Mug Lovers - Help Me Pick One for Work

[MistressOfCopperMountain]

I have decided to come into the office more as I get lonely at home, so would like to make my desk really cosy and sassy. There are dozen of mugs in the cupboard, so I do not technically need one but I want my own, as currently have option like “World’s Best Engineer”, the faded one with someone’s Alsatian, the one with two bunnies, and Pantone one in brown (why would you, of all the choices!).

So, my perfect mug needs to meet the following criteria:

Not too small - 300 - 400 ml
Decent size handle
Thin walls, no thick chunky ones
White inside (so not a reactive glazed one)
Not mustard yellow
Any writing acceptable at work
Not open up at the top like a bowl, as I often have to take it meetings, so not splash when walking with tea
Budget under £20
Ooze competence, confidence, inner peace and good taste
Give a shot of joy every time I look at it

That’s it. Would you like to help me look for it?

https://www.holyflaps.co.uk/product-page/i-fucking-love-zoflora-ceramic-mug

Iittala Taika every time, although perhaps a touch over budget with postage.

I've had mine 13 years and it still looks brand new.

royaldesign.co.uk/taika-mug-40-cl?p=4110

Wouldn't say this says good taste but it'd make me smile if I had to haul myself into the office!

PS Love Gingernaut's suggestion upthread 😂

I love a Cath Kidson Stanley and have used nothing else for the last decade, might be too thick for your brief though.

I was given this and bought a couple of others (there are several designs) not so much for the patterns but because they are large (I like a good-sized mug of tea), thin and hand-thrown — I can feel the tiny ridges where someone has made this mug and I rather like that. Nicely balanced with a good handle — not too chunky. They feel quietly classy. I've had them for five years now, used every day and wash and wear well. Feel like quiet quality.

https://www.johnlewis.com/royal-doulton-pacific-porcelain-dot-mug-blue-400ml/p1843875?irclickid=VOkzeITXqxyPUJdzqt2vEUe2UkHS32QFnRaQUk0&irgwc=1&tmcampid=99&s_afcid=af_2532910_Content&tgclid=02010025-bdc6-491d-9700-16e0666b75c7

These mugs are superfine china, very nice to use but I've broken the two I had. I've had several guests who'd ask for these mugs because there was something so light and classy about them. Not necessarily the best choice for work, perhaps.

https://www.johnlewis.com/rick-stein-coves-of-cornwall-treyarnon-bay-mug-blue-white-300ml/p3166974?s_ppc=2dx_mixed_home_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsaqzBhDdARIsAK2gqneHuU4MxKF7X3tNb0FahPeY-hOjmykr7HdsBQOb4eYvaQK8hXcmhFEaAmszEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Sara Miller from Next

Oliver Bonas

Nkuku

Marimekko

With spillproof lid

https://www.msmugs.com/products/street-architecture-mug

They have lots of lovely mugs.

I’m a sucker for Cornishware.

https://www.cornishware.co.uk/mugs

Take yourself off to Sainsbury: you're bound to find something decent among the assorted Habitat mugs. (I'm not being paid to recommend Habitat - I just like Habitat!)

I was in Sainsburys only a few days ago. The mugs are all thick and clunky. It's not all about looks when it comes to mugs.

I love a medium sized Keith Brymer Jones https://www.keithbrymerjones.com/?s=mug&posttype=product&typee_aws=true

Have a few of the Scion designs and the white word ones.

The Herdy gang do some good ones...

https://www.herdy.co.uk/kitchen-home/mugs/yan-mug

I think this recommendation will fail on the glaze criteria, but sharing anyway as they’re beautiful https://www.glosters.co.uk/collections/mugs

OMG, this one is for my daughter, Miss Desinfector!

Thank you. I have bought this exactly RD Mug for DP for work, it’s lovely!

Aren't many left but these are my favorite

maryannwatt.com/product-category/china/mugs/

I like the shape and size of Dunoon mugs

https://www.dunoonmugs.co.uk/CAIR-SEASCAPE-BLUE/product/CA%2DSEAS%2DBL/CA%2DSEAS%2DBL/

Thank you, beautiful though pricey!

This is pretty, and the lid will stop tea spills on the walk to meetings ☺️

https://www.marthabrook.com/product/gold-speckled-white-mug-with-spoon-lid/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9YveysHahgMVi5xQBh3bRAqNEAQYDSABEgL-sfD_BwE

I second Sainsburys - I have several really nice mugs from there including habitat ones and other. This is a nice one. I don’t think I’d spend a lot on a work mug as it could easily get chipped or broken by someone. Better to get cheap and cheerful - but nice - and get a few so you can replace as needed.

I also have a fabulous one from Morrisons, £3 and looks like something from an arty museum shop. It doesn’t fit your description (has chunky walls) but you might find other nice ones there. Asda are good too. I’m a pottery lover and I often check out the home wares when in the supermarket and have found some gems.

https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/habitat-x-scion-family-spring-meadow-mug

I cant find a link anywhere , but like you I like a fine mug and in Home Bargains I found the most adorable fine mugs - white with a pale green design - just a band around the bottom with " a cup of positivi Tea" in script . Its delightful for the £2 I paid. Got one for home and for work just to drink my Green tea from. Builders tea I drink from any mug

Eleanor Bowmer mugs either on her website or John Lewis.

I have a few of her quirky designs: https://www.eleanorbowmer.co.uk/collections/mugs-teapots

Me too - although I think the thickness depends on whether it is a Queens or a Churchill mug though

Ooh I love a mug. Especially large, china, thin, big handle. I’ve yet to find perfection but there’s a quirky selection here…

https://www.presentindicative.com/collections/mugs/products/go-away-im-editing-bone-china-mug-6323