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All About Vintage Glassware: What It Is + How to Use It

By Rachel

published 08/12/2020

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Last Updated on January 23, 2026 by Rachel

Picture rows of rainbow colors, glass in all shapes and sizes, sparkling in the sunlight of a shop window. Learn all about vintage glassware, what is is and how to use it in your home!

In our journey toward maintaining eco-friendly homes, one of the best choices we can make is to embrace materials that stand the test of time. Vintage glass is the perfect example of a sustainable find—it’s durable, endlessly reusable, and was often crafted with a level of quality that’s hard to find in modern stores today. From luminous milk glass to vibrant jadeite, choosing pre-loved glassware is a beautiful way to practice sustainability. I’m diving deep into the most popular types of vintage glassware so you can master the hunt and curate a home that is unique and kind to the planet. Come learn all about vintage glassware, what it is, and how to use it in your space!

Table of Contents

What is Antique and Vintage Glass?

Simply stated, antique glassware is glass that is 100 + years old. So be classified as vintage glassware, it needs to be at least 20 years old.

Old glass is, quite often, associated with specific styles such as art deco or art nouveau. Antique and vintage glassware is well-loved and highly sought after by collectors. With uses ranging from practical to decorative, these old gems are easy to incorporate into any space!

Shop Vintage Glass

All About Vintage Glassware: What It Is + How to Use It

Below are some characteristics that will help you define, and discern, old glass out in the wild while either thrifting, shopping at an antique store, or perusing a flea market.

How to Identify Antique Glass

Weight– old glass is often much heavier than modern glass.
Wear or Patina– meaning signs of age and wear such as chips, scratches, or cracks.
Bubbles– little bubbles or imperfections underneath the glass is more prevalent in old glass.
Pontil Mark– a circle shape on the bottom of the piece.
A Stamp or Maker’s Mark– some glassmakers marked their glass.

Types of Antique and Vintage Glass

A multitude of brands, and types of antique and vintage glass, are present in any antique or thrift store you go to. Here is a quick overview of some of the colored glassware that you may come across and tips on how to discern it from reproductions.

Fenton Glassware (Milk Glass)

Fenton Glassware Company, started in 1907, has created over 150 patterns since its existence. Some of the notable glassware includes carnival and milk glass. The ‘hobnail’ style, which has a raised bumpy surface all the way around, almost like polka dots, is a famous Fenton design.
Fenton is popular with collectors due to the range of styles and the prices are relatively low, typically under $100. Read more about milk glass!

Art Glass

This is the type of glass that is designed with many colors and designs within the glass itself. I’ve seen many art glass pieces that have wave like designs, polka dots, stripes, or a combination of those.
Art glass is bright and colorful and you can find it in styles such as bowls, vases or paperweights, just to name a few. These colorful vessels can be a bit more expensive depending on the maker but there are also many reproductions available.

Carnival Glass

This type of glass is known for its multicolor hues. The glass changes colors depending on what angle you are looking at it from, making it an impressionable piece of glass to have in your home. Carnival glass fits well in any space.

Crystal Glassware

Crystal glass is different from other pieces of glass because it is made with lead. The easiest way to know if a piece is crystal or not is to tap it with your finger, listening for a ‘ping’ sound. Crystal comes in all different colors, like blue or pink, and all different cuts of glass, such as prismatic stems.

Depression Glass

Named after the 1929 market crash, this glass is highly sought after due to its unique patterns and bright colors. Green and blue are two of the more popular colors, but you can find it in many colors to match your space and decor. It is also pretty inexpensive because it is not as high quality as other types of glassware.

Elegant Glass

This glassware is similar to depression glass but runs at a much higher price point due to the elegant glass pieces being hand made rather than using molds to create it. Elegant glass can be found in many colors, including clear, that you can incorporate into your space.

Where to Find Collectible Glassware

My favorite spot to source vintage glass is from thrift shops because they yield the best prices. However, if thrifting isn’t your thing, here are some other places to look for vintage glass:

antique shops
estate sales
online marketplaces such as e-Bay or Etsy
flea markets
garage sales

Closing Tidbits on All About Vintage Glassware: What It Is + How to Use It

There you have them! With so many styles to choose from, you can be sure that you will find a special piece for your home. The different types of antique and vintage colored glass are unique and full of beauty.

Each kind adds character and a simple charm to any space in your home. By styling your home with vintage glass, you are infusing an understated beauty that can’t be found anywhere else.

Let me know in the comments below which type of vintage glass is your favorite!

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