Vintage and Antique Glassware Guide: Colors, Collecting, and Styling Tips

Have you ever felt the thrill of discovering vintage and antique glassware, whether it’s inherited treasures from your mother or a sparkling find while Thrifting with the Gals?

From delicate amber goblets to timeless champagne flutes, vintage and antique glassware tells stories of family, history, and the joy of collecting.

Join me as we explore how to identify, collect, and style these classic pieces, because this adventure into vintage and antique glassware is one you won’t want to miss!

Why I’m Writing This: It’s Always Been About the Vintage and Antique Glassware

Ever since I inherited my mother’s collection of vintage and antique glassware, I’ve been enchanted by the stories these beautiful pieces tell.

My girlfriends and I always used to say, “It’s all about the glass!”—because whether we were sipping wine or sharing lemonade, the joy was in the unique, charming glasses we held.

From cozy nights out with friends to thrifting adventures that uncover unexpected treasures, vintage and antique glassware has become a way for me to celebrate life’s little moments with style and history.

That’s why I’m writing this post: to share my love for these timeless pieces and inspire you to start your own collection.

What is Vintage and Antique Glassware? A Beginner’s Guide to Collectible Glass

Antique vs. Vintage Glassware

Vintage and antique glassware refers to beautifully crafted glass pieces made decades ago, often treasured for their unique colors, patterns, and history. Generally, vintage glassware includes items that are 20–99 years old, while antique glassware is typically defined as pieces 100 years or older. These charming glasses, goblets, and tumblers were used for everything from lemonade on the porch to elegant dinner parties.

Collectors love vintage and antique glassware not just for its beauty, but also because each piece tells a story, whether it’s Depression glass from the 1930s, vibrant mid-century barware, or a delicate set of colored goblets passed down through generations. Vintage glassware often features unique colors like amethyst, jadeite, amber, or cobalt blue, which are highly sought after by decorators and collectors alike.

Learning to identify and appreciate vintage and antique glassware is the first step toward building a collection you’ll love, and using these timeless pieces to add character and style to your home.

Victorian-Era Glassware (late 1800s–early 1900s): Elegant etched or cut crystal goblets, ornate patterns, and elaborate stemware popular at formal gatherings. Get a glimpse of a few of my mother’s champagne flutes in this Decorating with Fake Cakes and Faux Bakery Style post.

Depression-Era Glassware (1920s–1940s): Affordable colored drinking glasses and goblets, often in pink, green, amber, and clear patterns—mass-produced but now collectible. Learn more about Depression Glass and how to style with it in my Depression Glass Dreams: Styling the Cherry Blossom Pattern with Vintage Flair post.

Mid-Century Modern Barware (1940s–1960s): Sleek highball and lowball glasses with gold rims, frosted designs, atomic or geometric patterns, and classic cocktail glasses. Jeanette are some of my favorite glasses from this era, learn more in my 15 Creative Ways to Style a Vintage Bar Cart Indoors and Out post.

1970s Colored Glassware: Vibrant goblets, juice glasses, and tumblers in bold colors like avocado green, harvest gold, and deep amber, often found in retro bar carts. Learn more in my Vintage Home Bar Ideas: 10 Timeless Designs to Copy Now post.

Contemporary Vintage-Inspired Glassware: Modern pieces that mimic antique designs, offering the look of old glass with new manufacturing.

This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Vintage and Antique Colored Glassware: From Amber to Amethyst

Vintage and antique drinking glassware comes in countless styles, colors, and eras, each with its own story and unique charm. From vibrant goblets to cherished heirlooms and striking mid-century finds, these timeless pieces can transform any table and inspire your own collection.

Colored Vintage Glassware: Goblets from Amber to Amethyst

If you’ve followed me through Thrifting with the Gals, you know how much I adore vintage-colored glassware on my seasonal table settings. From cool blues to spring blushes, and rich amethysts, these vibrant pieces bring personality and seasonal charm to your home. Each color tells a story, and here are a few of my favorites.

