If you’ve fallen in love with Emma Bridgewater pottery, you’re probably building a collection that brings joy to your morning coffee or afternoon tea. But as any collector knows, mugs can be surprisingly fragile—especially when stored in crowded cupboards or stacked without care. Chipped rims, scratched patterns, and broken handles are all too common, but they are entirely preventable with the right storage approach.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to store your Emma Bridgewater mug collection to keep every piece looking as beautiful as the day you brought it home. Whether you have a handful of favourites or a full wall display, these tips will help you protect your pottery for years to come.
Why Mugs Chip and How to Prevent It
Most chipping happens during everyday handling: when mugs knock against each other in a drawer, when they are stacked without protection, or when they are placed too close to harder materials like metal or stoneware. Emma Bridgewater mugs are made from fine earthenware, which is durable but not indestructible. The painted patterns and glossy glaze are susceptible to scratching if mugs rub together repeatedly.
To prevent chipping, always separate mugs with a soft barrier when stacking. Felt or silicone mug pads work well, but even a clean tea towel placed between layers can reduce friction. Avoid stacking more than three mugs high, as the weight of the upper mugs increases pressure on the lower rims. For daily-use mugs, consider storing them in a single layer on a shelf or in a shallow drawer.
- Use felt or silicone pads between stacked mugs.
- Never stack more than three mugs high.
- Keep mugs away from metal utensils or hard ceramic items.
Best Storage Solutions for Your Collection
For collectors with a growing number of mugs, dedicated storage is a game-changer. A sturdy mug tree or wall-mounted rack keeps mugs visible and accessible while preventing contact. If you prefer cupboard storage, choose a shelf with enough height to accommodate mugs without stacking—this is the safest option. For those who love to display their collection, open shelving allows you to enjoy the patterns while keeping each mug separate.
If you have limited space, consider using a shallow drawer with dividers. This keeps mugs upright and prevents them from tipping over. For seasonal or special occasion mugs, wrap each one individually in acid-free tissue paper before storing in a box. Avoid newspaper, as the ink can transfer onto the glaze. For larger collections, a dedicated storage tin or caddy can be both practical and decorative.
- Mug trees and wall racks keep mugs separate and visible.
- Open shelving allows you to enjoy patterns while preventing contact.
- Wrap seasonal mugs in acid-free tissue paper for long-term storage.
How to Handle and Clean Mugs to Avoid Damage
Even the best storage won’t help if you handle your mugs carelessly. Always hold a mug by the handle, not the rim, when lifting or putting it away. When washing, avoid stacking mugs in the sink or dishwasher basket—place them side by side. Hand washing is gentler on the glaze and patterns, but if you use a dishwasher, choose a gentle cycle and avoid high heat drying, which can cause thermal stress.
Before storing mugs, ensure they are completely dry. Moisture trapped between stacked mugs can lead to mould or mildew, and can also weaken the glaze over time. For mugs with metallic accents or personalised details, hand washing is strongly recommended to preserve the finish. Regular inspection of your collection will help you spot any early signs of wear before they become bigger problems.
- Always hold mugs by the handle, not the rim.
- Dry mugs thoroughly before storing to prevent moisture damage.
- Hand wash personalised or metallic-accent mugs to protect the finish.
Displaying Your Collection Safely
Many collectors love to display their Emma Bridgewater mugs as part of their kitchen decor. Open shelves, glass-front cabinets, or wall-mounted racks are all excellent choices. When arranging mugs on a shelf, leave at least a finger’s width of space between each mug to prevent accidental knocking. If you have a large collection, consider rotating mugs seasonally to reduce wear on any single piece.
For a cohesive look, group mugs by colour, pattern, or theme. A row of floral mugs next to a set of polka dot designs creates a cheerful vignette. You can also use small risers or tiered stands to create visual interest while keeping mugs separate. Avoid placing mugs near heat sources like ovens or radiators, as sudden temperature changes can cause cracking.
- Leave space between mugs on shelves to prevent knocking.
- Rotate displayed mugs to distribute wear evenly.
- Keep mugs away from heat sources to avoid thermal stress.
Special Considerations for Seconds and Personalised Mugs
Emma Bridgewater’s Seconds range offers beautiful pottery at a reduced price, often with minor imperfections that don’t affect functionality. However, these pieces may have slightly thinner glaze or small surface irregularities, making them a bit more susceptible to chipping. Store seconds mugs with extra care—use individual padding and avoid stacking them at all if possible.
Personalised mugs, such as the Personalised Black Hearts Small Mug, are treasured keepsakes that deserve special treatment. The personalised lettering is fired into the glaze, but the area around the text can be slightly raised, which may increase friction against other mugs. Store personalised mugs separately or with a soft cloth barrier. For mugs with sentimental value, consider a dedicated display shelf where they can be admired without risk.
Personalised Black Hearts Small Mug
- Store seconds mugs with extra padding to protect thinner glaze.
- Keep personalised mugs separate to avoid rubbing on raised lettering.
- Use a dedicated display shelf for treasured keepsakes.
Storing your Emma Bridgewater mug collection doesn’t have to be a challenge. With a few simple habits—using soft barriers, avoiding tall stacks, and choosing the right storage solutions—you can keep every mug chip-free and ready for your next cup of tea. Whether you’re building a daily rotation or a display of your favourite patterns, these tips will help your collection stay beautiful for years. Explore the full range of mugs and storage accessories at Emma Bridgewater to find the perfect pieces for your home.
