If you’re looking for cool and unique design knick-knacks you never knew you wanted, head to the Design Museum shop, in the ground floor of the Design Museum in Kensington. It’s easy to find: enter the museum and turn right. The shop is tucked in a corner, a nice contrast to the vast space of the main museum. And while you’re there, don’t miss checking out the iconic roof structure – its distinctive design is even more impressive from the inside.
At a glance...
What will you find in the Design Museum shop?
Oh, so many design-centric treasures! The shop offers a rich library of books on graphic design, photography, architecture, and fashion, as well as catalogues from past exhibitions. You’ll also find posters featuring vintage Vogue and Tatler covers, along with unique jewellery you won’t spot anywhere else.

For the home, there’s an array of cool things from candles to recycled Bluetooth speakers, and useful finds, like this Kintsugi Repair Kit or these FixIts Sticks in a rainbow of colours. Naturally, the shop is strong on posters and cards, and there’s plenty for kids (of all ages), too.

They even sell socks.
Much of the selection is inspired by current exhibitions, so each visit offers something fresh. Prices range from a few pounds to several hundreds, and everything exudes undeniable coolness. Even the socks.
Christmas specials at The Design Museum Shop
During the holiday season, you’ll also find one-of-a-kind mouth-blown glass Christmas ornaments that are future heirlooms in the making. Some are inspired by current exhibitions, like the Barbie pink car bauble with silver glitter, while others are delightful in their own right – after all, who wouldn’t want a gold drill bauble on their Christmas tree?

Most items make delightfully whimsical stocking fillers, sure to bring sparks of joy to anyone lucky enough to receive them. And isn’t that what gifts are all about?
Where to go from there?
If you’re looking for more glass baubles for the Christmas Tree, Horner Antiques in Alfie’s Antique Market has a huge selection. And it’s not far: take bus 27 (towards Camden/ Chalk Farm), get off at the Edgware Road Station, and walk the rest of the way.
Or just round the corner from the Design Museum (literally!), you have Holland Park and the celebrated Kyoto Garden. And, for more beautiful things you can buy, there’s Japan House by the tube station.
And for even more cool and wonderful things, I cannot recommend Store Store (that is the name, it really is) in Coal’s Yard in King’s Cross highly enough. And there’s also the Conran Shop in Chelsea, of course. But if you prefer old things, Eclectica, in Clapham is paradise.

If you like this post, maybe you’d like to subscribe to the newsletter, for updates, exclusive content and the occasional special offer? I will never spam you or sell your data, I promise. Here’s my privacy policy.
The Design Museum shop: useful information
Website: https://designmuseumshop.com/
Address: 224-238 Kensington High St, W8 6AG
The Design Museum Shop on Google Maps
How to get there: the nearest tube stop is High Street Kensington. Busses 9, 27, 28 and 49 also serve the museum (and can be taken from the stop by High Street Kensington).
