matching mugs - is it smart or boring?

[linspins]

We seriously need some new mugs and I'm wondering whether to get matching ones, or co-ordinated ones, or just a few different ones that I like the look of! I went to a posh rather nice house recently and the mummy had matching Emma Bridgewater mugs, really lovely looking. But no-one could tell who's tea was who's, as you couldn't say, "oh, yours is the one with the dancing pig on the side, mine is the tasteless flower design"!
So, what do you think, matching mugs - go for it or not?

Mine are all slightly co-ordinating, and individual ones that I have chosen. They are an eclectic mix but all work in my kitchen.

the good thing about not having matching mugs is that it's ok if one breaks, you can just replace it with another totally different one that co-ordinates.

No two of my mugs are the same.

I think boring, but it is nice to have a set of co-ordinated ones that are all on a theme, same size etc. Like you say, how else do you avoid taking a glug of uncle Bob's tea with three sugars?

mugs need to be different. I have a collection of whittard ones, all the same shape but different but lovely designs.

I started off with matching mugs, but after 25 years we have a right old mish-mash of styles and colours.

I do have one posh(ish) set of 8 that i save for best though

All ours are different and are from either disney or our overseas travel.

I have same size and shape but different designs.

Plus the odd childs one from crappy Easter eggs which MIL insisted on buying.

It's not just my mugs that are different either in the kitchen, everything is mismatched. Plates, bowls, and my favourite, the cutlery (lovley victorian pieces I have collected over the years from charity shops and antique markets around the country).

Every chair around the dining table is different too. Not everyone's cup of tea I know.

I would say it's much more interesting to have different designs, but it's nice to have some that are the same size and shape. We have a load of big mugs and a load of small ones, I always feel have to either give everyone big or everyone small or else it looks like I am favouring certain people/ think some people are greedy!
Lots of ours are made by McLaggan Smith - same size and shape, v different designs.

Tabithatwitchet, I've just checked out the McLaggan Smith mugs website, and am smitten! MMMMM, Orla Kieley, and yummy Isak, they are all gorgeous.
So: looks like co-ordinating but not matching is the way to go if you are buying new mugs all at once.

Thanks everybody!

oh yay, that website's getting bookmarked for Christmas presents :D

I have 6 mugs that match (and match my dinner service). I used to have 2 different sets of 6 matching mugs but DH made me leave the cheapo ones behind in England. Then I have my eclectic mix of mugs, varying from posh bone china ones that have been given to me as gifts, to freebies that came with Easter eggs.

So - doesn't matter, I'd say. But when I have a few people round, I like to give them the matching mugs (or at least ones the same size!)

None of mine match, most of them are ancient some of them were free, one of them is available to view at the national railway museum in York(young persons railcard mug circa 1990 anyone?)

My problem is I find it difficult to throw things out when they are still useful[hhmm]

I have to say I have a matching set of 12 mugs and I love them. I am not a houseproud person or particulary fancy but I do like matching tableware.
My husband however is rebelling and likes particular mugs with particular memories, so there are odd ones in the cupboard too that he uses. I also give these to workmen so that if they get broken, plaster, paint, oil etc on them my set remains intact.
I can see an argument for a set of each. A fancy set and a collection of "special" ones.
My parents have a fancy set but we all have random ones in a cupboard by the kettle and each know which one is "ours" to use!

I bought from the McLaggan Smith website last year, they even sent to Switzerland. Mugs are very nice and much admired.

Was it you who recommended them last year, Tabitha?

Just wanted to add my support for McLagan Smith mugs.

We each have our own special mugs and woe betide if anyone uses anyone elses !! Then we have odd ones for visitors.

ah we have matching ones - 8 chunky white mugs, and then about 6 or maybe 5 now of lovely lovely orla kiely ones. mmm!

I'd be the opposite - I think matching anything is a bit naff. Fine to getting all Emma Bridgewater if you like them but in different designs surely?
Maybe I just like that because I break lots and it doesn't matter as much if they're not part of a set

Oh, and to answer the OP's question, we have 4 bone china matching pattern, plus another 3 from a different set.

Everyday mugs are a mix of plain Ikea and miscellaneous ones with different patters. If we have guest we use the china ones.

I can see the loveliness in getting a co-ordinated set, but like the fact that we have accumulated a variety of mugs over the years,often with happy memories or stories attached to them. Now realise I could never be one of those interior folk who ruthlessly edit their kitchenware and have three perfect Japanese cups in a poncetastic shade of grey . Some days I like my composting mug, sometimes it's the Moomins. Naff - maybe. Happy - yes. And as others have said, no biggie if one breaks.

I have Emma Bridgewater ones, all in different patterns (I have 15 at last count - am a bit of an EB addict ) they are all the same shape just different patterns.

My vote is for same shape, different patterns.

You'll all have to laugh - after plotting to get new co-ordinated mugs now our are so grim, chipped and few, my mother-in law and her sister visited today, and brought....2 new mugs! Only, they really aren't what I'd choose at all..and now I have these two extra ones, I can't really justify new ones. Oh well, I think the god of "not-spending-money-on-frivolites' must have been listening!