Decorating with Vintage Crocks in a Cozy Kitchen

Have you ever bought something with every intention of reselling it, and then decided to keep it instead?

That’s exactly what happened with this crock collection. I picked them up to resell, but somehow they’ve made their way into our kitchen… and for now, I’m not letting them go.

The thing is, I already collect ironstone bowls, and I have them displayed on top of my cupboards as both decor and extra storage. These crocks are from the same time period, and just like the bowls, they have that same sturdy, utilitarian feel I love.

They are chunky, hardworking pieces that were meant to be used every day, and somehow still look amazing sitting out on display.

For now, I couldn’t resist turning this little collection into something useful.

Instead of storing them away, I decided to use them as part of our everyday kitchen decor, simple, practical, and right out in the open.

Why Vintage Crocks Work So Well

A vintage crock is a statement piece no matter how you use it. It naturally becomes the center of any vignette without much effort. Because of that, they are very easy to decorate with and can be styled in a way that feels simple, useful, and right at home in the kitchen.

A Few Things to Know Before You Start

My only caution with ironstone crocks is that they can be more than 100 years old. They are heavy and strong, but they are still old, and I would not risk letting them get too cold.

When I was bringing a batch of auction finds home from Saskatchewan in the middle of winter, I made sure they stayed warm the entire drive. One large crock sat wrapped in a blanket at my feet, and a smaller one stayed on my lap.

Crock lids are also much harder to find, especially ones that still fit properly. Over the years many were broken, chipped, or simply lost, so finding one with its original lid is always a bonus.

Ironstone is very dense, and while it is strong, it does not handle sudden temperature changes very well. If it gets too cold and then warms up too quickly, it can crack. After seeing how old these pieces are, it just makes sense to take a little extra care.

A Crock That Gets Used Every Day

One of my favorites is a smaller crock with a lid. It holds about one and a half gallons and is quite rare to find with the original lid still intact. We keep it right on the counter where it looks pretty, and my husband uses it for sauerkraut.

Every now and then, I tuck a few treats inside it, but my family would never think to check there. They know that crock is special to me… and that lid is rare.

A Larger Crock That Solves a Problem

I also have a large ten-gallon crock with a few chips on the lid and those amazing old handles still attached. I use it to hide a bag of dog food that was cluttering up my pantry.

It sits out on its own and looks beautiful just as it is. It makes a statement just like that.

A Simple Display with a Bit of History

Then there is this five-gallon showpiece in pristine condition. I keep a few extra tea towels tucked inside it.

Beside it sits a vintage cabbage slicer that would have been used to make sauerkraut years ago. Because the crock is a bit shorter, I have it set up on a small vintage stool so it stands out a little more.

Using a Crock for Everyday Kitchen Tools

The last crock I use is for holding utensils. It is a two-gallon with no lid, but it has a Medalta stamp on the front, which is a bit of a holy grail for ironstone crocks up here.

I keep my everyday utensils in it, and decorate the side with a vintage butter paddle and a folded tea towel.

If you ever find one without a lid, you can simply lay or tie a linen tea towel over the top. I have used a vintage flour sack, and that is exactly how they would have covered them when the lids broke years ago.

This little crock is one of the more inexpensive ones in my collection because it does not have a stamped label. It is likely quite old, but without a mark, it is hard to know exactly who made it or when.

That also makes it about half the price, and every bit as pretty. Not every crock needs to be a rare or more expensive piece to be useful. The simpler ones are often easier to find, more affordable, and just as lovely to use in everyday decorating.

Where to Find Vintage Crocks

Finding vintage crocks like these is not always as simple as stopping by a thrift store or garage sale. While you might get lucky, most of the best pieces are not showing up there anymore.

I have had the most success finding crocks at estate auctions, especially in smaller towns. Farm sales and older estate clear-outs are where these pieces tend to surface.

You can sometimes find them in antique stores, but they tend to be priced higher.

I avoid buying crocks online from places like Etsy. They are heavy and fragile, and shipping is not a good combination for pieces this old.

A Little History Behind These Pieces

Many of my crocks are from Medalta, an Alberta pottery company known for making sturdy, everyday stoneware. If you enjoy learning about these pieces, it is worth taking a look at their history and the pottery they produced.

You will also find many beautiful crocks made by American pottery companies. Pieces from companies like Western Stoneware are well known for their quality and classic designs.

I hope this post has given you a few simple ideas and a bit of inspiration for using vintage crocks in your own kitchen.