Sunday mornings in our kitchen are a ritual: coffee brewing, Jonty’s minimalist classical composer's playlist in the background, and me moving pots around for the hundredth time—"just to see." This week, it’s all about vintage pottery (because what else?). We’ve always had a soft spot for pieces that make a kitchen feel lived-in, like it’s been carefully curated over time. That’s the reason for what we do at Dana & Fabe—finding those pots and jars that add a quiet charm to any space and make it feel unmistakably yours.
Here’s how we bring vintage pottery into our kitchen and how you can do the same to create a space that feels warm, lived-in, and effortlessly chic.
1. Start with a Hero Piece
Every room needs a focal point, and in the kitchen, it’s often that oversized stoneware jug or a terracotta pot that catches your eye as you walk in. For us, it’s about finding that one piece that feels like it’s always belonged—even if we found it last week while trawling a dusty antiques fair.
How To: Place a statement pot on your kitchen island or a sunny windowsill. Fill it with eucalyptus for a fresh, modern touch, or let it stand alone as a quiet centerpiece. One of our favorite finds is a generously sized ceramic jug that somehow makes even wooden spoons look elegant. (Isn’t that the dream?)
2. Style Open Shelves with Vintage Charm
If your shelves aren’t telling a story, what are they even doing? Open shelving is perfect for displaying vintage pottery that feels collected over time—a little crackled glaze here, a slightly uneven rim there. Each piece brings its own personality to the mix.
How To: Stack bowls in varying sizes, line up a few jugs, and tuck in a basket or two for texture. The key is to mix heights and shapes for that "effortlessly curated" look. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll swap pieces in and out weekly until it feels just right (or until someone asks where all the cereal bowls have gone).
3. Mix Textures for Depth
An English country kitchen thrives on layers: smooth ceramics, weathered wood, gleaming copper. Vintage pottery is the grounding element that ties it all together—it softens the harder edges and adds a warmth that feels timeless.
How To: Pair a glazed ceramic bowl with a linen tea towel or place a terracotta pot on a polished countertop. It’s the small contrasts that create richness and make a space feel considered but not overdone.
4. Put Your Pottery to Work
What’s the point of having beautiful things if they’re not part of your everyday? Vintage pottery isn’t just for show; it’s meant to be used and loved. A sturdy stoneware jar makes an excellent utensil holder, and a wide-mouthed pitcher can double as a vase or even a water jug for the dinner table.
How To: On our countertop, a ceramic jug keeps wooden spoons handy while a vintage bowl corrals lemons and limes. It’s practical, charming, and yes, occasionally Instagrammed (we can’t help ourselves).
5. Let the Seasons Inspire You
One of the joys of vintage pottery is its versatility. It shifts seamlessly with the seasons: fresh florals in spring, moody arrangements in autumn. It’s a simple way to refresh your kitchen without overhauling the whole space.
How To: In spring, fill a ceramic pitcher with daffodils or tulips. For autumn, swap in dried grasses or branches. A terracotta pot filled with pinecones? That’s winter magic right there. Add a sprig of holly, and suddenly you’re a festive decor pro.
Final Flourishes
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Look for pieces with character: a crackled glaze or slightly wonky handle adds personality and charm.
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Combine practicality with beauty: every piece should either serve a purpose or make you smile (ideally both).
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Embrace imperfection: the quirks are what make vintage feel so special and authentic.
Shop the Look
Every piece in our collection is unique, chosen for its ability to bring something special to a space. If vintage pottery feels like the missing piece in your kitchen, take a look—we think you’ll find something you love. Shop Now.
See you next time,
Vicky
