Collecting and Decorating with Inexpensive Vintage Pottery

What can you do with stylish and inexpensive pieces of Mid-Century Modern pottery? What if an orphaned piece at a thrift shop or estate sale is chipped or cracked? Get creative; reuse and reanimate!

A cheerful and colorful way to organize your desktop, nightstand, or vanity.

Throughout the 20th century, American firms including McCoy, Red Wing, Haeger, Zanesville, Roseville, Stangl, and Weller mass-produced inexpensive lines of functional "Artware" pottery using interesting shapes, colorful glazes, and appealing decorative motifs to market new products season after season. Planters, platters, bowls, ashtrays, candle holders, and vases were designed as attractive and functional pieces, perfect for hostess gifts and decor for the home and garden.

This vintage artware planter from Haeger Pottery makes a bold and stylish statement on a dresser, mantle, or bookshelf.

I visited a friend and client in New York City who uses small vintage planters to add a pop of color and visual interest to his ultra-modern stainless steel and granite kitchen. The effect is stunning (see below). Why not use the same approach in your bathroom or on your dresser, nightstand, or vanity? I like them as desk accessories. My modern workspace of glass and metal sports a variety of mismatched pieces of art glass and pottery for pens, paperclips, post-its, and rubber bands.

Vintage Pottery Planters Repurposed in the Kitchen

Interesting vintage pieces can be sourced almost everywhere—think estate sales, charity/thrift shops, and flea markets. Give them a second life in your home and garden. Repurposing is also an easy way to be good to our planet. 🌎

I purchased this souvenir on vacation in Vermont. It is the perfect size for my post-it notes!