Clay Objects: How to Use Them for Home Decoration

Pottery, in some way, is always present in our homes, whether that be through earthenware, small ornaments, or more elaborate utensils. If this handmade style attracts your attention, then take note of some tricks to include it in your home decor.

Pottery, potter’s wheel modeling, or simply clay objects; whichever way you call them, these handcrafted clay objects have been part of the home for centuries. The nature of the raw material is the main attraction for those who enjoy the practical style of clay.

In all its presentations, this material stands out for its functionality to manufacture kitchen implements, gardening tools, and countless other ornamental pieces, which have a place both indoors and outdoors.

Even in the most modern homes, it’s possible to find some clay, as there are countless interesting ways to incorporate it into your interior design and decor. We’ll tell you how in this article!

Clay objects as decorative elements

The practicality of clay objects goes hand in hand with their aesthetic qualities. Even though this is a rustic component in its origin, it’s the art of hand modeling that gives it such a refined character.

Contrary to what some people tend to believe, the versatility of clay distances it from the concept of antiquity associated with its roots. On this point, the Spanish text Ideas y Tendencias Interiores magazine tells us that the use of clay since ancient times gives it sophistication and elegance marked by the following aspects:

• Tradition: Clay designs have been passed down through generations of potters and creatives.
• Innovation: This is because it adapts to changing times and user demands.
• Essence: It’s not completely detached from its historical context and takes advantage of it to exploit the worker’s experience, skills, and excellence while preserving the commitment to the communities dedicated to this work.

Types of terracotta clay objects for decoration

Clay goes through several transformations until it becomes decorative and functional works. In this case, we’re talking about sifting, kneading, modeling, and baking, along with other processes.

An Architectural Digest publication highlights the modernity of the material, pointing out its proximity between plastic arts and handmade and experimental designs.

The characteristics or final appearance of clay are accentuated with the type of firing applied. Let’s take a look at what options exist when it comes to finishing a product:

• Ceramics: As mentioned by the Graduate School of Arts, Crafts, and Trades, ceramics serve to obtain durable and functional products, encouraging the potter’s creative capacity.
• Polychrome: After mixing and firing, this clay is multicolored. It’s popular in the creation of sculptures with images of biblical scenes, candlesticks, vessels, and folkloric pieces.
• Glazed: The glazed appearance – similar to glass – is what gives this category its name. The piece goes through a double-burning phase for this to both fire and polish it. This clay is often used in the manufacture of tableware.
• Alisado: This is the simplest design of them all, although it stands out for its beauty. In fact, the Sistema de Información Cultural México comments that it’s usually used to make miniature figures, pitchers, pots, and any number of decorative pieces.
• Burnished: This shows brightness after working it with a stone or wood burnisher. It achieves a waterproof texture and a succulent finish. The Casa de las Artesanías de Tlaxcala specifies says that it has the particularities of burnished clay with its reddish tone and the engravings made with incisions and superficial scratches.

How to introduce clay objects into your home decor

The inclusion of clay objects in home embellishment is possible with a variety of crafts. Likewise, the japandi style is a way to make way for clay sculptures and utilitarian items in the home. Discover the options here!

Clay planters

They are often made with terracotta in a raw face presentation. They look great in gardens, because they withstand high temperatures and humidity; when used indoors, they don’t lose elegance and highlight the beauty of the plants.

They usually have holes in the base to drain the hydration of the plant. In addition, you can find them in an infinite number of models and sizes.

Clay jars

Vases or jars are famous and highly demanded pieces. The design is oval, with a narrower mouth and base than the middle area. They can adorn the room or serve to dispense water.

There are also jars that owe their name to their large dimensions. There are the spout jars, striking for the shape of the mouth, and also the personalized jars, according to the criteria of the artisan or the client.

Clay kitchen utensils

The kitchen is one of the rooms with ample possibilities for clay utensils, both for decoration and for the tasks of the area. Clay pots are extraordinary cauldrons.

Crockery and casseroles made with this material provide originality through shapes, patterns, and textures. It’s always a good idea to have a clay pot on the counter. In addition to looking beautiful, these utensils influence the “botijo effect” – that is to say, the conservation of cold water.

The cups and glasses also make for decorative elements on your shelves, especially when they’re decorated with drawings or maintaining the original tone. And that’s not to mention how practical they can be!

Clay ashtrays and coasters

As common as they are practical, these objects in any type of terracotta are useful and ornamental resources. At the same time that they protect surfaces from stains and residues, they can integrate seamlessly into the decoration of the house.

Clay lamps

The combination of clay with other materials is a way to decorate the house. Usually, with this mass, they mold round, square, or picturesque shaped bases that elevate the beauty of a lamp and give an extra touch to the lighting on bedside tables or foyer furniture.

A chance to go natural with clay objects

National Geographic reports that the annual production of waste in the world ranges between 7 million and 10 million tons. For its part, Greenpeace promotes the consumption of handmade products with traditional designs as part of our responsibility to the natural environment and society.

When you choose pieces made of clay, you contribute to the planet’s health and your own, because clay is manufactured with a reduced impact on environmental pollution. So, are you going to give clay decor a try?