If you follow interior trends even a little, you’ll know that ceramics in the home are (still) popular. But what does the word actually mean? Read on and learn more about the many facets of fired clay.
Ceramics, ceramics, ceramics. This versatile stoneware seems to be everywhere and in every home these days. But what exactly is ceramics? We’ll shed a little light on that here.
Ceramics is, in fact, a collective term for items made from fired clay. These can include teapots or vases, for example. The term ‘ceramics’ encompasses porcelain, earthenware and stoneware, and can therefore take on many different forms.
The process of making ceramics involves first shaping the material. Next, it must be left to dry and then fired so that it retains its shape. The clay is fired at very high temperatures. Afterwards, the ceramic can be glazed and fired once more, resulting in a durable piece of craftsmanship that can withstand a fair bit of wear and tear.
Ceramics in Denmark
In Denmark, we have a proud tradition of ceramics. In recent years in particular, ceramics have once again come into the spotlight. A lot of ceramics are handmade, which means that no two pieces are alike. Ceramics is an organic material, and so the products will always vary slightly. However, that is precisely what makes it completely unique.
One of the great Danish ceramicists was Eva Stæhr-Nielsen. She died in 1976, but managed to leave a significant mark on Danish design history with her unique works and their distinctive style. You can buy her beautiful ceramics right here.
In several places across Denmark, it’s now possible for anyone and everyone to sit down at the potter’s wheel and try their hand at the art of ceramics. If you’re not into DIY projects, however, you often won’t have to go very far before you come across a shop selling these popular interior pieces.
A major trend
In recent years, ceramics have become extremely popular as accessories that personalise the home. Second-hand ceramics, homemade ceramics and handmade ceramics have all become incredibly popular. Ceramics come in many forms, so it’s easy to find something that suits your exact taste and your home.
In the past, raw, unglazed ceramics were all the rage, but today it is glazed ceramics that are increasingly finding their way into Danish homes. Ceramics look lovely arranged in small still lifes on the coffee table or chest of drawers in your home. It’s also a great idea to combine your ceramic finds with, for example, coloured glass, which, together with ceramics, is one of the biggest trends right now.
Take care of your ceramics
A lot of ceramics can actually go in the dishwasher, as the glaze makes them water-resistant. However, it’s important that the ceramics have enough space around them in the machine to avoid chipping your beautiful pieces.
Consider which programme you use, as programmes with large temperature fluctuations can potentially damage the glaze. Always remember to check the instructions for the specific product before putting it in the dishwasher.
