Thrifting For Ironstone Pitchers: Farmhouse Style Decorating Tips
Do you love the thrill of the hunt? Nothing makes me happier than finding a vintage piece of ironstone while out thrifting. I have several white ironstone pitchers that I’ve collected to decorate the farmhouse. The simple white designs are traditional and work with any decor, especially farmhouse. If you want to create authentic farmhouse charm in your home, let me show you how to decorate with my collection of curated, classic ironstone pitchers. Also, learn to identify vintage ironstone at thrift stores, flea markets, and other second-hand stores. Let’s get started.
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How To Thrift For Ironstone Pitchers
I’ve been collecting vintage ironstone for several years, and my collection is almost exclusively thrifted. I have dishes, vases, tureens, and many white ironstone pitchers. Although I love all my ironstone ceramics, the classic pitchers are so versatile and I use them all the time. I’ll be sharing some decorating tips today, but first, let’s talk about identifying authentic ironstone at thrift stores.
Tips For Identifying Vintage Ironstone Pitchers
With many vintage reproductions on the market, it can be challenging to determine if you are purchasing an authentic vintage pitcher. However, here are a few tips that I’ve learned along the way that will help you.
Insider Tips – Identifying Vintage Ironstone
- Look for the Maker’s Mark on the bottom of the pitcher. Here are some well know English and American manufacturers who produced ironstone. If you see their trademark or other markings on a piece, it’s most likely authentic.
- Made in England: Mason’s Patent Ironstone, J & G Meakin, Johnson Brothers, T & R Boote, Wedgwood, Spode, Alfred Meakin, W. H. Grindley & Co, Mellor & Co, Wood & Sons,
- Made in America: Knowles, Taylor & Knowles (KT&K), William Young & Sons (WYS), Carr China Co., Homer Laughlin, W.A. Lewis (Galesville, NY), Red Cliff Pottery Co.
- You may also find a Registry Mark on the bottom of authentic ironstone pieces. From the mid-19th century onwards, English pieces might have a diamond-shaped registry mark indicating the design’s registration date.
- If the Maker’s Mark or Registery isn’t on the bottom, the piece can still be authentic. Here are a few other ways to identify a true ironstone pitcher.
- Check the weight of the piece. A real ironstone pitcher will be heavier than a new production.
- Check the color. Although we say white, vintage ironstone can also be creamy white, have a bluish tint, or show signs of age like a darker cream or beige discoloration. You may also see crazing on old pieces which will appear as many fine cracks in the surface.
- Keep in mind that white was not the only way ironstone pitchers were produced. Be aware that vintage ironstone also came in transferware patterns (blue, brown, red, etc.) and other decorative styles.
- Lastly use your Google Lens app to identify a rare find. Snap a photo of the piece or the markings to help you identify it’s value before investing. See more below.
How To Use The Google Lens App
- Download and open the Google App.
- The Lens icon (it looks like a camera) is usually located within the search bar.
- Point your smartphone camera at the Ironstone pitcher you want to identify. Ensure the pitcher is well-lit and the maker’s mark (if present) is clearly visible.
- Take a photo and scan.
- Usually, the app will automatically show similar results and information about the piece you scanned.
- For example, you can scroll down to similar items and what they are selling for on vintage sites such as eBay and Etsy.
Below are images taken of pieces I’ve purchased. Even a slight image can sometimes be identified with the scan.
How To Decorate & Display With White Ironstone Pitchers
There are many options for decorating and displaying white ironstone pitchers. The simplicity of design and neutral color allows them to be mixed with almost any other decor. Here are my favorite ways to display and decorate with my collection.
A Simple Cluster Display For Charming Farmhouse Style
I have a collection of ironstone pitchers, from large beverage pitchers to small creamers. Each piece has its unique shape and character. I like to cluster the various sizes in my pine hutch and on my open shelves. The different silhouettes add dimension even within the same white color palette for a simple but charming farmhouse style. I can easily pull from the display to create vignettes around the farmhouse.
A Single Statement Piece
A single pitcher makes a statement when mixed with vintage items such as breadboards, dishes, or architectural elements. I’ve added a small white pitcher to the bathroom vanity with a canvas-framed architectural element, a folded bath towel, and ceramic birds. Filling the pitcher with fresh lilacs adds an amazing fragrance to the guest bathroom. You can also use fresh herbs for a clean scent.
Pitcher Centerpiece Vignette
To create an authentic farmhouse style centerpiece on my kitchen island, I gathered three sizes of similarly shaped ironstone pitchers and filled them with fresh flowers and herbs from the garden. I used an antique cheese board as a riser to add visual interest and added a couple more seasonal decorations to create my kitchen island centerpiece.
