Ikea's New $4 'Artisanal' Dishware Looks Like High-End Pottery

My family recently moved into a home that's still half under renovation, which has had me stopping at Ikea quite a bit recently for stop-gap measures while things like bathroom cabinetry or window coverings get installed. These trips are meant to be quick in-and-outs, but I'm only human: every time I step into the blue-and-yellow palace, I wander—and I've found myself lingering in the dinnerware section of the market hall every time I go.

I am, admittedly, biased: I'm a dishware obsessive. But something very interesting is happening in that section of the store! The homeware retail giant has always been known for sturdy, dishwasher-safe plates at prices that can set a table for not a ton of money, but lately the designs in this department have started to look like something out of a potter's studio or antique shop—in a very good way. Here's some of my favourites from their latest winter and spring releases.

For the pottery collectors: Gladelig

If you've ever admired a set of bowls or plates with an artisanal quality to the glaze—multihued, almost painted-on—then chances are you've been looking at reactive glaze ware. A longstanding technique in ceramics, this look is often employed in upscale everyday dinnerware at brands such as Crate and Barrel or Williams Sonoma, often with the price tag to match. Ikea's runaway hit, the Gladelig series, has similar pieces in a striking brown-blue that cost as little as $4 for a side bowl, and includes pieces such as bakeware, jugs, and teapots in the lineup.

Gladelig Pitcher, $16

For the vintage dish-hunters: Havsgädda

Vintage-heads will love the depression glass look of these pretty pink bowls and plates—which also happen to be on sale right now. At $1.50 to $3 per piece, they're a steal, and according to reviews far sturdier than they look.

Havsgädda Cereal Bowl, $4

For the trendy table setters: Silversida

With nods to retro camping gear and vintage English enamel, splatterware has come in and out of fashion in dishware over the decades—and as of late has definitely been in, with brands from Crow Canyon to Ralph Lauren making their own versions of this cheerful design. Ikea's Silversida series lightens things up with more white space between the splatters of blue paint, keeping the focus on what's being put on the plate over the pattern itself. The serving bowls and mugs in this collection are especially beautiful, and what I'd be picking up for myself if I weren't still unpacking kitchenware from my own move.

Silversida Coffee Mug, $4

For the table refresh: Pelarkaktus

Every time I visited these past couple of months, this brand new shade of deep, glossy cactus green had only a couple of plates left in the store. It's been popular!

Pelarkaktus Dinner Plate, $5

For the retro-obsessed: OFTAST

If Martha Stewart's enviable jadeite collection started you on your own milk green glass journey, you'll want to take a look at this retro offering in Ikea's Oftast series. Just look at the graphic green dots on those pasta bowls!

Oftast Pasta Bowl, $2

For the home cook: VARDAGEN Dutch Oven, $56

I've been curious about Ikea's version of a cast iron Dutch oven ever since their earlier Senior model impressed us with its performance over other kitchenware brands a few years ago. This petrol blue enamelled version under the Vardagen has earned rave reviews and is basically impossible to find in Canada—unless you live in Calgary or downtown Toronto.

Ikea dishware is currently 20 per cent off for Friends and Family members until February 22.