Top 10 Clay Chimney Pots By Opening

We admit it. We're charmed by clay chimney pots. We've been playing an entertaining amusement of late, our derivation of the Alphabet Game. (We started it when we were in Boston, which hosts oodles of pots upon rooftops.) Whenever we spot a clay chimney pot, we shout out the style.

The following pots typify top sellers, pots the public likes. As you continue reading, determine your favorites by gleaning from our short descriptions, paying particular attention to the details in the images. Most of all enjoy looking at and learning more about the Edwardians and their clay comrades.

These are our Top 10 organized by corresponding flue or fireplace opening size.

Pots used with a maximum flue diameter of eight inches (8"):

1. Anchor Bonnet

Imagine a submarine with this periscopic style on top of your roof. The Anchor Bonnet's value is twofold: relevant design with a sliding anchor decoration and rain protection from a double curved top. What a conversation starter, particularly with your maritime friends. Can you hear the foghorns in the distance?

2. Bird Cage

A sweeping roofline and four arched openings impart enchantment upon your chimney top. While overall design visually appeals, the top cover specifically provides weather protection. The Bird Cage charmingly equates to the loveliness of an avian rhapsody.

Pots used with maximum 30-inch-wide single-face fireplace opening:

3. Austen

Magnificent. Yes, that's how we'd describe the Austen model. A series of octagonal indentations and protrusions contributes to a clay chimney pot with tasteful lines and aristocratic flair.

4. Edwardian

Edwardian is akin to the reign of Britain's King Edward the 7th from 1901 to 1910. For you Downton Abbey aficionados, that's the time before The Great War. Believe it or not, English style of this period was less ornate than during the Victorian era. Today this most popular family of clay chimney pots adds wonderment to residential architecture.

Pots used with maximum 36-inch-wide single-face fireplace opening:

5. Avon

The style reminds us of a spiral staircase. We call this clay chimney pot the Adventurous Avon. Several swirls draw our eyes from its sturdy base up toward the heavens.

6. Kent

Despite its traditional formality, playful circles generate movement within inlaid quadrants. Picture the quadrilateral Kent dotting rooftops atop state houses nationwide. Lincoln's Gettysburg Address comes to mind: "Four score and seven years ago…"

7. Windsor

Britain is bountiful clay-chimney-pot land. It's refreshing that this style is not ornate, but rather down-to-earth as William and Kate seem-to-be. A perfect adornment for their little home in Wales or yours wherever you may be. Watch for the Scratch, our nickname for the Windsor, which refers to its texture.

Pots used with maximum 48-inch-wide single-face fireplace opening:

8. York

Pleasing is its simplicity (an attribute of Scandinavian design) with a stylized sheaf that decorates each side. How fitting considering that its name is from the Danish word: Jorvik. Relating further, the city with the same name in England boasts many a clay chimney pot. How many buildings in York might be topped with a York?

Pots used with maximum 60-inch-wide single-face fireplace opening:


9. Duchess

This tapered, barrel-shaped pot is available in ribbed or smooth surfaces. Its large (22 1/2-inch base) yet modest design suits an array of architectural styles. We envision one grandiose Duchess accenting a basic ranch home or multiple units offsetting an intricately detailed Victorian.

10. Halifax

We recently noticed that a Large Halifax was seated upon a neighbor's dwelling. Smooth geometric slices projected interesting shadows in-between the octagonal-looking top and the square base. How might this sleek design appear upside down? We won’t physically attempt it, because this pot is a heavy 455 pounds. However, digitally flipping the image replicates some sort of crown upon an Alice in Wonderland character.

And one of our favorites for good luck…


11. King Arthur

Queen Guinevere and we adore the regal King Arthur. The details in this terracotta pot meld the embellishments of a monarch's headgear with the battlements on a medieval castle. This finishing touch will stand out on a Tudor home, quite literally as its crowning glory.

Like the Austen and the standard Edwardian, a King Arthur is used with a maximum 30-inch-wide single-face fireplace opening.

Once you've got the chimney pot bug, you'll look up while traveling. That is, if you are not driving or cycling and are able to take your eyes off the road. Enjoy becoming enthusiasts!