Our sustainably made ceramics are built to stand the test of time, but we understand that sometimes you may want to refresh, or completely change, your collection. An important consideration is how to repurpose the things we decide we no longer need or may be showing some wear and tear, and we have lots of sustainable ideas to make sure your ceramics don't get thrown away.
01. Donation to Shelter.
If you have ceramic pieces that are in good condition but they no longer have a purpose in your home, a great first option is to donate these items to your local charity shop. We have partnered with Shelter in our 'Relove with Shelter' campaign to encourage those who have unwanted or un-needed tableware to donate it to their local Shelter charity shop (or via their handy postal service). As well as preventing these old homewares from ending up in landfill, it means pre-loved items will be sold on to be loved by a new owner and raise important funds for Shelter in the process. Before you donate, check your items over for damage: a good way to test for cracks is to gently tap the item with a metal object and if it makes a ringing sound then it is unlikely to be cracked; a dull sound probably means there is a crack or damage that you may not be able to see.
Find out how to donate here
02. Donation to local community groups.
Another option for any ceramics that are in good condition is donation to a local community group. This might be something you have supported in the past or a group that is trying to raise funds for a particular good cause. Think toddler groups, scout troops, care homes, reading groups, community cafes etc - mugs, bowls and plates are always in demand at meetings and fund raising events, so you can make sure your decluttered items are put to good use.
03. Repurpose around the home.
You may have decided that a piece is no longer suitable for the kitchen or dining room, but have you considered repurposing your ceramics elsewhere in the home? A mug makes a great pen holder on your desk, or toothbrush holder in the bathroom; a bowl will look great planted up with bulbs for spring or as a plant pot; a plate can be used for mixing paints or crafts with the kids. And since you are not using it for food and drink, chipped items are fine to be repurposed in this way.
04. Repurpose in the garden.
As with repurposing ceramics in the home, your Denby can also be put to good use in the garden: mugs and bowls make great plant pots, and large jugs can be used instead of a watering can on balconies and patios. Or get really creative with a teapot and create a waterfeature or birdfeeder! If your pieces are too damaged to repurpose in this way, why not break them up to help with drainage at the bottom of planters to help keep your patio plants in great condition.
05. Pre-loved marketplaces.
A Denby piece you are considering throwing away may be something that is highly sought after by someone else - it could be something they need to complete a collection or replace a broken piece in a much-loved set. Marketplaces for pre-loved items are a great way to advertise your unwanted ceramics and give you something back to invest in a new collection. Whenever you are selling pre-loved items it is always a good idea to describe any flaws or damage on a piece to save any surprises when a buyer receives their purchase.
We'd love to see your ideas of how you have repurposed your Denby - share them with us on Instagram using #DenbyReloved #DenbyxShelter to be featured on our feed.