“I grew up believing pewter was superior to gold,” says Madeleine Asplund Klingsted, a Stockholm interior designer who created Ställe Studios, a Swedish Grace-inspired aesthetic clinic in Soho popular with it-girls and celebrities. Her childhood home was filled with pewter plates, bowls, and egg stands that her mother carefully collected.
She’s not alone in valuing pewter today. This medieval metal alloy is seeing renewed interest as people look to the past for decorating ideas. According to antiques marketplace 1stDibs, searches for pewter jumped 500% in late 2024 and early 2025 compared to the previous year.
“Pewter is truly making a comeback,” says Nick Ozemba, co-founder of Tribeca concept store Quarters, which sells various pewter items like vases, trays, and coasters. Swedish homewares brand Svenskt Tenn (meaning ‘Swedish Pewter’) reports strong interest in their centenary releases and archival designs, which remain top sellers.
But pewter hasn’t always been popular. “It was overlooked for some time,” notes Alistair Byars, an Edinburgh designer and curator for The Gathering Hand. Metal casters traditionally preferred bronze, silver, and aluminum, making pewter “the MDF of the metal world.”
In his book A History of American Pewter, art historian Charles F. Montgomery documented how the metal’s popularity has fluctuated. From colonial times through the Revolutionary War, Americans commonly used pewter tableware. But by the 1870s, ceramics replaced it as fashionable people turned to porcelain and glass.
Pewter regained popularity during the Art Deco and Swedish Grace periods, says Anthony Barzilay Freund of 1stDibs. Scandinavian designers embraced it as a warm, malleable alternative to silver that suited modern, affordable designs. Its current revival likely reflects continued interest in Art Deco and Swedish Grace styles.
Modern pewter contains tin with copper, antimony, and bismuth. “Since the 1970s, pewter has been lead-free, making contemporary pieces food-safe,” Freund explains, though antique pewter may not be suitable for dining.
Pewter’s ancient heritage and recyclability also appeal to contemporary artists. Byars recently created hand-cast pewter bowls using sand molds, drawing inspiration from the metal’s medieval history. “What I’ve always loved…”What’s interesting about pewter is that it’s both a practical metal and something sacred at the same time.
Sibling duo Naiomi and Tyler Glasses, seventh-generation Diné (Navajo) textile artists and weavers, worked with Ralph Lauren Home on designs for pewter decorative items and entertaining pieces for their 2025 Canyon Road Collection. “We chose pewter because we were drawn to its faded appearance, which reminds us of the patina on old silver Navajo jewelry—it feels full of history,” says Naiomi Glasses. Their collaboration features pewter from the English Pewter Company stamped with traditional Navajo patterns. These handcrafted pieces complement the collection’s rustic oak and hand-burnished saddle leather furniture, which, like pewter, develops character over time.
Patina is one of pewter’s appealing qualities. “Unlike bronze or steel, which oxidize into blues and browns, pewter darkens to a deep graphite tone when exposed to moisture in the air,” explains Byars. “Once aged, it takes on a beautiful dark luster.”
One might guess that objects showing the passage of time resonate today because they offer a sense of stability in a world where anything can be bought instantly. “Pewter’s quiet elegance and graceful aging make it just as relevant now as it was a century ago,” says Tora Grape, head of marketing at Svenskt Tenn. “We believe pewter is making a comeback because people are drawn to materials that feel authentic, tactile, and durable.”
Interior designers are also recognizing pewter as a valuable addition to spaces. Christine Gachot of Gachot notes she’s increasingly attracted to the metal in her projects and personal life. “Pewter brings a warm, lived-in feel with sophisticated balance—it has a refined craft quality,” she says. This appeal extends to both commercial and residential settings. “I absolutely love pewter,” says Ashley Coiffard, co-owner of New York City’s L’Appartement 4F bakery, who frequently hunts for antiques for her businesses and home.
Elizabeth Grace Hand, esthetician and founder of Ställe Studios, says pewter is the most used metal in her studio. “Unlike stainless steel, which has been so popular lately, you don’t have to worry about pewter scratching or showing dirt, making it ideal for busy commercial spaces.”
In fact, the pewter antiques at Ställe Studios were so popular with clients that Hand partnered with Asplund Klingsted to open a storefront for Swedish antiques and pewter objects they source together. Following a successful launch in September, their second collection will debut early next year.
“We wanted people to feel at home,” says Hand, who enjoys seeing clients interact with the antique pieces she’s collected, like the pewter trays she encourages them to use for jewelry before facials. “That’s what’s special about pewter. You can touch it as much as you want—and it only gets better with handling.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about From Humble to HighEnd The Rise of Pewter designed to be clear concise and natural
Beginner General Questions
Q What exactly is pewter
A Pewter is a soft malleable metal alloy traditionally made mostly of tin mixed with small amounts of other metals like copper antimony or bismuth
Q I thought pewter was just for old tankards Whats this highend part about
A Thats the rise While it was historically used for everyday items like mugs and plates modern artisans now use it to create sophisticated jewelry sleek home decor and even designer furniture elevating it from a common material to a luxury one
Q What are the main benefits of using pewter
A Its prized for its beautiful lustrous sheen that resembles silver its durability and its ability to be cast into incredibly detailed designs Its also leadfree and hypoallergenic in its modern form
Q Is modern pewter safe to drink from
A Yes Modern leadfree or fine pewter is completely safe for use with food and drink unlike some antique versions that contained lead
Advanced Practical Questions
Q How has the composition of pewter changed over time
A Historically pewter often contained lead which made it more malleable but toxic Today its primarily tin alloyed with copper antimony or bismuth making it safer stronger and more tarnishresistant
Q Whats the difference between antique and contemporary pewter
A The key differences are composition and style Antique pieces are often functional and simple while contemporary pieces focus on artistic highend design and a brighter silverlike finish
Q What are some common problems with pewter and how do I care for it
A Its main issue is that its a soft metal and can scratch or dent easily It can also tarnish over time Care for it by handwashing with mild soap drying immediately and storing it carefully A soft cloth is usually all thats needed for polishing