The Fit-Out: Elevate Your Brew With These Nine Beautiful Teapots

A functional kitchen item that comes in many stylish forms, the teapot is the perfect vessel for expressing your personal aesthetic.

Tea originated in China, but less is known about the invention of the teapot. As the fashion for tea-drinking spread, teapot design evolved via a range of shapes, sizes and materials across many cultures. From fabulous glass designs and more traditional English bone china and stoneware to cafetières and stainless-steel varieties, there are a lot of options when it comes to brewing the perfect pot.

Some tea-drinkers enjoy their leaves strained in the pot, while others prefer to filter directly over the teacup. Some like to pour their brew over milk and some prefer no milk at all. But the majority agree that tea tastes better from a pot, so whether you’re a first-time user or looking to upgrade, consider the nine options below.

Hasami gloss grey porcelain teapot – $185

First up we have a teapot characterised by simple clean lines and an aesthetic that is contemporary in form while deeply grounded in the tradition of Japanese pottery. The charm of Hasami porcelain lies in the texture: comfortable to the touch, with a distinctly gentler and more organic feel than regular porcelain. Made in Hasami, Japan and available Australia-wide via The Hub General Store.

Kip & Co enamel teapot – $59

Steep your favourite tea at home or on your next outdoor adventure with these practical and fun enamel teapots. Generously sized for a group serving, the pots come in six funky colours and patterns. They’re ethically made in Turkey, and you can grab one from the socially and environmentally conscious Sydney label Kip & Co.

Mono Filio teapot with integrated warmer – $295

Designed by Tassilo von Grolman in 1983, the Filio teapot is an iconic piece blurring the lines between kitchenware and sculpture. The heat-resistant borosilicate glass bowl with internal mesh strainer cantilevers effortlessly via a delicate stainless-steel frame. A graceful example of function-driven form, this vessel could pass for sculpture on your shelving at home. Invest in this forever-piece online at Mondopiero or, if you’re based in Melbourne, at the Fitzroy store.

Kobo Aizawa teapot – $110

A refined piece with a thoughtful design that will bring everyday joy to your tea-making, this charming teapot is handmade by artisans in Tsubame, Japan. Crafted from stainless steel with a bamboo handle, this option juxtaposes sleek and organic materials and ensures durability as well as comfort. A well-proportioned and handsome vessel, the Kobo Aizawa will look as beautiful on the shelf as it feels in your hands.

Mud two-cup teapot – $200

Mud Australia's porcelain teapots are meticulously handmade in the label’s Sydney studio. This two-cup style is perfectly sized for the solo tea drinker and comes in four elegant colour options. Organic in form with a muted palette, this piece will complement a variety of interior styles. Treat yourself or a loved one, available from Mud Australia stores or online.

Assam tea press – $99.95

This innovative teapot is based on the French press brewing system typically used for coffee-making. A stylish addition to any tea-lover’s home, the Assam is practical as well as good-looking, with a bamboo handle and elegant gooseneck spout adding a modern twist to this classic design. Find it online at tea and coffee powerhouse Bodum.

Azmaya Maru teapot – $125

The Maru teapot is handmade with black-coloured "crow clay" in Tokoname, Japan using traditional techniques and is the perfect size for one large cup of brewed tea. The exterior and interior of the ceramic has a smooth tactility due to its unglazed finish – honouring the clay's natural beauty. This considered design is by the Japanese studio Azmaya, which works in close collaboration with artisans and small-scale manufacturers. Available via Mujo.

Tom Dixon Form teapot – $460

Who better to create a vessel for the archetypal British drink than British designer Tom Dixon? Executed with Dixon’s usual quirky flair, this round teapot is made from polished stainless steel – a very "of-the-moment" finish that’s also destined to be timeless. The Form is an uber-cool piece that’ll see you through the years, bringing life to your morning or afternoon cup. Available online at Living Edge.

Ferm Living Still teapot – $149.95

Treasure a moment of tranquillity with the Still teapot. Designed by Ferm Living with simplicity and balance in mind, the combination of clear and coloured glass ensures this vessel will suit a range of kitchen styles. A fully transparent design showcases the brewing process and elevates the ritual of teamaking, while the rounded lid is designed to spin gently when placed on the table. Find the Still teapot online at Stellar.

“The Fit-Out” is a regular series written by interior designer Alice Freer. Each edition she brings you a curated selection of furniture and design pieces in a range of materials, colours, shapes and budgets. Think of it as your buyer’s guide for your home.