Who’s behind Porslinsbutik?Om oss

Porslinsbutik — a Swedish term meaning “porcelain shop” — is a small, independent online store specializing in vintage Nordic ceramics and collectibles.

The butik is run by Kevin, who personally tends to every order — with a keen collector’s eye and the high standards to match. A longtime passion for mid-century design inspired him to start this modest venture, largely to rehome items from his personal collection so they can continue to be appreciated and thoughtfully preserved.

Today, Porslinsbutik combines that collecting experience with a commitment to seasoned scholarship, honest product descriptions, and attentive customer service. But the business has a purpose beyond finding new homes for beautiful objects: proceeds from every purchase help support Boston-based charitable organizations focused on causes ranging from food insecurity to sustainability and climate change. It’s both a creative and philanthropic pursuit — one made possible by the continued support of buyers just like you.

To learn more about the journey behind Porslinsbutik, visit Our Story.

Which specific charities do you support?Välgörenhet

Giving back to our community is the cornerstone of our mission — and it’s the reason this shop exists.

Your purchase helps us contribute to several meaningful causes that address food insecurity, homelessness, environmental sustainability, and public health. These include the Greater Boston Food Bank, Boston Health Care for the Homeless, Bridge Over Troubled Waters, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and the Conservation Law Foundation.

Each is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered with the United States Internal Revenue Service — and each is doing essential, impactful work that we’re proud to acknowledge.

How do I purchase an item?Köp via Etsy

Our collection is available for purchase exclusively through our Etsy storefront, where you can browse current inventory, review detailed photographs and descriptions, and complete your order using Etsy's secure checkout. You can reach our shop through the Webbutik page or visit us directly on Etsy.com.

What condition are your vintage items in?Skick och kvalitet

All items are carefully inspected and described with “brutal honesty,” highlighting any signs of age or excessive wear. Because the pieces we sell are vintage, signs of light use and patina are generally present — but if an item has any obvious damage, we’ll certainly bring that to your attention.

We avoid terms like “normal wear and tear” in our listings, since such boilerplate language often raises more questions than it answers. We encourage shoppers to review all available photos, videos, and product descriptions — and if you still have questions, contact us. We love speaking with customers and are happy to provide additional photos or video — whatever helps you make an informed decision and ensures you receive exactly what you’ve paid for.

Have you ever misidentified a piece?Identifiering och källkritik

Of course. We went through an embarrassing period of attributing a whole family of colorful, whimsically decorated pieces produced by Rörstrand in the 1960s to Marianne Westman, only to discover that despite echoing her distinctive style, they weren’t her designs at all — a humbling reminder that inspecting backstamps (and consulting the archive) matters more than relying on a familiar look.

We bring more than two decades of collecting experience to Porslinsbutik, and we take considerable care in researching and accurately describing every piece we offer. But expertise doesn’t confer infallibility, particularly in a field where historical records can be incomplete, conflicting, or simply unavailable.

So if anything we publish doesn’t look quite right, please let us know. You’ll find us friendly, free of ego, forever striving to improve our scholarship. Part of what has made this journey so enjoyable is meeting others eager to help broaden our understanding of these treasures we’re all so committed to preserving.

Do you accept custom requests?Önskemål och efterlysningar

Absolutely! One of the aspects of our job that we enjoy most is helping customers find that ever-elusive item that fills a particular gap in their own collections. If you’re looking for a specific piece, feel free to contact us. Over the years, we’ve built a network of reliable trading partners throughout the Nordic region — so if we don’t have what you’re looking for in-house, there’s a good chance we can find it abroad.

And if we’re unable to help directly, we’re always happy to point fellow collectors toward reputable sources who may be able to assist. Sometimes the best solution isn’t the one that benefits our shop in the short term — it’s the one that best serves the customer in the long run.

How do you approach packaging and shipping fragile items?Förpackning och frakt

Our packing methods are the result of careful refinement, always aimed at reducing the risk of damage during transit. Most orders are double-boxed whenever practical and shipped in heavy-duty, double-walled cardboard boxes. We also make extensive use of our Green Pack system, which replaces conventional plastic wraps and cushioning with more sustainable materials, including honeycomb paper, textured kraft paper, and flexible cardboard. You can learn more about our packaging practices and environmental commitments on our Hållbarhet (Sustainability) page.

Most orders are processed and shipped within 1–2 business days. If we ever encounter a delay, you’ll be notified right away. Special Orders may take an additional 5–15 business days, depending on item availability and sourcing location.

Our default courier for most shipments is UPS, but if you’d prefer that we use another courier, please let us know — we’ll gladly accommodate whenever possible. Since an increasing number of our orders are placed by international customers, we offer the option of Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping, allowing applicable import duties and taxes to be prepaid for a smoother customs clearance experience. We also monitor the tracking details of every shipment closely and will step in to help remove any obstacles that might jeopardize the timely delivery of your order.

We were collectors long before we were sellers, so we understand the importance of treating every purchase as if it were irreplaceable — because very often, it is.

What is your return policy?Returer och återbetalningar

Our return policy is generous — but we take extraordinary steps to ensure you’ll never need to use it.

We gladly accept returns — for any reason — within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. Buyers are generally responsible for return shipping costs and delivering items in the same condition as they were sold.

Since some returns are more complex than others, please let us know if you require logistical assistance, such as packing guidance or carrier coordination. If your item arrives damaged or defective, contact us within 48 hours of delivery. In such cases, a return may not be necessary to process your refund.

We’ve experienced Etsy from both sides — as buyers and sellers — so we understand that despite everyone’s best efforts, disappointments can slip into even the smoothest transaction. Groaning while opening a long-awaited parcel is something we’ve all endured — and it’s never pleasant. However, what matters most in such situations is how we respond. And we believe that how a transaction is handled when issues arise matters as much as when everything goes according to plan.