It Was Popular In The '60s, Now It's The Rare Enamelware Worth Hunting For At Thrift Stores

Enamel kitchenware was all the rage in the 1960s, and yesterday's trendy enamel pieces have become today's old-school kitchenware to look out for at the thrift store. A Finnish engineering company, Kone ja- Siltarakennus Oy, that would later re-brand itself as Finel (a conflation of "Finland" and "enamel"), became a major player once it began producing enamelware in 1920. By the 1950s, the company would be producing 500,000 pieces annually as popularity grew. 

The history of Finel enamelware is a dizzying mix of subsidiaries, brands, trademarks, and changing corporate ownership. A significant piece of the enamelware's story focuses on the Arabia ceramics brand, founded in the region called Arabia near Helsinki nearly half a century before Finel opened its doors. As the 1950s dawned, industrial manufacturer Wärtsilä owned both Arabia and the Finel trademark and initiated production of enamelware as Finel Arabia products, which became the rare collectibles you can look for today and deploy as one of the minimalist, creative ways to bring midcentury modern design into your kitchen.

The unique approach that Arabia brought to the enamelware in the 1960s was engaging well-known designers who essentially turned kitchenware into art pieces for the ages. The most famous of these was Kaj Franck, considered one of the fathers of Finnish modernism. Finel Arabia designer enamelware soared in popularity, laying the groundwork for its collectibility today.

Functionality, durability, and vibrant colors contributed to Finel Arabia enamelware in its heyday and its value to collectors decades later. The Finel Arabia brand declined after steel replaced enamelware as the material of choice in kitchens in the 1970s, and is now no longer produced, making it even more desirable to come across these treasures. Finel Arabia enamelware was crafted into many forms, including coffee pots, casserole dishes, bowls, mugs, saucepans. Whimsical patterns played a huge role in the aesthetic appeal of the kitchenware — after all, patterned cookware was integral to nostalgic kitchen décor from the '60s that instantly brings back all the good vibes. The most sought-after Finel Arabia patterns include "Pomona," "Flora," Scandia, and "Red Apples."

Social media documents several cases of thrilled collectors who've found Finel Arabia pieces in thrift shops. In addition, you can find this vintage enamelware through online sources and at estate sales. Authentication can be a bit tricky because enamelware often was not signed. Some pieces carried a label stating "Wärtsilä Finel, Made in Finland," but of course, labels are typically long gone. 

Single bowls or common patterns can be found for $30 to $150 — but rare patterns (the "Knights" pattern is an example) and complete sets can run into the hundreds or low thousands. You'll find mixed affordability among pieces by named designers; some are less than $100, while others cost much more.