The New York Times has a fascinating slide show about home decor best sellers and bombs.

They interviewed stores from across the nation about what flew out the door and what sunk like a stone. The results are very interesting and often surprising.

Here are the best seller, bomb, and best bet from Ige in Los Angeles:

BEST SELLER JOHN DERIAN SKELETON PLATE SET, $880

“I’ve had to explain over and over what decoupage is, and that the
images John uses are often historic or rare. Once I explain all that, I
end up selling the entire set. Often the customer is a doctor.”

BOMB HAPPY PEOPLE GLASSES BY KARIM, RASHID FOR GAIA & GINO, $100 TO $130

“One part of the problem is the cost. The other is that there is
modern design everywhere now. People probably look at these and feel
they’ve seen them, or something similar.”

BETTING ON BIRD FEET OBJETS BY SWALLOW DESIGN, $13 TO $45

“Because my customer seems to be over the ordinary, I’m betting on
these completely useless but intriguing cast metal birds’ feet. I’m
going to merchandise these by putting them under a bell jar to make
them seem more precious and curio-like.”

I love the skeleton plates. But I’m shocked those glasses bombed. They look really cool. But I’d guess they failed because they seem a little hard to hold.

Thanks to my friend Amber for the tip.