Looking to start a new collection? Or maybe you want to make a more sustainable kitchenware choice? Consider starting a vintage kitchenware collection.

Not everything new is better. In fact, many old things are downright fantastic and that goes for vintage kitchenware collectibles. Whether you’re looking for practical additions to your kitchen or you’ve caught the collecting bug, vintage kitchenware is ubiquitous. And not only is it a more sustainable choice than buying new, it’s also a less expensive choice and one with a cool retro vibe, too!

Not sure you can tell the difference between Milk Glass and Jadeite? Read on to learn more about the most common types of vintage kitchenware you are likely to come across.

A Vintage Kitchenware Collection Primer

Depression Glass

Depression glass is machine-pressed tinted or clear translucent glassware that was produced during the 1920s – 1940s. It was widely distributed for free or at a low cost as giveaways or initiatives by companies looking to lure in customers. It became a popular collectible in the 1960s.

Ironstone Pottery

Ironstone pottery is often referred to as “poor man’s pottery” because it was the mass-produced alternative to pottery. First produced in the UK in the early nineteenth-century, ironstone collectibles are prized for their heft and stunning whiteness.

Pyrex

Everyone loves vintage brightly-colored and patterned Pyrex dishes from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. Not only are they appropriately kitschy, but they are still quite functional in the kitchen! Pyrex is also ubiquitous on Etsy, on Ebay, and at thrift stores, estate sales, and yard sales.

Jadeite

Jadeite kitchenware comes in a stunning color of green. Jadeite is nothing more than milk glass that has color added to it. Produced by the Anchor Hocking Company it first hit American shelves in 1942. Martha Stewart has an envious collection of Jadeite.

Teacups

While not unique to a specific era or time period, many like to collect vintage teacups for the unique patterns and colors they feature. Your collection starts with just one!

Cake Plates

By the same token, cake stands are also not limited to a specific time period, and a collection might feature milk glass, depression, and ironstone cake stands. The only limit to this collection is how much time and space you have.

Enamelware

Enamelware kitchenware is made from glass that is fused to steel or iron, which creates a smooth, hard glass finish over the metal. Enamelware got its start in the 1800s as a way to reduce the chemical reaction of cooking directly in iron pots. It was also lighter-weight and more affordable. Vintage enamelware can be found at estate sales, thrift stores, and more.

Milk Glass

Milk glass describes opaque white-colored glass that can be either blown or pressed. While white glass had been around for centuries before, it didn’t gain popularity until the late-nineteenth century and remained popular through the Depression.

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Looking to add a bit of a modern vibe to your space? Consider selecting handmade pottery with a modern vibe to your home and decor.

Decorating your home with ceramics is what all the cool kids are doing. Now, your mind might jump to images of stuffy pottery collectible figurines or crunchy granola retro pottery, but honestly, modern pottery is just simply in a different class altogether. Not only can you add some delicious modern form to your space, but also wonderful functionality as well. Think of lovely modern-inspired planters, mobiles, bowls, platters, and knickknacks to adorn your modern-vibed spaces.

And of course, you will want to choose handmade pottery handcrafted by artisans and not mass-produced claptrap from some big box home store. Ceramics are meant to be pieces that you cherish, collect over a lifetime, and pass onto those you love. Handmade ceramics also make stunning and memorable wedding, birthday, anniversary, and host gifts for your family and friends. Give the gift of pottery and you will never go wrong.

Modern Handmade Pottery to Decorate Your Space

1. Striped Pottery Lamp

Linda Johnson Studio

Why not add a little light on the situation? This lamp base is meticulously handmade from creamy white stoneware. Lines are etched into the surface and then color is added glaze by glaze.

2. Geometric Planter

FreeFolding

Your handmade pottery collection wouldn’t be complete without a ceramic planter. This modern geometric planter pot is made of light gray glazed ceramic and features a delicate square geometric pattern. It’s perfect for a windowsill herb garden or as a succulent planter.

3. Modern Salt and Pepper Shakers

Yahalomis

Everyone needs salt and pepper shakers and why not this modern pair the ultimate marriage of form and function. Made from natural basalt and a cream white glaze for an elegant and simple impact. Just lovely.

4. Ceramic Utensil Holder

ONEandMANY

Another great functional way to utilize modern handmade pottery is with this ceramic utensil holder. It’s made in black matte that’s been dipped in a gray glaze. The clean and modern look  will be the perfect addition to your kitchen counter.

5. Stoneware Clock

Studiolorier

A clock where time is not the centerpiece, but the wonderful modern design is actually the star. It can be custom handmade in a variety of stoneware color options. It also can be mounted on the wall or sit in an included stand in any position. Salvadore Dali himself would be proud.

6. Chandelier Light

Lightexture

Add drama with this elegant chandelier featuring perforated white clay pendant shades that create a natural and timeless light effect that is both utilitarian and sensual.

7. Ceramic Safari

BronsenCompany

These socially-acceptable animal head “trophies” are both stunning and quirky. Made from stoneware in a charcoal glaze, they do really look best as a collection!

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Pottery Planter Image via FreeFolding

The post 7 Modern Handmade Pottery Pieces Perfect for Your Pad appeared first on EcoSalon.

Karen McPhail’s ceramics combine the maturity of process with the playfulness of a school art project.

Karen McPhail specializes in functional and decorative earthenware ceramics. Her process involves making simple forms on the wheel and then layering them with imagery collected from daily life and nature. They are then fired up after several applications of colored slip producing a subtle raised decoration.

“My ceramics are robust,” she writes at Papa Stour, where her items are available for purchase. “I aim to achieve a quality of surface with pattern and texture, creating visually satisfying objects that are a pleasure to our sense of touch.”

Look for Lustables daily at EcoSalon. 100% gorgeous green finds, and never sponsored. Submit your favorite to tips@ecosalon.com

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