10 UNIQUE HANDMADE CERAMIC MUGS YOU’LL WANT TO ADD TO YOUR COLLECTION
Upgrade your mug collection with these 10 unique handmade ceramic mugs!
There is something so comforting about drinking a hot beverage from a gorgeous piece of ceramic.
Each piece is one-of-a-kind and features a unique shape, glaze, and texture.
It tells a story, and we know it’s special because it requires hours of work and craftsmanship to be created.
If you want to add personality to your kitchen and elevate your morning coffee or tea routine, you may be wondering: where is the best place to shop online for handmade ceramic mugs?
Look no further, because I’ve found 10 unique handmade ceramic mugs you’ll love so much that you’ll want them in your collection!
You’ll find everything from modern, timeless pieces to rustic mugs with earthy tones to models featuring artful shapes and details.
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Why should we buy handmade ceramic mugs?
Besides being pieces of art that add character to our kitchens, handmade ceramic mugs showcase the craftsmanship and artistry of potters and ceramists.
By buying one of their handmade pottery coffee mugs, you are directly supporting small, independent businesses and artisans who take immense pride in crafting their goods.
These people are also using time-honored techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation, thus safeguarding cultural heritage and traditions so that they do not fade into obscurity.
Handcrafted pottery mugs are also made from a natural, sustainable material: clay.
Artisans produce them in small batches, meaning that there is no overproduction and unsold inventory.
What’s more, they use more sustainable and ethical practices than brands mass-producing mugs on a large scale.
Another advantage of handmade ceramic mugs is that they provide improved heat retention so your drinks stay warm longer and can enhance the flavor of your beverage.
Lastly, handcrafted ceramics and stoneware pieces are incredibly durable!
They don’t break, crack, or chip easily unlike mass-produced mugs and cups.
Their quality is unmatched, so you get to enjoy these beautiful items for much longer.
Read more: 10 ways to reduce waste in the kitchen
What to look for when shopping for handmade ceramic mugs?
Look for handmade pottery mugs crafted by independent makers who prioritize sustainability.
Make sure they’re producing their goods in small batches and that they’ve taken steps to minimize their environmental footprint.
For instance, many brands on this list work with artisans who reuse their clay scraps and incorporate them into new ceramics.
You may also want to support brands that offer carbon-neutral and plastic-free shipping.
If you can, buy handmade pottery coffee mugs made with locally sourced and/or recycled clay and a lead-free, food-safe glaze.
Also, try to support brands that received third-party certifications such as Fair Trade or B Corp.
A final thing you should take into account is whether the item can be put in the dishwasher, microwave, or oven.
Some pieces require extra care while others do not, so keep that in mind.
Read more: How to make your home healthy?
10 unique handmade ceramic mugs you’ll want to add to your collection
1. Costa Nova
Materials: Stoneware
Made In: Portugal
Costa Nova has a huge selection of mugs that come in various shapes and colors.
I particularly recommend its Madeira mug, which is handcrafted in Portugal from fine stoneware.
This gorgeous piece features a nature-inspired design with a captivating crackled surface, reminiscent of sunlight filtering through leaves.
Available in gray, blue, lemon green, and cream, it also has a glossy glaze that enhances its vibrant color.
And if you want, you can get matching dinnerware sets, plates, bowls, servingware, vases, and more!
Did I mention that this mug is microwave and dishwasher-safe?
I also love that the brand works with factories that run on renewable energy and reuse 100% of the water used in the manufacturing process.
Plus, Costa Nova recycles its excess clay into new dinnerware and uses plastic-free packaging.
SHOP COSTA NOVA HANDMADE CERAMIC MUGS
2. Fable
Materials: Portuguese Clay & Lead-Safe Glaze
Made In: Portugal
Fable offers artisan-crafted stoneware mugs, small mugs, and cappuccino cups, all available in a set of four, eight, or twelve.
Each piece is organically shaped and one-of-a-kind, and you can choose from a range of beautiful colors and between a semi-matte or glossy finish.
These mugs and cups are handmade in Portugal using locally sourced and recycled clay and finished with a lead-safe glaze.
They’re crafted at a zero-waste facility that repurposes all clay shavings, water, and broken ceramics.
Fable’s mugs are also very durable and easy to care for as they’re dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe up to 450°F.
SHOP FABLE HANDMADE CERAMIC MUGS
3. Verve Culture
Materials: Red Clay & Lead-Free Glaze
Made In: Mexico
Verve Culture sells a set of two Mexican hot chocolate mugs that are meticulously crafted by hand by artisans in Mexico.
They’re made with local red clay, which acts as a natural insulator.
It means that they’ll keep your cold drinks colder and your hot beverages warm for longer.
These mugs feature a simple design with a lead-free glaze on the inside and a lip at the top to help mitigate condensation.
The artisans who make them also use traditional tools and clay-throwing techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.
You can even get these mugs in a beautiful gift set with Mexican hot chocolate and a small traditional molinillo whisk!
SHOP VERVE CULTURE HANDMADE CERAMIC MUGS
4. Sojourn Pottery
Materials: Stoneware
Made In: Portugal
Sojourn creates stunning Portuguese ceramics that are all free of lead and cadmium and ethically produced.
Its 16 oz handmade pottery mugs are microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe, so they’re easy to care for.
Each one is handcrafted in Portugal from stoneware and is truly unique.
The Classic Mug has a wide cylindrical shape with a matching interior and exterior glaze, while the Favorite Mug features splashes of glaze and gorgeous curves designed to create a prism and reflect light.
