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Decorating Ideas for Vintage Crocks

By Rachel

published 03/22/2024

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Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Rachel Granholm

Earthy, simple, and natural, crocks are timeless decor pieces!

Do you have a collection of vintage crocks gathering dust in your attic or basement? Or maybe you’ve stumbled upon these timeless pieces at a thrift store and can’t resist their charm. Well, it’s time to dust them off and bring them back to life with creative decorating ideas for vintage crocks!

Table of Contents

The Vintage Charm of Crocks

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a novice looking to add some vintage flair to your home, this article will guide you through unique ways to repurpose and display your beloved crocks.

From rustic farmhouse accents to modern chic statement pieces, get ready to be inspired and unleash your inner decorator. Let’s dive into the world of decorating with vintage crocks and discover the endless possibilities they hold for seasonal decorating!

Shop Crocks

Brief History of Crocks

Crocks were popular from the 1700’s-1900’sThey were used as a kitchen staple before the invention of the refrigerator to hold butter, salted meats, and pickled vegetables.

Older crocks were made of rich clay deposits, or stoneware, which was a sturdy and economical ceramic that remained water tight. They came in all shapes and sizes, from pint sized jugs all the way up to thirty gallons!

Crocks were used for things such as making pickles, turning cabbage into sauerkraut, making fruit preserves, or brining meats. Many of these processes helped people survive the long winters when there were no gardens producing their food.

How to Identify Vintage Crocks

Crocks are popular with antique collectors today and are fun to look for. Here are some things to remember when hunting for crocks to be sure that you are buying an actual antique or vintage piece:

A shiny, almost glass-like surface with visible bumps, meaning the crock was salt-glazed.
Simple decorations which are hand painted on the surface rather than stamped and appear to be underneath the glaze.
Hand-drawn or stenciled numbers or letters.
A thick wall.
A patina looking surface, meaning dull spots and/or dark areas.

Value of Vintage Crocks

The value of crocks is dependent on many factors, including the manufacturer and what design is present on the surface. Below are some things to look for when seeking out antique crocks.

Manufacturer

Nearly every city had a stoneware crock manufacturer. So, due to that, you will find an abundance of makers as you are browsing antique stores.

More often than not, crocks will have a makers mark somewhere near the bottom or side of the piece. Redwing is the most popular brand of crock so they will fetch a higher price and is marked with a single red wing.

Condition

The condition of the crock is also important to it’s value. If there are chips, cracks, or extreme wear, it will bring the value down significantly.

Sometimes you will see crazing, which is a crackled appearance on the surface of the crock. But, that is actually helpful because it can date the crock and, in most cases, you will know that it is authentic by the crazing marks.

Also, many crocks came with lids. If the crock still has it’s original lid, that will lead to a much higher value. The one below I found at an antique store years ago for $30.00…it holds Tilly’s dog treats!

Size

Crocks are useful and collectible in any size. But, the larger ones tend to fetch a higher value, mainly because large crocks are rarer than small ones.

Design

Some of the cobalt designs on crocks are very detailed and beautiful. Usually, the more blue you see, the more you can expect to pay.

Decorating Ideas for Vintage Crocks

Crocks are practical and ageless, making for simple uses in your home. Here are some ways that you can incorporate crocks into your space:

use it as a vase and put a big stem of pussy willows or large faux greenery in it
as a caddy for kitchen utensils, such as wooden spoons next to the stove
put firewood or kindling in a large one next to the fireplace
a collection spot for dog toys!
as shoe storage in the entryway
a place for holding extra toilet paper or rolled up towels in the bathroom
use as a flower pot on the patio or front step…they make great vessels to hold a large fern!

Closing Tidbits for Decorating Ideas for Vintage Crocks

Vintage crocks are not just functional kitchen utensils but also charming pieces of decor that can add character and warmth to any space.

From displaying them on a mantel to using them as planters or even creating a beautiful centerpiece, the possibilities are endless. As the saying goes, “old is gold” and in the case of vintage crocks, it couldn’t be more true.

Be encouraged to add some vintage charm to your home with these decorating ideas for vintage crocks, finding joy along the way.

Leave me a comment! Do you like to decorate with vintage crocks? I love hearing from you!

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