As someone who loves to entertain, I can never tear myself away from vintage glassware when I come across it at the thrift store, antique mall, or flea market. I’ve always enjoyed picking up various types of wine and cocktail glasses to display on my bar cart and use during parties, and I like to keep my eyes peeled for everyday drinking glasses, too. That said, I’ve learned to keep a few key considerations in mind when determining whether or not to bring a piece of secondhand glassware home. Below are five expert-approved questions to ask yourself before adding pre-owned glassware to your shopping cart.
Are there any cracks?
First and foremost, you’ll want to inspect glassware for any cracks and chips. Do note, though, that relying on your eyesight alone isn’t always enough. “Run your hands around the edges of a piece to feel for tiny fleabite chips you may not see just by looking,” suggests Kayleigh Davies, an antiques specialist at Auctionet, an online auction marketplace. “Sometimes people may pay a professional to grind a chip out of a piece, so if proportions look off and the edges seem too flat and matte, this could be an indicator.”
Does the glass have any other permanent issues?
Cracks aren’t the only flaw to look out for. Kayleigh recommends inspecting each piece for crizzling, which “often looks like the cloudiness you may get after running a piece through a dishwasher, but it’s much more serious,” she says. “It’s caused by an instability in the ingredients that make up the glass, and it cannot be reversed.” Other flaws to search out include glass that feels slippery or wet, known as weeping. “This leads to a network of cracks, and the piece could eventually disintegrate,” Kayleigh says.
Is this piece authentic?
While I’m usually not seeking out higher-end glassware, many people do enjoy collecting pieces from certain well-known brands, so if that’s you, this next point is important. “Famous names like Lalique and Gallé attract imitators,” Kayleigh explains. “Familiarize yourself with signatures—there are good guides on the internet that will show you what they should look like in different time periods.” Running a quick Google search is never a bad idea if you’re uncertain whether or not something you pick up is the real deal.
Am I willing to hand-wash this?
While most of us rely on our dishwashers on a day-to-day basis, note that vintage glassware requires a bit more TLC. “Don’t purchase vintage bar and glassware if you can't commit to handwashing it,” notes Willow Wright, the owner of Urban Redeux antique shop in Alexandria, Virginia. “The heat and harsh abrasives of dishwashers can remove the patterns—it’s like washing history down the drain!”
Will I actually use these?
Last but not least, consider whether the glasses will complement your existing space and decor. While it’s tempting to bring home anything that’s aesthetically pleasing, you’ll need to be realistic about what you’ll actually use. This is certainly something I’ve had to learn over the years, as moving apartments many times and living in small spaces have made me reconsider purchasing pieces that are likely to end up sitting dusty on my shelves. “I would recommend that buyers look for pieces that fit their favorite time period, like mid-century modern, retro, antique, or French country,” says Ann Kittredge, the stylist and blogger behind Dabbling & Decorating. “That way, you know you will love it, and it will match beautifully with your other furnishings and table settings.” But don’t be afraid to go a bit funky. “Lean into color; there’s nothing like unique glassware on a table as a conversation starter,” she encourages. “Mix and match your glassware and colors for an eclectic decorating style.”