The large pitcher is filled with fresh snowball blooms and rosemary stems, while the smaller pitcher contains fragrant lilac blooms. If you don’t have fresh flowers, you can fill your pitchers with greenery or bare twigs from your landscape.
Display Pitchers on Windowsills, Mantels, Shelves
Another way to display and decorate with pitchers is to add them to windowsills, mantels, and shelves. You can decorate them with flowers or leave them empty. The key is to create an interesting grouping of similar pitchers or a grouping of various heights and shapes.
The windowsill is a favorite spot for my three similar-shaped, small pitchers. One pitcher is slightly taller and the other two are identical. Their narrow profile allows them to sit on the windowsill safely. I enjoy filling them with seasonal blooms year-round. Below you can see simple tulips, spring daffodils, and Christmas greenery.
A similar display would look lovely on a mantel or open shelf. Arrange pitchers along your mantel or shelf, incorporating other farmhouse-style elements like vintage books, candles, and small framed prints. Vary the heights for a dynamic look.
Creating A Display While Providing Functionality
The vintage pitchers were initially used to serve beverages, milk, and cream. Therefore, when setting your table, include pitchers for their practical purposes. Serve water, lemonade, or iced tea for a farmhouse-inspired tablescape and gathering.
In addition, you can create interesting displays while corralling everyday items for ease of retrieval. I added a few vintage kitchen utensils and rustic silverware to small ironstone pitchers on my open kitchen shelves. The simple single white pitchers are mixed with other vintage items such as breadboard, silver trays, and vintage artwork for a curated, authentic farmhouse style.
Ironstone pitchers are not reserved for the kitchen. I also use these versatile pieces to hold supplies in the bathroom. They are particularly helpful in displaying items that are used daily, such as my makeup brushes, cotton balls, and Q-tips. The small cream pitcher fits easily into the DIY decoupage tray, which helps to corral other easy-to-grab grooming supplies.
Larger pitchers can hold towels, bath clothes, loofahs, and soaps next to the tub or shower.
Final Word – Don’t Look For Perfection
When thrifting for vintage ironstone, be aware that some of the most unique pieces will not be perfect. Many will have discoloration from liquids and other age stains, and some may have hairline cracks or chips. I don’t let this discourage me. Instead, I embrace the imperfections and add them to my collection. A crack or chip can be disguised with proper placement or by filling the pitcher with greenery or flowers.
Don’t become discouraged if you don’t find pieces every time you thrift. Ironstone has become a popular collectible and is becoming harder to find at reasonable prices. If you keep it in the back of your mind, you will find pieces when you least expect to.
Resources: Shop This Post
Lifestyle of Love Blog Hop
Today’s post is part of the Lifestyle of Love blog hop hosted by Cindy at Country Road 407. If you are joining me from Debra at Common Ground, I know you were amazed at her creative vintage milk pitcher styling.
Now it’s time to see more ideas for decorating with pitchers and milk jugs from the Lifestyle of Love blog hop. Hop over and see Lora’s ideas for decorating with old pitchers. Click each link below to follow along.
Great ideas Rachel! Ironstone is such a favorite isnt it🙌🏻
Ann,
Yes! I can’t pass by a deal. LOL
Rachel you have such a great collection of ironstone pitchers. So many great ideas on how to use them and display them in a group or by themselves. I love seeing one used for your make-up brushes. They look so perfect lined on your window sill. Have a lovely Easter Weekend!
Debra,
Thank you and I’m glad you found some inspiration in this article.
What a great post! I love the tips on finding genuine ironstone. And you photos with ideas are beautiful. I love the makeup brush idea and am going to do that today! Thank you for sharing your fabulous pitchers with us. pinned
Cindy,
Thank you for your kind words. I’m glad you found some inspiration in my article.
You’ve got an amazing collection, Rachel. Think I’ve only got 1 little white pitcher and the restaurant ware creamers with stripes. Guess I’m grabbing the colorful pitchers when many others are going for the white;) Glad there’s plenty to go around!
Lora,
Yes, plenty to go around. Thanks for stopping by Lora.
Loved the snowballs and lilacs you have on display. I have the same thing on my counter right now. Isn’t spring wonderful. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Lynne, Thrifting Wonderland
Lynne,
Yes, I just wish they lasted longer. By the time Easter is over, the blooms will be fading on the vine. Thank you for stopping by and Happy Easter.