Three design categories are known for Montelupo Polychrome. The most common consists of alternating geometric bands, which may cover the vessel, or occur in combination with central medallion elements. A second variety has a dark blue ground on the marly, painted with very fine line white spirals, stars and loop designs. A third variety has an intricate pattern of scrolls, loops, lines and floral elements around the marly, and a checkerboard or floral central medallion design.

This description of Montelupo Polychrome comes from the Historic Archaeology Digital Ceramic Type Collection maintained by the Florida Museum of Natural History.

Cream-colored chalky paste, with relatively thick, heavy vessel walls. Background enamel is thick and off-white, often with a pinkish cast, and has a low-gloss surface. Polychrome designs are painted in bright orange, yellow, blue, and black-outlined yellow. Green is occasionally used.