White Ironstone: A Timeless Collectible
I think most people collect something in their lifetime. Kids collect marbles and rocks. Pre-teens collect baseball cards and teens collect magazines. Adults collect any number of things from antique coins to dishes to cars and more. One of my favorite collectibles is white ironstone, due to its affordability and timeless appeal. (This post contains affiliate links.)
I found this large white ironstone pitcher at the local flea market for just $28. The smaller, embellished pitcher is actually a measuring cup.
A trio of ironstone pitchers lines a small farmhouse shelf in my kitchen. I love the simplicity of these pieces.
Some of the larger pitchers can carry a hefty price tag, but you can always find smaller pitchers and creamers for less than$10.
Shop the Look
Some white ironstone pieces are more elegant than others, with simple embossed patterns. White ironstone started to rise in popularity when Martha Stewart featured it.
One of my favorite pieces is my white ironstone bowl. It looks good no matter where I display it.
Speaking of bowls, I found a set of six of these little ironstone bowls at the flea market. They were individually priced, but I grabbed them all.
Some of my fellow bloggers also collect ironstone. Danielle at Finding Silver Pennies recently shared her gorgeous soup tureen.
Courtney at French Country Cottage has several pieces of pretty white ironstone.
Angie at Postcards from the Ridge shows how to beautifully display a collection of ironstone. She paired it with cool blues and greens. Isn’t her display lovely?
Sometimes I like to display my ironstone collection all on its own, without any color. It’s fun to collect pieces and over time you can build up quite an impressive collection without spending a lot of money. The simple white color and graceful lines give white ironstone timeless appeal. You can even display it with more contemporary pieces and it will fit right in.
What items do you like to collect and display in your home?
Shop the Look
I’m not exactly sure what ironstone is. Is there a mark to look for on the pieces. Your pieces are very nice.
I’ve collected white English stoneware for decades. I love the simplicity of it. I was going to send a couple of pictures, but I can’t figure out how to attach them. 🙁
I’ve collected white ironstone for more than a few years now. Absolutely love it. I have more lidded soup tureens than I care to admit:) I absolutely agree, their appeal is timeless. Xo kathleen|our hopeful home
I love white ironstone and have been looking for a soup tureen. You have some lovely pieces.
I love it too. Thank God I was smart enough to ask for a simple white dish set when I first got married, 20 years ago, and over the years I have collected white serving and decorative pieces to go with them. They have lasted beautifully.
I find some inexpensive pieces at thrift shops, yard sales, and Home Goods, TJ Maxx and Marshalls too.
I have some white ironstone, that I display on shelves in my kitchen area. So pretty year round.
My mother started collecting small ironstone pitchers and other pieces back in the 70s. Many were actually creamers that were used in restaurants for individual servings. She laughs when thinking that she paid 50 to 75 cents for many of them. I collect custard bowls, but one has to be pretty special these days for me to buy one, I don’t really need any more. Ha ha.