For a cohesive look, you can get them with matching saucers and breakfast plates.
Sojourn also uses carbon-neutral shipping to deliver its products!
SHOP SOJOURN POTTERY HANDMADE CERAMIC MUGS
5. Lulu and Georgia
Materials: Ceramic, Stoneware
Made In: USA, Portugal, & Others
Lulu and Georgia is a home decor brand with a lovely collection of glass, ceramic, and stoneware mugs.
Its ceramic and stoneware pieces are handmade by artisans in different countries (including Portugal and the USA) using traditional and time-honored techniques.
Some of them feature eye-catching silhouettes and unique details such as a subtly widening body with an extra-large handle or double handles that are super comfortable to hold.
Many of these mugs are also made with responsibly sourced or recycled materials and recycled water, so they’re produced with the planet in mind.
I find Lulu and Georgia’s color palette truly beautiful and it will match any kitchen decor!
SHOP LULU AND GEORGIA HANDMADE CERAMIC MUGS
6. Year & Day
Materials: Ceramic
Made In: Portugal
Year & Day’s set of four ceramic mugs is inspired by Japanese ceramics.
These 12-ounce pieces feature a timeless, minimalist design with an elegant semi-matte glaze finish available in nine Pacific-inspired colors.
They’re handcrafted from local clay by artisans in Portugal and made with durability and sustainability in mind.
For instance, the brand only fires its ceramics once to reduce emissions and conserves energy and resources by recycling clay scraps from its factory.
All of its products are free of cadmium, lead, and other heavy metals so they’re 100% safe to drink and eat from.
Not to mention that you can safely put these mugs in the dishwasher, microwave, and oven up to 480°F.
SHOP YEAR & DAY HANDMADE CERAMIC MUGS
7. MINNA
Materials: Ceramic & Lead-Free Glaze
Made In: Mexico
MINNA creates ethically made home textiles, wallcoverings, and homewares, including a gorgeous mug that is perfect for drinking espresso.
This 3-ounce mug is adorned with intricately hand-painted designs and unique details.
Sold in a lovely blue and brown/orange color or in all brown/orange, it is a unique piece of art that will add character to any table setting.
The brand’s handmade pottery coffee mugs are crafted in small batches by artisans in Mexico.
They’re made of dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe ceramic with a lead-free, food-safe glaze.
Plus, MINNA is B Corp certified, meaning that it meets some of the most stringent social and environmental standards!
SHOP MINNA HANDMADE CERAMIC MUGS
8. United By Blue
Materials: Ceramic & Lead-Free Glaze
Made In: China
United By Blue mugs are crafted from natural ceramic stoneware and hand-painted in gorgeous colors and designs.
All of them feature unique details that will bring an artistic feel to your mug collection.
Perfect to brighten up your mornings!
For instance, some of them have a multicolor design and have four little feet to rest on.
One is even lightly speckled to resemble a nepped sweater and comes with a ceramic spoon for easy stirring.
The brand’s mugs come in many different sizes, from 8 oz to 16 oz.
They all have a lead-free, food-safe glaze and are microwave-safe (you can also put some of them in the dishwasher).
SHOP UNITED BY BLUE HANDMADE CERAMIC MUGS
9. Our Place
Materials: Ceramic Stoneware, Porcelain
Our Place has two sets of four mugs that are ultra-durable and chip-resistant, meeting restaurant-grade standards.
You can choose between porcelain mugs with a hand-painted base and ceramic stoneware pieces with a glazed finish.
The 16 oz ceramic mugs feature a scratch-resistant glossy interior, a satin exterior, and a hand-painted rim all around.
They’re available in five earthy tones and they fit perfectly in your hand.
They’re also microwave and oven-safe up to 350°F.
Plus, Our Place’s mugs are all designed to stack neatly so you can save space in your cabinets, and your order ships plastic-free!
SHOP OUR PLACE HANDMADE CERAMIC MUGS
10. Hawkins New York
Materials: Stoneware, Porcelain, Ceramic, Recycled Glass
Made In: USA, India, Italy, China, Mexico, Portugal, Thailand, Colombia
Hawkins New York has a large collection of mugs made from sustainable materials like stoneware, ceramic, porcelain, and recycled glass.
It sells everything from tall ribbed mugs with a long, lean handle to shorter ones with a small loop handle.
It also has different colors and designs to choose from, including pieces with a fun splatter pattern.
Many are inspired by the organic shapes we find in nature or Scandinavian design.
Hawkins New York’s mugs are handcrafted by artisans in different countries around the world, including the USA.
SHOP HAWKINS NEW YORK HANDMADE CERAMIC MUGS
Final thoughts on handmade ceramic mugs
I hope you found this article helpful and that you could find unique handmade ceramic mugs you love drinking from!
Buying handmade pottery coffee mugs is not only more sustainable, but it also helps support independent artisans who are using time-honored techniques to create unique pieces.
Plus, there’s something special about drinking from a gorgeous piece of ceramic, isn’t it?!
If you liked this post, you may also want to read:
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- 15 eco-friendly alternatives to aluminum foil for cooking, baking & storage
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- 18 minimalist kitchen essentials for simple, efficient cooking
- How to store food to reduce food waste
What are your favorite handmade ceramic mugs?
Please leave a comment with your recommendations!
Don’t forget to share this blog post with your friends so they can find unique handcrafted pottery mugs too.
Looking for more non-toxic & sustainable brands? Check out the Ethical & Sustainable Brand Directory!
It features conscious brands in various categories, from home goods and furniture to fashion and clean beauty!