The unmistakable glug glug glug of a gluggle jug never fails to spark joy around the dinner table.
With their distinctive serpentine silhouettes, open-mouthed expressions and rainbow colourways, gluggle jugs are a statement home accessory for storing water, displaying cascading bouquets or proudly showcasing off as they are.
Despite their current trendiness, gluggle jugs have been a firm favourite among homeware enthusiasts since 1870. According to The Original Gluggle Jug Factory, gurgling water jugs were invented in the late 1870s by the British company Thomas Forester & Sons. Yet the pieces are more commonly associated with the British Dartmouth Pottery, which first gave the jug its fish-shaped design.
A special pair of gurgling jugs was crafted in 1958 for presentation to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip on their visit to Britannia Naval College. The pieces received the royal stamp of approval, and subsequently became a coveted collectors item.
Novel by nature but rich in history, the kitsch British items make their signature gluggle sound when filled three-quarters full with water. Mini editions are also available to buy, which are perfect for cream, a dash of milk, salt, sugar and other tabletop essentials.
While the majority of the ceramic vessels adopt a curving koi fish design, styles do vary. Brands such as Graham & Green, Oliver Bonas and Fenwick offer classical models of the gluggle jug, while preloved marketplaces and independent ceramicists like Etsy, 1stDibs and Villa Bologna Pottery boast unique takes on the iconic silhouette.
Discover the best gluggle jugs to infuse your home with a touch of playful whimsicality.
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Fenwick Gluggle Jug
Accent your home with a pop of candy pink. This 1.2-litre gluggle jug from Fenwick comes in an array of tempting tones, perfect for proudly displaying at dinner parties and al fresco BBQs.
Buy now £45.00, Fenwick
Lilac Original Gluggle Jug Pitcher Vase
An original to cherish forever, this lilac piece by The Original Gluggle Jug Factory is an iconic piece of British design. Handmade in England, the locally-made jug will delight all with its signature glug-glug-glug when poured.
Buy now £44.90, Original Gluggle Jug Factory
Oliver Bonas Ceramic Gluggle Jug Extra Large
Oliver Bonas’ gluggle jugs make for creative gifts for interior aficionados. Available in five groovy colours from rich cobalt to gentle sage and zesty orange, these desirable ceramics are set to spark homeware envy among friends and family.
Buy now £45.00, Oliver Bonas
Graham & Green Extra Large Gluggle Jugs
Graham & Green is a hub of quirky ceramics perfect for upping your decor game. Browse the brand’s classic gluggle collection and ply yours with fresh blooms for maximum impact.
Buy now £45.00, Graham & Green
Graham & Green Mini Gluggle Jug
The sweetest ceramic we ever did see, Graham & Green’s mini gluggle jug in petrol blue is a petite pal for your XL rendition. Fill with cream, sugar or salt and add a splash of kitschy cuteness to your dinner table spread.
Buy now £19.00, Graham & Green
The National Gallery Large Cobalt Gluggle Jug
The National Gallery is home to a plethora of masterpieces, including this shimmering cobalt blue gluggle jug. Whether it is placed on a shelf, table or bedside stand, the piece is set to make a gender-neutral statement.
Buy now £40.00, The National Gallery
House of Bruar 750ml Glug Jug
A contemporary take on the original 1870s design, this 750ml gluggle jug makes a stunning point of conversation. It's handcrafted from sturdy, bottle-green earthenware and can be used as a carafe or a purely decorative number.
Buy now £39.95, House of Bruar
Glug Glug Shop Gluggle Jug
Have limited shelf space? Opt for a medium-sized gluggle jug from Etsy and curate your dream interior. Complete with a curling silhouette and teal blue hue, this affordable piece is a failsafe pick.
Buy now £29.32, Etsy
Wade Ceramics Store Orange Gluggle Jug
Using a 100-year-old design as a template, this extra-large gluggle jug showcases a radiant tangerine tone for prime summer table dressing. Available to order via Prime to arrive the very next day, the coo-worthy ceramic is a luxurious, last-minute gift for loved ones.
Buy now £55.00, Amazon
Villa Bologna Pottery Glug Glug Jug
One of our favourite takes on the ever-popular design, Villa Bologna Pottery’s glug glug jug is an intricately detailed piece to marvel at. The expressive ceramic is shaped like the leaping fish caught on Maltese fishermen’s boats and is available in multiple colourways. Not to mention, the attractive mini is handmade from earthenware clay and hand-painted in Malta.
Buy now £48.00, Villa Bologna Pottery
