Hold The Phone

Posted by Erin, Staff Writer

Phones scare me. Their design is my main beef (although see how menacing they can be in the hands of certain divas). Colorful face plates, flashing lights, and dangling charms are not really my thing. So, one of my resolutions for 2008 is to install an archaic sounding "landline" or "fixed-line" phone.

For inspiration, I checked out the wares in this weird phone gallery. Initially, I was drawn to the Zack Morris phone (you know, the original cordless phone that weighed about 20 pounds) and the zany Pac-Man phone (I'm a devotee), but decided they were far too kitschy. I moved on and finally settled on the sleek Trimline phone, whose simplicity is timeless. As is the price: most Trimline phones can be had for less than $30. I loved the splash of color that the yellow Trimline phone added to our ottoman photo, so now I'm vacillating between electric blue or red.

Things got momentarily complicated when I spotted this rotary phone from the '40s at Three Potato Four.  Oddly, it also comes in a brilliant red and bright blue and is the phone of my dreams. But who needs two phones? Plus, I'd be breaking another resolution if I splurged on it: spend less money.

'40s rotary phone from Three Potato Four

Have you come across any fine looking phones?

*We just got a great tip in our comments section: Zinzi spotted the beautiful 'Target' telephone on Bloesem today. Thanks!

Comments

[Christine]

I couldn't help but notice that beautiful rolodex next to the phone. In case anyone's wondering, it's made by Sharilyn of Lovely Design! Check out her really great stuff!

http://www.lovelydesign.com

[Amanda]

I love the rolodex in the pic too! Modern Retro! Where do I buy!?

[Eanden]

I love the rotary phone look, and we were getting too much interference with our cordless phones and wireless internet, so i was thrilled to find retro styled phones on Amazon.com. We have two phones (one wall and one that looks like it should be on a vanity with a curved receiver) within 10 feet!

[Zinzi]

Hey thanks for the shout out! Our hits have quadrupled for today (meaning, I think, that someone other than our parents is reading the blog :) )! Thanks again!

[Heather]

Brings back memories of my first phone (see url below). I was in 7th grade lied to my parents about talking to a boy after 9:00. teehee...

http://www.oldphoneworks.com/antique-phones/other/phone.asp?currency=CAD&Phone=107_10

[The Shopping Sherpa]

I bought a Nick & Nora replica Ericofon (like this: http://www.noveltytelephone.com/products/candle.html) in cream. Was worried it wouldn't work with the Australian phone system but it's fine.

On a side note: It's always a good idea to have at least one corded phone in the house - in a power cut cordless ones won't work...

[Zinzi]

via Bloesem from today:

http://www.pedlars.co.uk/page_1371.html

Oh, and evidently the old corded telephones use up way less energy than fancy cordless ones, so this is an eco-friendly choice too!

love,
Zinzi
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