Forget vases, artwork, or trinkets, this year’s hottest home accessory is the matchbox.
And we don’t mean a standard packet of Ships – the humble tool has been upgraded to art form, with silver plating, ceramic illustrations, and designer labels all standard in this new era of fire lighting.
Once a platform for marketing and advertising, the matchbox fell out of favor during the mid 20th century, making way instead for the more practical disposable lighter. But as is ever-common, the once-unfashionable has returned to modern psyches and the matchbox has become a kitsch collectible.
“We’ve seen a step up in demand for matchbox covers,” claims online homeware and craft retailer Abask. “This month was our strongest month ever for the category … there is a growing appreciation for these smaller decorative objects as part of a considered interiors scheme – not just as functional pieces, but as collectible details.”
London-based illustrator Jo Laing has seen a similar response to her tarot-inspired ceramic matchboxes. “The first collection sold out in just ten minutes, and demand has continued to grow ever since,” she says. “Overall sales are up 60 percent this year.”
“People are taking far greater pride in every detail of their homes than ever before,” Laing adds. “As interiors have become more visible through Instagram and other social platforms, even everyday objects like a matchbox have become part of a carefully curated coffee table, mantelpiece, or fireside display.”
This return to favor has no doubt also been encouraged by buzzy restaurants adopting them as take-home keepsakes. In London, understated Italian trattoria Brutto keeps a bowl by the door, inviting leaving guests to dip a hand in as they leave, while in New York, upscale chicken joint Coqodaq has seen its matchboxes become a coveted souvenir (or possibly just a way to show off having gotten a reservation).
Be it for starting the fire, lighting candles, or even to facilitate a sneaky after-hours cigarette, a chic match box has become the ultimate home accessory. These are some of our favorites.
Luxury matchboxes to buy now
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Cartier, Panthère de Cartier matchboxes
Where fashion meets function, Cartier’s matchbox trio features the house’s iconic panther motif against lush green foliage, with gilded accents. Each box features approximately 80 matches; display one, gift one, use one.
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Diptyque, Match holder
As the maker of some of the world’s most beautifully scented candles, it figures that Diptyque offers something to light them with. An object to proudly display on the mantel, this glass match holder is made by hand in Italy, with its twisted ribs intended to mimic transparency. The cork topper doubles as match striker.
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Herno Habita, Matchbox cover
Herno Habita’s glass matchbox cover is a world away from the classic cardboard boxes. Each is hand made in Italy, using a classic lampshade blowing technique to create its cloche-style shape. Inside, a leather strap keeps loose matches neatly arranged, with two discreet striking panels to either side.
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Abask, Silver matchbox
It may be roughly the same shape and size as the match boxes of old, but Abask’s version is far removed from ordinary. The box is silver plated and topped with a miniature turtle carrying a limpet shell. A discreet striking strip lines one side. Alternatively, the collection also features a silver crab-topped box, complete with a lion’s paw shell.
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Jo Laing, Ceramic matchbox
British illustrator Jo Laing added matchbox cases to her ceramics line merely as a passion project – but it quickly became clear that demand was there, and some. Inspired by tarot cards, traditional food packaging, and storybooks, the motifs are whimsical and enchanting. Each is made by hand in the UK’s ceramics capital, Stoke-on-Trent, and features 40 extra-long matches.
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Artemest, Giant matches holder
From the Giobagnara leathersmith in Liguria, northwest Italy, comes this dusky blue, leather bound match holder. Elevated and subtle, the piece rejects the classic sliding match box cover and uses a versatile flap closure instead. Each pack includes 60 matches, with a subtle striking strip on the underside.
How we chose the best matchboxes
Each item featured is independently selected by Elite Traveler’s editors and contributors, informed by first-hand reviews where possible and in-depth research where not. Our curation spans the world’s most luxurious brands, chosen for their uncompromising quality, size inclusions, and exceptional craftsmanship.
