Here’s Why Your IKEA Mug Has a Little Chip At The Bottom

Ikea's popular stoneware mugs are sold on retail for £2 and can be found in most homes across the UK. The VARDAGEN Mug is available in slate gray and classic white, plus other seasonal prints.

It's not hard to see why many like the traditional style mug. It is simple yet timeless with a round shape that just seems to fit well between palms.

So what about the small chip?

That small chip is actually a tiny hole with a purpose — to drain excess water after the mug is washed.

According to the website: "The drainage gates on the underside transport water away that may otherwise accumulate when the mug is upside down in the dishwasher."

After getting washed, it is not uncommon for many porcelain mugs and cups to return to the rack with a puddle of water that has collected in their upturned bottoms.

The chip's job is to make sure water does not collect there. A small yet meaningful function.

The designers Henrik Preutz, Wiebke Braasch, Ola Wihlborg and Nike Karlsson said: ‘Inspired by old-fashioned craftsmanship, we gave every piece a distinct function."

They also said: "Attention to detail and soft, round shapes make a beautiful frame for the food and drink on the table. Simplicity and honesty are the words we use to describe the products."

They claim that every part of the series has a soul that interacts with its owner's, bringing back memories and creating new ones.

Photo credit: Ikea