Blue Vintage Glassware

I have to start with blue vintage glassware. From cobalt blue goblets to charming blue glass coffee mugs, these pieces look fabulous on every table, every season, magical for Christmas, perfect for patriotic summer celebrations, and fresh for spring and fall. Blue glassware adds timeless beauty and a pop of color that never goes out of style. You can often find vintage blue glassware in secondhand shops and thrift stores, where unique and affordable styles are just waiting to be discovered. See how I style my blue vintage glassware in these posts:

Vintage Indiana Glass Mount Vernon Amber Glassware

My mother’s collection of vintage amber Indiana Glass Mount Vernon glassware holds a special place in my heart. The rich, honeyed tones of amber goblets bring a cozy warmth to any table, especially in the autumn months. I love styling them on our Vermont porch, where they glow beautifully against the fall foliage and add a touch of nostalgic charm. Find more amber vintage glassware styling ideas in these posts:

Amethyst Vintage Glassware

I fell in love with amethyst vintage glassware the moment I spotted those deep purple goblets I shared in my pro tip above. Even though they turned out to be modern reproductions, they instantly became some of my favorite glasses to style. There’s something about the rich, jewel-toned purple that adds an unexpected, elegant touch to any table, whether I’m setting up for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering. Amethyst glass is a beautiful way to bring drama and vintage-inspired charm to your collection. See how I styled them in a few of these posts:

Pink Vintage Glassware

I’ve fallen in love with pink vintage glassware for the soft, romantic touch it brings to my table settings. Whether it’s delicate pink goblets or pretty blush-colored tumblers, these pieces add a cheerful, elegant feel to spring brunches, summer gatherings, or even Mother’s Day celebrations. Pink glassware is such a sweet way to brighten up your table, and I love styling it in so many of my blog posts here.

Vintage-Inspired Green Glassware

While I don’t currently own true vintage green glassware, I discovered an amazing set of vintage-looking green flutes on Etsy that have quickly become a favorite in our home. Each glass has its own unique design, giving the set an eclectic, collected-over-time feel, perfect for adding personality to any table.

These green flutes are beautifully heavy, making them casual enough for everyday use but elegant enough for special occasions like New Year’s Eve, a celebratory brunch with champagne or mimosas, or even a colorful mocktail station. Our neighbors, friends, and family love them so much that they always request them when they visit!

Even though these glasses aren’t true vintage, I always recommend checking out The Eclectic Tabletop for fun, eclectic glassware, they offer a wide range of unique pieces with a vintage vibe. Just be sure to read the product descriptions carefully if you’re looking for authentic vintage glassware, as many listings are vintage-inspired rather than antique.

Red Cranberry Glassware (On My Wishlist!)

While I don’t yet have any red cranberry glassware, it’s high on my thrifting wishlist! I’d love to add red goblets or tumblers to my collection someday, they’d be perfect for festive holiday tables or to bring a bold pop of color to any gathering. And they are also very easy to find in thrift stores and second-hand shops like Goodwill Northern New England.

Some of My Favorite Thrifted Vintage and Antique Glassware Finds

Thrifting for vintage and antique glassware has led me to some of my favorite, one-of-a-kind finds, each with a unique story and charm. From playful blue and white sailboat juice glasses to cheerful sherbet cups and elegant green flutes, these special pieces prove that you don’t have to spend a fortune to add character and personality to your table.

Thrifted Blue and White Sailboat Juice Glasses

One of my favorite thrifted vintage glassware finds are these adorable blue and white sailboat juice glasses I picked up at the Fabulous Find consignment shop in Kittery, Maine (check out my Shopping Vintage Guides for all my favorite thrift and vintage shops in New England). They’re super cute on breakfast tables, perfect as water glasses, and they bring a playful, coastal vibe to any setting. I love how fun and affordable they were, proof that great vintage style doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are a few posts with tables I have styled them with.

