Inexplicably appealing: the ceramic Jailhouse Cup from Dutch designer Rob Brandt (the creator of the Crinkle Cup), painted to resemble an inmate's painted tin cup.

Above: The Jailhouse Cup is available from Thorsten van Elten in two sizes; prices start at £6.75 for a small cup. In Australia, the Jailhouse Espresso Cup is available from Safari Living; a set of four is $46.