The butter dish has been a fixture of kitchen tables since the 1800s, and is still just as popular today.
Whether used for their intended function or simply to add to a beautiful ceramics display, there’s a wonderful array of butter dishes on offer that have been designed and created by both heritage and contemporary brands.
What is the purpose of a butter dish?
Butter dishes were created so that diners could have spreadable butter at meal times – fresh out of a cold pantry or the fridge, butter is hard and almost unspreadable.
By keeping it in a dish, the butter stays at room temperature while the cover protects the butter from dust, flies and other elements that cause the butter ‘go off’.
As well as their practical properties, butter dishes are often beautiful, decorative tableware items – think brands like Spode and Burleigh, who offer tableware collections with patterns that can be mixed and matched.
What is the difference between a butter bell and a butter dish?
A butter bell, also commonly known as a butter crock, requires the use of water to protect the butter from the air, in turn keeping it fresher for a longer period of time.
A butter bell has a lid with a tube-like structure attached, where the butter is stored, and the base (or crock) is where water is stored.
Do butter dishes keep butter fresh?
Storing your butter in a dish will protect it from odours and bacteria (and bugs in the summer months).
It is advised that you only store it this way for up to two weeks, but if you choose a dish that can be kept in the fridge and brought out only when needed, it will last longer.
Best butter dishes 2024
Ceramic Butter Dish
- Buy now from The Fine Cheese Co. (£30)
This dish is the perfect addition to any farmhouse table. The ceramic lid has a charming cow-shaped handle and a traditional blue-and-white design covering the sides – a wonderful choice if you’re searching for something timeless.
Mother Nature Butter Dish
- Buy now from Anthropologie (£22)
Drawing inspiration from the mother of all mothers – Nature herself – artist Lou Rota celebrates the beauty and balance found in the natural world in this handcrafted, ceramic butter dish.
Sophie Conran for Portmeirion Butter Dish
- Buy now from John Lewis (£29)
For something simple, this porcelain dish is part of a collection designed by Sophie Conran for Portmeirion. Sticking with a classic design, this dish has a white glazed finish and features a subtle rippled design.
Blue Arden Rectangular Butter Dish
- Buy now from Burleigh (£90)
There are few brands more timeless than Burleigh, and its recognisable Blue Arden collection includes a beautiful butter dish. The blue-and-white floral design covers the entirety of the dish – this will look lovely as part of a few pieces from the same collection or mixed with clashing patterns and colours.
Fortnum’s Provisions Butter Dish
- Buy now from Fortnum & Mason (£86)
If neutral tones are more your bag, Fortnum’s butter dish from its Provisions range might pique your interest. The glazed earthenware dish features a vintage-style illustration inspired by the brand's Stilton jar, and the entire range has been created by artisans in Burleigh’s factory in Middleport.
Rebecca Williams Butter Dish
- Buy now from Toast (£35)
West Sussex-based potter Rebecca Williams has thrown these lovely round butter dishes. A more unique take on the usual dish, the round shape looks seamless paired with the soft matte glaze.
Blue Italian Butter Dish
- Buy now from Spode (£33)
One of the most well-known brands for beautiful blue-and-white tableware, Spode’s Blue Italian butter dish doesn’t disappoint. We particularly love the shape of this one, taking on a longer, narrower form, with the design carefully placed on the dish’s lid and sides.
Black Toast Half a Pound Butter Dish
- Buy now from Emma Bridgewater (£40)
This butter box by Emma Bridgewater oozes vintage charm. The cream earthenware dish is decorated with light-hearted quotes – on the sides it reads ‘Half a Pound of Best Butter’ and on the lid reads ‘Don’t Let The Cat Get The Butter’.
Blue Asiatic Pheasants Butter Dish
- Buy now from Burleigh (£90)
The more subtle colours of this Burleigh butter dish will surely appeal to those with an eye for more of a pared-back style. The pale blue beautifully complements the white base, and the flower and pheasant decoration leaves much to admire.
Peter Bowen Art Butter Dish
- Buy now from Glassette (£52)
This unique handmade butter dish has a speckled yellow glaze and will keep your butter soft, fresh and easily spreadable. A perfect and unique gift for your home.
Luna Bakeware Butter Dish
- Buy now from Anthropologie (£20)
With its colourful floral design and pretty scalloped-edge detail, this dish will make a pretty addition to your kitchenalia. Made from stoneware and carefully hand-painted, it will fit in perfectly with your antique and vintage pieces.
Rick Stein Coves of Cornwall butter dish
- Buy now from John Lewis (£35)
This collection's alluring abstract patterns were designed by the students of Cornwall's Falmouth University in competition. The winning entry was based on Rick Stein's memories of growing up in Cornwall and is loosely based on the legendary coves of north Cornwall.
Hillcrest Butter Dish
- Buy now from Soho Home (£65)
Rustic in appearance and organic in form, this dish has been handcrafted in Italy using Tuscan stoneware. Round in shape with decorative embellishments, it will fit in perfectly with traditional farmhouse interiors.
Glass-Cloche Butter Dish
- Buy now from H&M Home (£14.99)
If you prefer being able to see exactly how much butter is left in your dish, this glass lidded design is a lovely choice. The mango wood base complements the clear glass, offering a balance of traditional and contemporary style.
Le Creuset Stoneware Dish
- Buy now from Le Creuset (£40)
When it comes to classic cookware brands, Le Creuset instantly comes to mind. This stoneware dish comes in 18 different colours, including this attractive heritage green. It’s a hardy option, too – it can be stored in the chillier temperatures of your fridge and popped in the microwave to warm the butter inside.
More content from Homes & Antiques:
- Collecting antique butter moulds
- Pretty dessert bowls for summer puddings
- The history of Spode’s Blue Italian design
- Stylish soup tureens to add to your collection
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