Blue and White Vintage Sherbet Bowls with Gold Trim

I found these stunning blue and white vintage sherbet bowls with delicate gold trim at a barn sale, and they’ve quickly become favorites for serving fruit cocktails, sherbet, ice cream, and more. Their classic colors and touch of elegance make every dessert feel extra special. Vintage and antique glassware comes in all kinds of forms! See more in these table setting posts:

Vintage and Antique Lemonade Sets

Vintage and antique lemonade sets are some of the most collectible and charming pieces you can add to your glassware collection. With their beautiful patterns, vibrant colors, and classic designs, these sets are perfect for summer and spring porch parties, cozy afternoons spent porch-sitting, or simply serving water at indoor table settings. I’ve styled these vintage lemonade sets on our Vermont porch and on tables inside our home, and they never fail to add a touch of timeless elegance and cheerful hospitality. See more in these favorite posts:

Blue Cobalt Glass Mugs

One of my absolute favorite thrifted finds is a set of blue cobalt glass mugs, perfect for enjoying coffee while taking in the morning mountain views in Vermont. I use these vintage blue glass mugs almost every day, and you’ll often see me sharing photos of them on Instagram as I toast to the sunrise over the Green Mountains.

These vibrant cobalt blue coffee glasses add a pop of rich color to my kitchen and bring a bit of cheerful vintage charm to each morning. I found them tucked away in a small antique shop in Vermont, and they’ve become my signature mugs for cozy mornings at home. Explore more in these outdoor porch table posts:

Heirloom Vintage Glassware: My Mother’s Antique Collections

One of the most cherished parts of my vintage and antique glassware collection is the pieces I inherited from my mother. These beautiful heirloom glasses carry not just history, but memories of family gatherings, special dinners, and the simple joy of setting a pretty table.

I love displaying these heirloom glasses lined up in my cupboard, just as my mother had left them for me. In my table settings today, I mix and match these antique glassware pieces to create tablescapes full of character and charm.

These are the highlights of my mother’s vintage and antique glassware collection, each piece with its own story and special place in my heart:

Vintage Indiana Glass Mount Vernon Amber Iced Tea Goblets

These vintage amber goblets add a warm, vintage glow to any fall or holiday table, making them perfect for cozy gatherings or festive celebrations. Their rich color and sturdy feel make them a classic choice for adding character to your table settings.

Classic Pressed Glass Tumblers and Wine Glasses

A timeless set perfect for everyday drinks or elegant vintage-inspired table settings. These clear pressed glass tumblers and matching wine glasses feature textured patterns that catch the light beautifully, adding nostalgic charm to any gathering.

Antique Champagne Flutes

Beautifully elegant and delicately crafted, antique champagne flutes make every toast feel extra special. These vintage glassware pieces are surprisingly easy to find in secondhand shops and thrift stores, and they look stunning on breakfast or brunch tables, adding timeless charm to any occasion.

Elegant Antique Etched Wine Glasses

Antique etched wine glasses in delicate shapes and unique patterns bring sophistication to any table setting. These clear, vintage wine glasses are both timeless and versatile, perfect for everyday drinking or savoring a glass of wine during happy hour after a relaxing day at the beach.

Antique Sherbet Glasses

Perfect for serving desserts, layered parfaits, or fresh fruit cups, antique sherbet glasses add an elegant touch to breakfast tables. Whether you’re offering a scoop of ice cream, a dollop of yogurt, or colorful berries, their versatile size and timeless design make them a darling addition to any vintage glassware collection.

Clear Antique Coupe Champagne Glasses

The iconic vintage glassware shape popular from the 1920s to the 1970s, clear coupe champagne glasses make every New Year’s Eve toast feel nostalgic and glamorous. Their wide bowls and short stems add a timeless, retro charm to any festive table setting, sparking conversations about celebrations past.

Sharing these sentimental collections not only brings beauty to my home but also honors the timeless tradition of collecting vintage and antique glassware. I hope it inspires you to treasure the heirlooms you have or to start your own collection filled with pieces you love.

