I’m obsessed with thrifting vintage glassware – so I asked the experts exactly what I should be looking out for (and how to spot a steal)

Whether it's a champagne coupe, whiskey glass, or a trusty tumbler, I'm obsessed with all kinds of vintage glassware.

Over the past few years, more and more of us are turning to decorating with vintage, opting for pieces that are unique in style and story to enrich our homes with beautiful character. There are many types of collectible, second-hand items out there these days, making thrifting a real treasure hunt – but whenever I enter a thrift store or flea market, I'm always on the lookout for beautiful vintage glassware.

However, as much as I love glasses (my collection really is ever-expanding) I am no connoisseur, so I asked antique experts what they look for when sourcing vintage glassware and how to spot the best hidden gems.

1. Condition is key

Like with any antiques you should be collecting, the condition is always important to pay attention to. A poorly cared-for piece will depreciate due to visible signs of age. While some patina is expected, major marks or blemishes will detract from the beauty of a dainty glass, so it's important to size up any pieces before you purchase them.

Jade Rumbelow, founder of vintage homeware brand Lazy Home says, 'Vintage glassware can show signs of age, but it’s important to make sure the overall condition is still good. A small chip here and there is expected, but just make sure it doesn’t affect the function or beauty of the piece.'

'As wonderful as these pieces can be, collectors should bear in mind that condition is key', agrees Anthony Barzilay Freund, Editorial Director at 1stDibs. 'Antique stemware and barware are only collectible in like-new condition. Beyond considering whether there are minor fleabites to the rim or scratches to the decoration, more prudent users may be concerned about durability and safety. For the more cautious among us, we can enjoy the glassware not for its utility but for its extraordinary decorative appeal.'

Anthony Barzilay Freund

Anthony Barzilay Freund is 1stDibs’ Editorial Director and also serves as 1stDibs’ Director of Fine Art. 1st Dibs is a leading online marketplace for beautiful vintage design. Prior to joining 1stDibs in 2010, Tony was Editor in Chief of Art+Auction magazine and, before that, the longtime Arts and Culture Editor at Town & Country.

2. Look out for rare makers and brands

I love decorating with antiques, so over the years, I've created a list of my favorite brands and makers, which I always refer to when I need help or inspiration.

While I'm familiar with a handful of names, there are collectibles interior designers look for when antique shopping. 'As with any collecting category, vintage glass offers visual interest and a compelling backstory in ways contemporary pieces just can’t', says Anthony. 'There are many iconic makers such as Val St. Lambert, Salviati, Baccarat, Moser, Steuben, and Barovier.'

'Vintage glassware from now-defunct makers like Murano, Blenko, or Fostoria is always worth a look', Jade says. 'These are often more collectible and can be found at flea markets or second-hand shops. For more everyday glassware, I love brands like Luminarc and Vereco, which offer everything from wine glasses to glass mugs in beautiful colorways. Keep an eye out for labels or signatures – they could indicate a rare find!'

Jade Rumbelow

Jade Rumbelow is the founder of vintage homeware brand Lazy Home and flea market The Lazy Flea. Growing up, she loved searching charity shops for unique clothes and homeware, a passion that eventually led her to build a career in vintage curation. Driven by a love for timeless design and sustainable living, Jade continues to make vintage homeware accessible for a new generation of homemakers.

Vintage pieces I have my eye on

3. Consider the details

The realm of vintage glassware is huge and I've been a little daunted by the vast selection in the past. But, I've discovered that it's helpful to establish what you like so you can spot particular qualities and distinct details. Whether it's intricate engraving or bold geometric patterns, you can source exactly what you're looking for if you consider the details.

Why not follow vintage trends and opt for midcentury pieces? 'The 70s and 80s were such a great time for distinctive glassware', says Jade. 'Look for pieces with brown smoked glass or green stems – these were super popular during this time and bring a real vintage touch. These colors work beautifully with all sorts of interiors, from mid-century modern to more eclectic, boho-inspired spaces.'

Anthony prefers traditional glassware with ornate details. 'I’m drawn to antique glass for its lively decorations (engravings, colored overlays, gilt edges, gold inclusions), charming forms (whether coupes, flutes, cordials, snifters, or tumblers), and fanciful details (twisted stems, cut-crystal surfaces).'

'I adore second-hand drinking glasses. It's an instant thrill finding and buying a dusty one in an antique shop and then getting it home to wash it and make it sparkle again', says interior designer Benji Lewis. Benji looks out for a specific material when buying glassware. 'I try to buy crystal where possible, vintage champagne coupes being a particular favorite – I’ve got dozens of them.'

Benji Lewis

Benji Lewis is a well-established UK-based interior designer and antique expert. His career started with sound training at the KLC School of Interior Design after which he headed to Bonhams Auctioneers where he stayed for two years. This move inspired a huge interest in the world of period furniture and furnishings.

4. Don't be afraid to mix and match

'Whilst it’d be an ideal approach to think that drinking glasses come in perfectly conserved sets of four or six the reality of life means that unfortunately breakages happen and what was once six becomes five', says Benji. 'Instead of getting weighed down with the concept of intact sets only being acceptable, I think it’s lovely if things don’t all match.'

'If you’d like a wine glass upgrade and the cost for a set of smart ‘shop bought’ ones isn’t going to suit your budget, then look for good quality single glasses in your local antique emporium. The joy of doing this is twofold – you have the character of a harlequin set and if one gets smashed then you can replace it with another mismatched glass.'

Julia Crnovich is an antique tableware expert, and is always hunting for more to add to her collection. 'When visiting estate sales, thrift stores, and antique shops, I always look for “elegant” glass and depression glass.' She's not afraid to mix different styles when it comes to tablescaping either. 'Those are the treasures that “tell a story” when dressing your tables for special occasions.'

She also adds, 'a simple way to tell if a piece of glass is crystal is if it rings when tapped. See if the glass reflects light, and look for a watermark. Depression glass is so much fun to collect! And it’s like taking a step back in time. The different colors and patterns brighten any table. Green uranium glass is very popular to collect, and many collectors carry a small backlight as a way of testing to see if the glass “glows”.'

Julia Crnovich

Julia is an antique tableware expert. She inherited her love of collecting tableware from her grandmother. During Covid restrictions, her daughter encouraged her to continue to style table settings and to share them on Instagram.

Shop vintage-style pieces

Now that you're armed with all of the advice you need to shop for collections of beautiful vintage glassware, it's time to ensure your new pieces are styled to perfection. We explore bar cart ideas and styling tips, as well as luxurious home bar ideas in our dedicated features.