Coffee cups are among the most diverse tools in the world of coffee. On the market, you’ll find cups of all sizes and materials—many of them beautifully balancing artistry and practicality. But at the end of the day, a cup is still just a cup, and the room for design innovation seems limited. Perhaps that’s why finding one that truly feels right in your hand can be so comforting—every time you pick it up, it brings a small moment of healing. Because of this, I tend to pay special attention to coffee cups with thoughtful, clever designs. Feel free to explore these pieces with a sense of appreciation or simple curiosity.
Today, I want to talk about a coffee cup called NORA. The name itself feels almost human—soft, gentle, and quietly expressive.
The designer, Elizabeth Skov, once wrote a poem and even included it as a note in the product’s packaging—a touch that leans into romanticism. The story goes that the poem became the starting point for the design.
「TANGLE in BLUE
Throw me a pebble, so l can dive, Quietly through this open ocean;
Full of nostalgic moments,
That travels in every ripple that unfolds, The secret stories of the ocean that are often told by a lonely soul.
Walking through these pebbles, I dove.
by Elizabeth Uldall Skov
Inspired by it, she wanted to translate that feeling into a tangible object—a coffee cup. Her goal was to create a functional piece with clean aesthetics and a distinctive design. She envisioned a handle that could do more than just provide a place to hold the cup. It would also assist in pouring. And from that idea, NORA was born.
Of course, there’s no need to overinterpret the poetry behind it. What matters more is the practicality of the design itself. On the side of the cup, there’s a smooth protrusion that seamlessly extends from the wall, forming the handle. This integrated design creates a natural curve, and when viewed from above, it forms a triangular shape. Because this triangular section is directly connected to the interior of the cup, it can also function as a pouring spout. In this way, a single design element serves multiple purposes.
The geometric triangle formed by the cup body and handle also creates clean, flowing lines. The handle allows users to experiment with different ways of holding the cup, and for right-handed users in particular, it offers a playful, interactive experience with the shape. When you look at it from certain angles, it almost resembles a handshake—or even an embrace. A bit poetic, perhaps, but undeniably charming.
The rim of the cup features a rounded edge, providing a soft and comfortable drinking experience. The wall thickness strikes an ideal balance: even when filled with hot liquid, the exterior remains comfortable to the touch while still feeling lightweight and easy to handle. This thickness also works in harmony with the ergonomic handle, ensuring both usability and stability. That said, one of the main challenges of this design lies in its unconventional form. Because of the unique handle structure, the cup becomes somewhat asymmetrical, making balance and stability when placed on a flat surface an important consideration.
The base of the cup is also triangular, formed by two 50 mm sides and one 38 mm side, creating an isosceles triangle. The outer diameter measures 76 mm, with an inner diameter of 72 mm, and the cup stands 85 mm tall. The handle extends approximately 18 mm from the side wall. When filled to about two-thirds, the cup holds around 150 ml of liquid, and about 200 ml when full.
The original prototype was crafted by clay specialist artisan Kåre Deichmann, but his studio was only able to produce a limited number of pieces. To scale production, the designer partnered with REVOL, a porcelain manufacturer founded in 1768. Located south of Lyon, France, REVOL is a family-owned company known for its craftsmanship and innovative tableware design. Every NORA coffee cup is now produced by REVOL’s skilled artisans.