A Guide to Handmade Mug Shapes: Finding the Right Mug for Your Daily Coffee

There are four core mug shapes in my collection: the Cappuccino, Umina, Garcia and Spiral. Each has its own character, so you can choose one that feels right for you, not just in how it looks, but in how it’s used.

Because while appearance matters, function matters just as much. Every shape is designed with a purpose, from how it sits in your hands to how it holds heat.

For me, handmade pottery is one of the simplest ways to bring a piece of original craftsmanship into everyday life. But it should do more than look good on a shelf. Each mug is made to be used, to feel natural, and to become part of your daily routine without you even thinking about it.

The Cappuccino Mug

This mug has slightly curved walls, a wide base and is much more shallow than the other mugs I make.  It’s purpose is lots of surface area for the froth and chocolate.  The added bonus is that if you like a quick drink, all that surface area means your cuppa is going to cool down quickly.  If you’re the sort of person who risks scolding your lip or mouth because you always go too early on that first sip, then the Cappuccino mug is your match.

The Garcia Mug

This mug has a much taller and thinner profile.  It has a ‘bellied out’ lower portion and as the curve comes back in again it then snakes back outwards creating a wider rim.  The Garcia is shaped to do the opposite of the Cappuccino; its rounded nature holds the heat in.  The widening at the rim as well as giving a pleasing look to the shape also creates a comfortable fit to the lip as you drink. The rim reaches out towards your lip as you bring the mug to it.  If you’re someone who gets distracted and comes back to a cold cup, the Garcia is a good fit.

The Umina Mug

If you like simplicity The Umina is all business. It has straight walls with a simple curve to the base.  These mugs can vary in proportions but I tend to make them slightly taller than the diameter.  The Umina is designed to carry a drink in the most easy way possible.  The long even walls lend themselves to carrying and showcasing glazes that just look good and don’t need anything extra. If you like to keep things simple and avoid all the fuss then The Umina is your match.

The Spiral Mug

If simplicity isn’t your thing then meet the spiral mug.  This mug is thrown with a fairly simple shape but when it’s all finished a spiralled ridge is thrown into the wall.  The lip is always re-rounded after as the process throws it out of shape.  The result is a helix ridge around the mug that maintains the wall thickness.  As there are no thick parts to the wall these ridges are great for holding and making your mug double up as a hand warmer.  The ridges also often causes the glaze run and pool and add interest to the look of the piece.  So if you like interesting glaze effects and/or get cold hands The Spiral Mug is your match.

Ready to find your go-to mug? Explore the full collection and choose the shape that suits your daily routine.