Upgrade your tea break with these cool cups and perfect pots

Make your tea or coffee break feel a little more special with these cups, teapots and coffee pots.

Things are a little different when WFH: our commute is a thing of the past, and there’s no co-workers to chat to about our weekend, but you can be sure we’re still enjoying our morning tea or coffee break.

There’s something wonderful about this little ritual. Of course, it provides us with an energy boost in the form of caffeine, but the way it forces us to stop working for a few minutes and wait for a kettle to boil, tea to steep or coffee to brew provides a few moments to relax (for those of us not home-schooling children, anyway).

Why not elevate your morning ritual a little with a new mug to enjoy your favourite brew from, or a gorgeous pot so you can make enough for your partner, or housemates.

Mugs

Even the most hurriedly-made basic cup of tea or coffee will feel just that little bit nicer in a great mug, so choose one that you truly love.

Perfect for people who prefer a generously sized mug, this minimalist design from 9 Yard Ceramic in Dublin has a beautifully balanced shape that makes this more interesting than your average mug. The hand-thrown clay is left unglazed on the outside giving it a tactile finish. Stoneware mug, €26, Irish Design Shop.

If there’s always two of you at teatime, why not get matching teacups to elevate your break a little? This glass pair have a vintage vibe, and with matching saucers, there’s even somewhere to perch a biscuit on the side. Tila set of two ribbed glass teacups and saucers, €30, Oliver Bonas.

I love the rich, multi-toned green of this mug, and its shape is elegant without being precious, a perfect everyday cup. Green earthenware mug, €7.99, Zara Home.

If espresso is more your vibe, then go for something suitably sized, like this cute set of espresso pots from Arran St East. Available in a range of colours, all that’s left to do is decide whether you want to drink out of the ‘in’ or ‘out’ cup on any given day. Set of two espresso pots, €35, Arran St East.

If you’re reluctant to spend money on a nice mug because you’re, as Monica from Friends would say, “a dropper”, then this gorgeous speckled design is the one for you. Made from almost indestructible enamel, it’s impervious to the odd knock off the table. Hay sprinkle enamel mug, £11, Maven.

Loose tea enthusiasts will know that it can be annoying to brew a whole pot for just one person, so this clever design makes it easy to just make one cup. You can then simply lift the filter out and your mug of tea is ready to enjoy. Unimug One Cup Tea Infuser, €17.95, Article.

Maybe your perfect mug has a fun design on it, and if so let me direct you to this one from Clare V.’s collaboration with Anthropologie. Each one is handcrafted and handpainted, and will add a quirky touch to your morning brew. Clare V. Maisonette mug, €16, Anthropologie.

Teapots

As a tea enthusiast, I don’t believe in just making one cup of tea (why have one cup of tea when you could have two?), so a teapot is an everyday item for me. There are a huge range of styles to choose from, so don’t think I’m talking about that stainless steel one your mum swears by.

Inspired by a Japanese design, this beautiful teapot has a no-drip spout and a built-in infuser for loose tea. As it’s on the smaller side, it’s also ideal if you’re usually making a solo brew. Ceramic Lab Teapot, €75, Article.

Made from terracotta, this gorgeous design will add an earthy vibe to your tea break. The wooden handle and brass handle also add small touches of contrast. Skagerak Edge teapot, £125, Maven.

Okay, I know I just said that I was going to show you something different than the stainless steel teapots that are found in every kitchen in Ireland, but I promise you this one is. Not only is its shape much more modern, it’s actually a hob kettle, which is great for people with tiny kitchens who lack the counter space for an electric kettle.

You can just pop your teabag straight in once it’s boiled, and I’d definitely be happy for this to sit on my table at tea time. Metallisk kettle, €25, Ikea.

If I owned this teapot, it would sit proudly in the middle of my table at all times, or at least perched on a shelf where it could easily be seen. Its matt surface and bamboo handle give off a very zen vibe, and it’s a generous enough size to serve a whole gathering of people. Stelton Theo teapot, €99.95, Finnish Design Shop.

Coffee pots

There’s something nice about having a pot of coffee next to you as you work, ready and waiting if you want another cup. It’s also easier when making coffee for a few people than making lots of individual cups.

This cute coffee pot will add a touch of pastel sunshine to your kitchen, and it’s great for a daily brew for yourself. It will also look very chic if you subtly leave it in the background during video meetings. Hay small coffee pot, €65, Finnish Design Shop.

With a nice retro feel, this Italian-style coffee pot comes straight from the hob to your table. With a beech handle, it’s large enough to make six cups. Aluminium coffee pot, €29.99, Zara Home.

This pretty ceramic French Press will certainly act as a centrepiece to your table, and will brighten up even the most stressful morning. Zoloto China French Press Cafetiere, €46.50, Oliver Bonas.

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