Star Wars fans saber the moment as the Force awakens designers

Homewares retailers have spun our Star Wars obsession into everything from cushions, bookends and salt and pepper shakers to shower heads and waffle makers.

IF you’ve been feeling a movement in the Force lately, it could be because the latest episode in the legendary Star Wars franchise, The Force Awakens, opens nationally next week.

But while the Star Wars fan stretches far and wide, when it comes to character styling in any room, there’s a simple rule to follow: less is more.

Or, to use a more powerful phrase, “use the Force” to hold back.

As the Star Wars empire continues to grow, the appeal of intergalactic characters such as Luke, Leia, Han, Yoda and Anakin has endured on everything from school lunch boxes to T-shirts and bedspreads, not to mention character costumes for young and old plus lifelike lightsabers.

Just as enticing for diehard fans, however, is the weaponry, machinery and space ships created by George Lucas.

The new Star Wars picks up 30 years after Han Solo and his allies defeated the Galactic Empire.

Homewares retailers have spun this obsession into everything from cushions, bookends and salt and pepper shakers to shower heads and waffle makers.

But like any themed products, it’s easy to overdo it and you can easily go from witty lounge room installation to university doss shack with a few too many things on show.

A single feature, such as a Star Wars Imperial Walker bookend, a framed poster or a character cushion, can be enough to give a nod to your favourite film franchise without it wandering into kitsch.

Alternatively, opt for something subtle that only hardcore fans would pick up on, such as a quote or silhouette on a cushion, in a frame or as a wall decal.

Stormtroopers in a scene from the new film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

If you’re living with a fan, consider giving them their own space to display their collection, or just have fun with it, as with the range of toilet lid decals playing with quotes from the films like “Flush you Must” from Yoda or “May your aim be with you”.

If all else fails, buy a limited edition Star Wars gift card from the box office at Event cinemas or online at eventcinemas.com.au and go catch the latest movie in all its glory.

And yes, may the Force be with you. Always.

OUR PICKS

Go quietly to a galaxy far, far away with this handcrafted side table subtly referencing a Star Wars droid. KC Droid side table, from $250, from Handkrafted.

Don’t let Darth Vader find your lack of seasoning disturbing with this pair of ceramic shakers.

Star Wars Salt and Pepper Shakers $49.99, from SciFi Toys.

KC Droid side table.

Star Wars salt’n’pepper shakers.

Sith Lord quilt cover set.

The force will be strong in your young ones after a good night’s sleep under this formidable quilt set. Sith Lord Quilt Cover Set $39 (single), from Target.

He may be a little short for a Stormtrooper but this sticker is perfect for attaching to the door.

Stormtrooper door mural, $159.95, from Big W.

Storm Trooper wall mural.

Star Wars terrarium kit.

Create your own Endor or Tatooine with this terrarium kit which includes two Star Wars figurines, three air plants, crystals, sand and gravel. Star Wars terrarium, $70 from Happy Place Terrariums.

Look closer at these cushions to see the Dark Lord and his Stormtroopers embracing their softer side. Star Wars cushions, $55, from Underland.

Star Wars gets the soft touch with these cool cushions.

From left: Imperial Walker bookends and Star Wars Melamine plates.

There will be a bounty on this bottle opener when fellow Star Wars fans see it. Boba Fett metal bottle opener, $29.99, from Yellow Octopus.

Lord Darth Vadar, Chancellor Chewy, Count C3P0 and Sir Yoda make unlikely companions on this set of melamine plates. Star Wars Melamine plates $40 (set of four), from Six Things.

These bookends could be the perfect way to keep your Star Wars compendiums looking good.

Star Wars Imperial Walker bookends $99, from Six Things, sixthings.com.au

Boba Fett bottle opener, Victorian Wars notebook, R2D2 luggage and Death Star Cookie Jar.

Take your own little droid with you wherever you go with this cool suitcase. R2D2 luggage, $179 (74cms), from Love Luggage.

Keep this Death Star fully operational with a complete complement of cookies.

Death Star Cookie Jar $28, from EB Games.

Never a more unlikely coupling, our Star Wars faves are decked out in Victorian fare for the cover of this notebook. Victorian Wars notebook $16.95, from Bits Of Australia