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Inspiration & Tips/Table setting tips/Coffee cups for coffee lovers

Coffee cups for coffee lovers

Sweden is known for its strong coffee culture. Here, coffee isn’t just a drink, but a natural part of everyday life. The daily fika break, often shared with friends or colleagues, is a cherished tradition that reflects the Swedish way of slowing down and enjoying the moment. With this deep-rooted love of coffee comes a wide range of blends, brewing methods, and naturally, thoughtfully designed coffee cups. Here are a few favourites that reflect the Swedish approach to coffee, comfort, and good design.
Monday, July 1, 2024
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Which coffee cup is right for me?

In Sweden, coffee is more than just a drink — it’s a daily ritual, a chance to pause, reflect, and enjoy a quiet moment. Each type of coffee has its own character, and finding the right cup can make all the difference. Just like the fika tradition, where every detail matters, the choice of cup is part of the experience — enhancing the taste, temperature, and enjoyment of your coffee.

From a bold cup of espresso to a smooth comforting cappuccino, here’s how to pair your favourite coffee with the ideal cup:

  1. Espresso cups

  2. Cups for cappuccino

  3. Latte macchiato & latte glasses

  4. Filter coffee & classic coffee cups

  5. Thermo mugs for on-the-go moments

Espresso cups

The cornerstone of Italian coffee culture espresso is small, strong, and full of character. It’s a concentrated shot of flavour, usually topped with a fine layer of crema. To match its intensity, the right cup is essential. Espresso cups are compact, with thick walls to help retain heat and preserve the coffee’s full flavour in those crucial first sips. Often made of porcelain, they sit comfortably in the hand and are perfect for a quick, satisfying coffee moment — whether at home, in a café, or during a quiet fika break.

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Coffee mugs: The Limfjord mug from Broste Copenhagen in beige is perfect for cappuccino or almost any other type of coffee.

@hil_oez

Cappuccino cups

A cappuccino blends the boldness of espresso with the softness of frothed milk, resulting in a smooth and balanced coffee experience. The ideal cup is wider and medium in height, giving the milk foam space to settle and allowing the flavours to mix just right. Many cappuccino cups are gently curved on the inside — a small detail that helps keep the foam in place and makes them perfect for latte art. It’s all about creating that creamy texture and comforting feel that makes a cappuccino so enjoyable.

Latte glasses

Latte macchiato is known for its beautiful, layered look with the warm milk at the bottom, a shot of espresso in the middle, and a light foam on top. To showcase this visual contrast, a tall, narrow glass is the go-to choice. These glasses are typically made from heat-resistant material, letting the drink’s structure shine while keeping your hands safe from the heat. The height also helps blend the layers smoothly as you drink, and the cylindrical shape makes it easy to hold — perfect for slow sipping and visual enjoyment alike.

Classic coffee cups for filter coffee

In Sweden, filter coffee is the go-to coffee of choice. A staple at breakfast tables, office meetings, and of course, during fika. It’s familiar, comforting, and deeply rooted in everyday life. Served black or with a splash of milk, it’s meant to be enjoyed slowly, always in good company. The classic coffee cup is the perfect match: typically made from porcelain or ceramic, and available in all kinds of shapes — with or without handles, slim or chunky, plain or patterned. No matter the style, the focus is on comfort, because in Sweden, filter coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s a daily ritual.

Thermal mugs – for coffee on the go

For many in Sweden, coffee is a constant companion, even while on the go. Whether you're commuting, heading out for a walk, or travelling, a good thermal mug means you never have to go without your favourite warming drink. Designed to keep drinks hot for hours, these mugs are typically made of stainless steel with double-walled insulation. They’re leak-proof, comfortable to drink from, and built to last. And with clean, modern designs from Scandinavian brands, they prove that even coffee-to-go can be both practical and stylish, wherever you are!

Materials and their properties

Believe it or not material of a coffee cup doesn’t just affect its appearance it can also influence the taste experience, temperature retention, and overall feel of your coffee moments. 

  • Porcelain - Lightweight yet refined, porcelain retains heat well and keeps your coffee warmer for longer. Its smooth surface and elegant feel make it a favourite among many coffee lovers, perfect for those who enjoy a classic, clean design.

  • Ceramics - With a more rustic and robust character, ceramic cups bring a sense of warmth and weight. They hold heat effectively and often come in handmade designs that highlight texture and glaze.

  • Glass - Transparent and modern, glass is ideal for showcasing layered drinks like latte macchiato. Heat-resistant versions allow you to enjoy both the look and taste of your coffee, adding a visual element to every cup.

  • Stoneware - Durable and slightly textured, stoneware offers a raw, tactile feel that fits perfectly with a more natural, grounded lifestyle.

Popular coffee cups

Scandinavian coffee cups stand for timeless elegance and sophisticated design.

The Freckle mug in beige from Scandi Living stands on a wooden tray in a cosy bed in @joanna.avento's bedroom.

@joanna.avento

A selection of mugs from Marimekko arranged in a circle by @kotolampi.

@kotolampi

Care and cleaning tips for long-lasting coffee cups

To keep your coffee cups looking their best over time, a little care goes a long way.

  • Before purchasing, it’s a good idea to check if the cups are dishwasher safe — some materials, like fine porcelain, benefit from gentle handwashing.
  • To prevent stains, rinse out coffee residues soon after use, especially with light-coloured porcelain or glass cups, which can be more prone to discolouration.
  • Avoid harsh cleaning products on delicate materials; a mild detergent is usually all you need. With the right care, your favourite coffee cups will stay beautiful and functional for years to come.
The black and white patterned inlay mug from Ferm Living stands on a table corner in @saraelineeriksen's home..

@saraelineeriksen

Whether it’s the first sip of the day, a quiet afternoon break, or a catch-up with friends over a warm cup of coffee, every moment deserves a cup that makes it feel special. Often, it’s the little details that elevate the experience: the texture of the material, the comforting warmth in your hands, or a design that simply makes you smile.

A well-chosen coffee cup doesn’t just serve a function, it brings personality to the table and turns everyday rituals into small moments of joy. Let yourself be inspired and discover your new favourite cup — for thoughtful breaks, daily routines, and everything in between.

Images: House Doctor, Villeroy & Boch, Broste Copenhagen, Sagaform, @hil_oez, Royal Doulton, Zwilling, Elof Martinsson, Ardijan Mahmutaj, Fellow, Design Letters, Rörstrand, @joanna.avento, @kotolampi, @saraelineeriksen, @helfag

Anja Wahnig
Author

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