12 Phone Accessories That Were Purely Decorative
Phone accessories in the early mobile era often had no function at all, existing purely to make devices flashier, cuter, or more personal.
- Alyana Aguja
- 3 min read
Before smartphones streamlined design, many phone accessories were made purely for decoration rather than utility. From rhinestone charms and holographic decals to plush danglers and fuzzy covers, people embraced ways to make their devices stand out. These flashy, impractical add-ons may not have improved phones, but they reflected a cultural moment when personalization mattered more than practicality.
1. Rhinestone Phone Charms
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Phone charms covered in rhinestones were everywhere in the 2000s, dangling from flip phones and sliders. They didn’t serve a real purpose besides glittering whenever you texted in class. These sparkly add-ons were the ultimate way to show off personality, even if they occasionally got caught in zippers or bags.
2. Plush Animal Danglers
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Tiny plush animals that clipped onto phones were more toy than tech. They hung from the phone strap loop and bounced around as you walked. Completely impractical, but they made your phone feel cute and huggable.
3. Blinged-Out Keypad Stickers
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Keypad stickers were sold in packs with shiny gems, neon shapes, and metallic letters. They wore out quickly from constant button pressing, but that didn’t stop teens from proudly decorating every key. The stickers made even the most basic Nokia feel personalized.
4. Glow-in-the-Dark Antennas
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In the era of extendable antennas, glowing tips were all the rage. They didn’t improve reception at all, but they lit up in neon shades when you were out at night. It was a small, glowing status symbol for early cell phone users.
5. Crystal-Encrusted Faceplates
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Swappable faceplates gave you the power to transform your phone into a fashion accessory. Many were covered in fake crystals arranged in hearts, stars, or geometric patterns. They were flashy, fragile, and entirely about showing off.
6. Screen Protector Stickers with Designs
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Some people bought screen protectors not for protection but because they had cute designs printed on the edges. Cartoon borders and floral prints framed the display in a way that was fun but distracting. They offered zero scratch resistance but added charm.
7. Tassel Charms
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Tassels were a more stylish alternative to plush danglers, often made with shiny threads or beads. They didn’t do anything functional except sway dramatically whenever you pulled out your phone. They were a low-effort way to make your phone look trendy.
8. Decorative Antenna Balls
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These tiny rubber or foam balls topped off phone antennas like a cherry on ice cream. Often shaped like sports balls, cartoon characters, or holiday figures, they were just for laughs. They served no technical function but made phones instantly recognizable.
9. Holographic Stick-On Decals
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Flat holographic decals came in starbursts, flames, or geometric designs you could stick anywhere on your phone. They peeled quickly but sparkled under light, giving your phone an eye-catching shimmer. They were cheap, colorful, and perfect for customizing.
10. Fuzzy Fur Covers
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Phones once had covers that looked like they were dressed in fur coats. They came in leopard print, neon pink, or shaggy fuzz, making phones soft to touch but bulky to carry. The covers didn’t protect your phone so much as make it a fashion statement.
11. Liquid Glitter Cases
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Before modern glitter-filled smartphone cases, early versions were clunky shells with floating glitter or stars inside. They sloshed around whenever you tilted your phone, mesmerizing but impractical. Many leaked or cracked, but they were irresistible while they lasted.
12. Beaded Lanyards
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Beaded phone straps doubled as jewelry for your device. Some were handmade with colorful beads, charms, or even lucky symbols. They made phones feel like accessories in themselves, especially when you matched them with outfits.