Vintage Stoneware Crock Decor Ideas: Charming Farmhouse Style

If you want to infuse your home with unique character and a touch of curated, timeless style, consider adding Vintage Stoneware Crocks to your thrifting list. Because they are so versatile, I’m constantly adding more to my collection. I like to group them for a rustic vignette and display them individually throughout the farmhouse. Sometimes referred to as pickling jars, these charming vintage pieces are not just kitchen collectibles. They can be transformed into stunning decorative elements, from showcasing florals and greenery to rustic storage solutions. As I share my collected pieces, I’ll teach you ways to decorate with these timeless vintage crocks.

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What To Look For When Thrifting For Stoneware Crocks

First, original stoneware crocks were imported to America from Europe during the 17th & 18th centuries. Early American production of pottery began around 1720. The 1900s saw a boom in pottery production; the rest is history. While the need for food preservation has faded, collecting these stoneware pieces is rising. Because they are so durable, many authentic antiques can be found and cherished. At the same time, you should be aware of reproductions. Here are a few things to look for.

• Maker’s Marks and Stamps – Look for impressed or stamped marks on the sides or bottom of the crock. You may need to research to identify capacity markings and maker’s marks. I used Google Lens search to find the value of this thrift store crock. $3.49 was a great deal.

• Patina – many vintage crocks will show signs of stain and age.
• Weight – Authentic crocks will be heavy and have thick sides.
• Glaze—Salt glaze is a common finish for old stoneware crocks. The bumpy surface of salt glaze can be felt and seen. The most common colors were grey and brown. Some will feature folk art designs.
• Condition – Many crocks will have hairline cracks or chips. This doesn’t bother me, but if you are concerned with value, look for those without as many imperfections.
• Lids—Finding a piece with the original lid is a rarity. Unlike the thick construction of the crocks, many lids were more fragile and haven’t survived the test of time.

How To Decorate With Vintage Stoneware Crocks

I’ve been collecting vintage stoneware crocks for several years, and some of my favorite finds are the smaller ones. I like to use them grouped for fun vignettes on cabinet tops and open shelves. Here are some of the most common uses for Vintage Stoneware Crocks.

• Decorative Storage
  • Kitchen Utensils—Store utensils on your countertops for ease of use or make a display that includes vintage utensils for decorative purposes.
  • Pantry Storage – Help organize your pantry with old crocks
  • Bathroom Storage – add linens and towels to larger crocks while smaller ones can hold makeup brushes, soaps and other toiletries.
  • Office Supplies – small crocks are great for storing pens and pencils.
• Home Decor
  • Planters and Vases – Crocks are great for holding flowers and greenery to help decorate your home and porches.
  • Decorative Accents – the rustic texture old stoneware makes these collectable containers perfect for adding a decorative touch without any extra adornment.
  • Displaying Seasonal Decor – fill your crocks with greenery and trees for Christmas. Add pumpkins or corn stalks for fall, fresh flowers for spring and summer. They can be displayed year round.

Decorate with Crocks on Top of Cabinets and Countertops

They also provide a clean, simplistic style when displayed on top of my kitchen cabinets. I only added a few pieces of greenery and some vintage utensils while leaving the remaining crocks empty. For a more rustic cabinet top display, several crocks are grouped with vintage kitchen utensils and copper. If you’d like to see more options for decorating above kitchen cabinets you can read this article.

I also like grouping them into vintage vignettes on my hutch. The little brown jug may have stored moonshine or homemade wine back in the day, while the large crocks stored dry goods or fermented veggies. Now, they look stylish with dried hydrangeas and architectural elements.

I recently purchased a vintage pickling crock with a lid. I was so excited to find this treasured piece. The size is perfect for my kitchen countertops and makes a great vase for fresh greenery.

Use Vintage Crocks For Decorative Storage

Many of my crocks are filled with vintage treasures such as old rolling pins and vintage utensils. The size is idea for storing seldom used but often displayed vintage treasures.

You can also add a crock to your bathroom. They are great for storing extra towels, soaps, and other toiletries.

Decorate With Plants & Flowers

One of my favorite ways to decorate with crocks is to use them as planters or vases. They are easy to add to any vignette, such as this open shelf display. The striped crock holds a faux basil plant and is mixed with a vintage silver tray, an antique citrus press, and DIY vintage art.

This larger crock holds a bouquet of dried hydrangeas that I saved from an outdoor arrangement last summer. I elevated the arrangement in our primary bedroom using a child chair.

Another crock holds a faux basket of lavender next to our chippy church pew. These large crocks also work well with live plants, both inside and outdoors, on porches and patios.

Porch Decorating with Vintage Crocks

Vintage crocks can withstand the outdoor weather, making them perfect for adding a vintage touch to porches. Two jugs are nestled next to a large planter with a metal architectural piece for a warm porch vignette.

Seasonal Decorating With Stoneware Crocks

My stoneware crocks are almost always on display during the holidays. When holding mini Christmas trees and greenery, they provide a rustic and charming holiday style.

But they are not limited to Christmas! See more inspiration for fall and spring below.

Mini-Crocks

I have these three mini crocks and have no idea what they were used for. I’m guessing they stored medicine or salves back in the day. Regardless, I enjoy adding them to shelves and other vignette gathering spots.

I hope you enjoy learning more about vintage stoneware crocks and how to decorate with them. Now it’s time to see what the rest of the ladies have been up to this month.

Thrifting with the Gals

Today’s post is part of our monthly series, Thrifting with the Gals. If you are new to our series, we are friends who share a love for vintage and thrifted decorating. We all live in different parts of the country, but we come together once a month to share thrift store shopping ideas and tips on decorating with your treasures.

Here are the Gals:

• Ann from Dabbling and Decorating finds her treasures as she travels between Vermont and Maine. She decorates both homes with so many vintage treasures.
• Robyn from Robyn’s French Nest loves to travel and bring her vintage treasure to her lovely Florida Home.
• Lora from Lora Bloomquist Create and Ponder is thrifting and picking up amazing roadside finds to decorate her home in Minnesota.
• I am from North Carolina and love filling my farmhouse and beach cottage with thrift store finds. I focus on budget-friendly decorating and DIY projects.

Robyn’s Patriotic Decorating Ideas For Summer Under $5.00 / Lora’s – Thrifty Plate Rack Decor Ideas / Ann’s- Things I’ll Never Thrift Again.