, this could be the perfect gift.
Dangle your bar tools from a shiny chrome airplane. The airplane is balanced on a chrome pedestal, and the matching tools hang from its sides. Not the thing you would normally see flying through the sky, but an item that could make a good gift or decoration for the den. Provided by Godinger Silver Art Co.
