Delftware has been a staple in many Dutch households and while the new generation may think of it as old and stuffy, these classic designs provide a lot more than just a dose of nostalgia for your grandparents’ house! While Delftware was produced by several manufacturers, the most well-known Delft manufacturer, Royal Delft, is still around today and continues to be the leading example of the beauty of Delftware. Keep reading to learn more about Royal Delft and why we love using their pieces in our designs!

Royal Delft history

Back in the 17th century, the Dutch made regular trades with the East which included millions of pieces of porcelain. This porcelain donned gorgeous white and blue designs that were loved by wealthy Europeans. Once the trade deal between the Dutch and Chinese fell through, the people of the Netherlands decided to create their own version of these beloved porcelain pieces resulting in the famous Delftware that we know and love today (if you want to learn more about Delft, check out our blog here!)

*Paris Photographic Plates, circa 1912 as published in “Royal Delft: A Guide to De Porceleyne Fles by Rich Erickson”*

Because the demand for Delftware became so high, manufacturers started popping up one by one. The most famous being Royal Delft (also known as De Porceleyne Fles.) Royal Delft was founded in 1653 in Delft, the Netherlands. The company produced classic Delftware pieces such as plates, artwork, vases, and more. While Royal Delft is most known for their classic blue and white designs, they also produced a wide range of pieces featuring other designs and images. As the demand for Delftware started to slow, many of the once-booming factories closed their doors. But this did not stop Royal Delft. In fact, Royal Delft is the only manufacturer still standing to this day out of the 32 Delft factories that opened during the 17th century. Royal Delft has been able to survive so long because of their ability to adapt to changing trends and demands. As WWII approached in the 1930’s, the market for Delftware decreased. This pushed the company to start producing unique all-white pieces that were coveted for their unique silhouettes (we even have a few vintage Delft white vases that we turned into stunning table lamps!)

Today, Royal Delft still produces their famous pieces ranging from plates to tiles to vases and more. The company is still held in high regard by people across the Netherlands and they even have a close relationship with the Dutch Royal Family!

Why we love Royal Delft

Royal Delft boasts that they are the original Delftware manufacturers and while they may not have been the first, they have certainly earned the top spot in many Delft lovers’ hearts. And for good reason! The craftsmanship that goes into a Royal Delft piece is truly unmatched and one-of-a-kind. The history and legacy of the company has led them to a manufacturing technique that results in high-quality pieces with truly beautiful designs. If you’re looking for a Delft piece that will last a lifetime (and more), you really can’t go wrong with Royal Delft.

Additionally, the variety of designs produced by the company are truly unmatched. While they are most famous for the blue and white design (and that continues to be the main pattern they produce today), the iconic manufacturer has dabbled in many designs and artwork over the past few centuries since their opening. This variety of looks and styles allow for anyone to incorporate a Royal Delft piece in their home no matter what their personal tastes are!

Royal Delft in modern interior design

Although Delftware has a lot of history and can be found in many of your grandparents’ homes, the classic design has never felt more modern for a few reasons!

*One-of-a-Kind Table Lamp* *made from Antique (1912) Delft Vase*

● Color is back–and in a big way! For so long, there was an emphasis on minimalism and stark white homes. We are currently seeing a shift moving away from minimalism as people are starting to liven up their spaces with pops of color and pattern. This shift into a more maximalist mindset has made people gravitate to the popular trends of the past, including Delftware! Particularly coming out of the pandemic, people want to be happy and comforted in their homes which can be achieved through vintage designs that we are used to seeing from our childhood!

● Sustainability in interior design is huge which means there is a large market looking for vintage and upcycled pieces to add to their space. Because Royal Delft has over four centuries of stunning designs to offer, they are the perfect manufacturer to look to when shopping for eco-friendly home decor! Sustainability and the drive to share these beautiful designs are a main priority for us as we upcycle vintage Delft vases into unique table lamps!

● In addition to being sustainable, there is also a demand for hand-crafted pieces that stand the test of time. People are sick of home decor that is machine-made and mass-produced. They are looking for pieces that feel unique and can move with them no matter where life takes them. Royal Delft pieces have such a long history and almost bring a story to your home when you incorporate them into your space.

Royal Delft continues to be such an inspiration for us and many other interior designers and home decor manufacturers around the world. If you’re interested in seeing more from Royal Delft, check out our line of table lamps featuring antique and vintage Royal Delft vases!

see all antique and vintage Royal Delft table lamps