Here is my modest collection of Homer Laughlin Skytone pieces, accompanied by a couple of items in Kraft Blue. These lines were produced in the 1950s, and their blue color comes from the natural clay used during production. Skytone was offered both as a solid blue body and with decal decoration like the pieces shown here. I have always been drawn to this particular blue — it’s soft, vintage, and unmistakably mid-century.
The first photo shows a Skytone platter, a coffee pot (currently fitted with a mismatched lid — I’m still hunting for the correct one), and a sugar and creamer set. The sugar bowl in the center is in Kraft Blue, a closely related glaze that shares the same era and manufacturer. Kraft Blue pieces were often sold as part of the Kitchen Kraft line and pair beautifully with Skytone items for a coordinated vintage table setting.
Skytone pieces are recognizable by their subtle, even blue tone and sturdy mid-century forms. Many collectors appreciate Skytone because the color is integral to the clay rather than simply an applied glaze, which gives the pieces a warm, consistent finish and a slightly lived-in, authentic charm. Decals were sometimes added to Skytone dinnerware, offering small floral or geometric motifs that were popular at the time. These decals can add character and variation to a set, making each piece feel unique while still matching the overall color palette.
This second photo shows a Kraft Blue creamer alongside a Skytone gravy boat with its attached underplate. The graceful curves of the gravy boat and the modest, utilitarian shape of the creamer capture the era’s balance of form and function. When displayed together, these pieces highlight how different product lines from the same maker can harmonize in tone and proportion, even when the exact shapes and finishes vary.
Collecting and Display Tips
If you’re interested in collecting Skytone or Kraft Blue, start by familiarizing yourself with common shapes: dinner plates, salad plates, platters, coffee pots, sugar bowls, creamers, gravy boats, and various serving pieces. Look for consistent color across pieces and be mindful of decals — they can be desirable but may affect resale value depending on collector preferences. Small chips, hairlines, and crazing are typical on mid-century ceramics; some collectors accept these as part of a piece’s history, while others seek items in near-mint condition.
For display, consider grouping Skytone and Kraft Blue pieces together on open shelving or in a glass-front cabinet. Pairing them with neutral linens and simple wooden or metal shelving keeps the focus on the blue tones. Skytone’s muted blue works well with warm wood, brass accents, or other vintage kitchenware. Rotating a few pieces into an everyday table setting is also a great way to enjoy the collection and keep these mid-century designs in use.
A Final Note
These Homer Laughlin pieces are small reminders of the thoughtful design and color choices of the 1950s. Whether you collect for nostalgia, decorative appeal, or historical interest, Skytone and Kraft Blue are rewarding lines to explore. I’ll continue searching for that correct coffee pot lid and hope to add more complementary pieces to the collection over time.