School is almost in session! From a desktop water feature to a sleek articulated table lamp, these five eye-catching products elevate school supplies to designer status.

Designed by South Korean-born, Toronto-based Sung Wook Park, the Stream water fountain from Umbra brings a touch of nature indoors in the most relaxing way. With water cascading down its stepped back wall, the tabletop fountain fills a space with a soothing sound while also acting as a humidifier and improving air quality by releasing moisture into the air. The loudness of the water is determined by how much water is added (an internal fill line indicates the minimum and maximum amount), allowing for a soft murmur or steady trickle. 

Made from recycled plastic with a recycled mixed-wood fibre, the Stream water fountain also features an integrated cup for pens, pencils and other supplies or for a small plant for an additional hit of biophilia. Available in Sand or Grey, the fountain is powered by a USB and will run for 50 hours between refills. The perfect small-scale oasis, Stream encourages those important moments of contemplation and reflection that give the mind a chance to rest and recharge. 

Stay focused on the task at hand with the Dedicate table lamp from Muuto. Drawing inspiration from heavy machinery from the building industry – specifically cranes and excavators – as well as nodding to the iconic architect lamp, Danish designer Thomas Bentzen developed the Dedicate lamp system over five years, refining and refreshing the unmistakable form to meet modern-day needs. 

Made from die-cast and extruded aluminum (powder-coated in either Black or a warm Brown-Green), the Dedicate table lamp uses a COB (chip-on-board) LED with integrated cooling ribs to deliver high-quality illumination. The adjustable lamp is offered in three versions (each with its own function and length) and four base options – table clamp, wall-mount, table pin and table base – making it an ideal solution for any need. 

Like a set of sophisticated building blocks, the Brut sculptures by British-Canadian designer Philippe Malouin for Origin Made are composed of hefty wedges that can be assembled and reassembled at will. The act of playing with and arranging the pieces can engage the brain in a positive form of old-school creative distraction that doesn’t involve social media. 

The Circle, Oval and Soft Square modular sculptures are hand-cast from concrete by Vitor Silva at his factory in Portugal in a slow-production, air-dry method of one bowl per day. Casting by hand means that each piece has its own expression with colour-tone variations and unique textures. When assembled in their vessel shape, the Brut sculptures can corral stationery and work implements, be used as a bowl for fruits or jewellery or simply be displayed as a statement object.

Rendered in a vibrant two-tone colour palette, the Binwell wastebasket by Blu Dot turns a mundane accessory into a scene-stealing work of modern art. Made from powder-coated aluminum in three colourways – Blush (two complementary deep pinks), Dark Olive (a muddy green with muted teal) and Grasshopper (lush grass green with sky blue) – the Binwell wastebasket is cute enough that there is no need to tuck it under the desk and out of sight. 

The charming Blu Dot Binwell trash cans have a swing-top lid made from a single sheet of bent metal to conceal whatever waste is inside – it also makes tossing wads of paper and other junk at the bin into a bit of an accuracy game. 

Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa has applied his signature minimalistic approach to the ubiquitous water bottle for Hay. With slim shapes that fit comfortably in the hand, the Miz water bottles come in two sizes (0.5 and 0.7 litres) and a rainbow of rich jewel-toned colourways to choice from. 

The Miz water bottles from Hay are made from recycled PET and have a removable silicone ring for easy cleaning and matching lids for a completely uniform look. Whether stashed on a desk or clasped in hand during the daily commute to class, these water bottles make staying hydrated a stylish endeavour. Available in Red, Purple, Charcoal, Ice Blue, Caramel, Dark Blue, Dark Green and Mauve.