When it comes to antiques that actually serve a function, it's hard to beat vintage enamelware pitchers. Enamelware was extremely popular in the 19th century due to its affordability, durability, and beauty. These pitchers came in all kinds of colors and styles, many of which are still around today. Also known as "graniteware" or "agateware," vintage enamelware often features beautiful stone-like swirls and speckles.
Fair warning: Collecting and using enamelware pitchers is just a little bit addictive, so we're sorry, not sorry in advance if you find yourself buying them at every thrift store and antique shop. These pretty and practical gems, which tend to sell for between $20 and $100, are as useful today as they were a century ago, and we've got tons of ideas for using them in your home.
To make enamelware, manufacturers create an enamel mixture out of superheated quartz, feldspar, metal oxides, water, clay, and other materials. This mixture was then cooled and compressed to eliminate excess water. The resulting product was similar to glass and was ground up and fused to a base material like tin, cast iron, or aluminum.
Classic, Go-With-Everything White Enamel Pitchers
The classic vintage white enamel pitcher is easy to find in many antique shops, and its neutral color goes beautifully in any room. You'll find white enamel gallon pitchers designed to pour water , as well as tiny pitchers made for cream and other condiments. Many feature black details along the rim or handle.
We love using white enamelware to store utensils by the stove. It matches any kitchen and walks the line between modern and farmhouse.
Soft, Subtle Blue Enamel Pitchers
Another traditional color for enamel pitchers was blue. The most common shade is a deep cobalt color, but blue enamel pitchers also came in pale shades like cornflower or baby blue. They can be a lovely pop of color in a kitchen or dining room. Like their white enamel cousins, blue pitchers also come in a range of sizes.
One of our favorite ways to use blue enamelware is in the bathroom. You can show off a collection on the top of medicine cabinets or place them on a counter with a spray of flowers.
Enamelware Pitchers in Vibrant Shades
Enamelware pitchers didn't just come in blue and white. Although these are easily the two most popular colors, you'll see these pitchers in shades like pale yellow, brown, green, orange, red, and other colors. Expand your decor options by finding pitchers in different shades, especially colors that really pop in your decor (think a red pitcher in an all-neutral kitchen).
Unique Splatterware and Graniteware Enamel Pitchers
Not all enamel pitchers are solid-colored, which adds a little dose of randomness and creativity to these pieces. The enamel process lent itself to a variety of different patterns. Splatterware featured large splatters of color on a solid white background. Graniteware had subtler patterns with specks of white on a colored background or specks of color on white. You'll also see swirled patterns and other pretty designs.
Painted or Stenciled Enamel Pitchers to Brighten Any Room
Because enamel pieces weren't very expensive or fancy, they lent themselves to hand-painting and stenciling. Sometimes, people did this themselves as a type of tole painting, and in other situations, they bought the pitchers already painted. You'll find everything from sprays of flowers to geometric patterns to animals or even people.
The quality of the painting on these pitchers can vary a lot, but nice ones tend to sell for prices in the same range or perhaps a little bit higher than solid-colored examples. Expect to spend between $30 and $100 for a painted pitcher.
Enamel Pitcher and Bowl Sets
Many large enamel pitchers are also part of pitcher and bowl sets, often used for washing up. Before the age of indoor plumbing, wash sets were a staple in many bedrooms. Enamelware sets were an affordable alternative to porcelain and china, and you can still find these sets in antique stores today.
These aren't as useful as the pitchers by themselves, but you can still put them in service in mudrooms and laundry rooms for a cute farmhouse touch.
More ModernUses for Vintage Enamel Pitchers
You actually won't believe the number of uses for this vintage kitchen item. These are a few of our faves:
- Use enamelware pitchers in the kitchen to serve condiments and drinks.
- Fill your pitcher with sand or stones and use it as a bookend or doorstop.
- Display cut flowers in your pitcher for a fun country look.
- If your pitcher is in less-than-perfect shape, you can use it as a planter.
- Use a pitcher as a watering can for your plants.
- Serve iced tea or lemonade in an enamel pitcher when you have friends over.
Tips for Buying Enamelware
As you browse for a vintage enamelware pitcher, keep the following tips in mind:
- Carefully examine enamelware pieces for rust. If the outer layer of enamel chips away over time, the underlying surface is vulnerable to corrosion from air and water.
- Examine how the piece is constructed. If the handle is riveted (rather than soldered) to the body of the pitcher, that can indicate that the pitcher is quite old.
- Look for dents. Since many of these pitchers have been used for real kitchen tasks, you'll see signs of wear. This can add to the charm of the piece, but if you're looking for a pitcher in perfect condition, you'll want to thoroughly examine it for dents.
Vintage Pitchers for Modern Farmhouse Style
As useful as they are beautiful, these old pitchers are the rare type of antique that works just as well in the modern home. Keep an eye out for these trusty treasures at flea markets and antique shops so you can find the perfect one (and maybe score a great example to give as a gift, too).
