A circuit board may simply be a small, insulated board where interconnected circuits and components are mounted, but it has come to represent something much larger. In fact, circuit boards have been a source of inspiration and a material staple for designers and artists of all sorts since the widespread use of the personal computer.

I like circuit board pieces because they seem to embody the complicated and ongoing workings of a computer, but at the same time seem natural and almost organic because of their subtle, earth colors. While tech inspired art and design isn't for everyone, I've seen a real emergence of circuit board designs that are sophisticated, thoughtful — and dare I say — even geek chic.

The selection seems endless, ranging from larger pieces like the Circuit Board Lamps, which are made from reutilized computer circuit board and are stunning with the light shining through them, simple Circuit Board Luggage Tags to these cute Circuit Board Coasters, which are $19.99 from ThinkGeek.

To see some of my favorite items scroll through the widget below.