Tablescapes Featuring My Heirloom Glassware

Over the years, I’ve loved creating vintage-inspired tablescapes at our home in Maine, each one featuring these cherished antique glasses. From cozy lobster dinners on the patio to elegant holiday dinners by candlelight, these heirloom pieces bring beauty, history, and heartfelt memories to every table I set.

Below, you’ll find some of my favorite table settings styled with my mother’s vintage and antique glassware. I hope they inspire you to create your own unique tablescapes that celebrate the stories behind the pieces you love.

How to Identify Vintage and Antique Glassware: Simple Tips and Lessons Learned

One of the most common questions I get is how to tell if glassware is truly vintage or antique. While I’m not an expert or professional appraiser, I’ve learned a few lessons along the way that might help you on your own glassware adventures.

For example, on this outdoor beverage table I created in our backyard in Maine, I paired my vintage Indiana Glass Mount Vernon amber goblets with the amethyst goblets I found. One set is truly vintage, the other a modern Amazon find, yet they work beautifully together to create a vibrant, eclectic look that feels both timeless and welcoming. Mixing old and new glassware like this adds personality and charm to any outdoor gathering.

Here are a few simple tips I’ve picked up for identifying vintage and antique glassware:

Some of the most common vintage glassware colors I come across when thrifting and antiquing are cobalt blue, amber, and blues. These colors pop beautifully on any table setting and are often easy to find at flea markets, antique shops, or vintage markets like Vintage Market Days Vermont.

Remember, collecting vintage and antique glassware should be about joy and beauty, not perfection. Buy what makes you happy, and don’t worry too much about always getting it right.

Decorating and Styling with Vintage Glassware: Easy Ideas for Breakfast, Brunch, and Dinner

One of the best parts of collecting vintage and antique glassware is actually using it to bring charm and character to your table every day. Whether you’re serving a cozy breakfast, a leisurely weekend brunch, or an elegant dinner party, vintage glasses can instantly elevate any meal and make every occasion feel special.

I love mixing different shapes, colors, and styles of vintage glassware to create unique, eye-catching tablescapes that reflect my personal style and the stories behind each piece. From adding a pop of color to an outdoor beverage table to creating an inviting indoor bar cart display, these old glasses are perfect for infusing your home with timeless charm.

In this section, I’ll share simple, creative ideas for styling vintage glassware at breakfast, brunch, or dinner, with tips you can easily try in your own home.

Styling Indoor Bar Carts with Vintage Glassware

One of my favorite ways to decorate with vintage and antique glassware is by styling a cozy indoor bar cart. Last fall, while antiquing in Paris with the gals, I discovered the most charming small antique bar cart on wheels, the perfect mobile piece to showcase my favorite vintage finds.

On this Parisian bar cart, I styled a gorgeous blue and white Jeannette Vintage Barware set I found on Facebook Marketplace for just $25. It was a complete set, including an ice bucket, jiggers, mixers, glassware, and shot glasses, and the green accents of the barware match the antique cart perfectly. Creating floral arrangements on the bar cart is one of my favorite ways to add extra personality and a pop of color.

And remember, bar carts aren’t just for cocktails! Vintage bar carts are just as delightful dressed up with lemonade sets, vintage iced tea glasses, or colorful mocktail ingredients, making them a versatile and playful addition to any home. And wait until you see how I dressed it up for winter on our porch in Vermont in this Vintage Bar Cart: 15 Creative Ways to Style Indoors and Out post!

Outdoor Beverage Tables and Seasonal Entertaining with Vintage Glassware

One of the most enjoyable ways I use my vintage and antique glassware is styling outdoor tablescapes for every season. Whether it’s a breezy summer lobster dinner on the coast of Maine or a cozy fall table with mountain views in Vermont, vintage glasses instantly make any outdoor gathering feel special and unique.

I’ve even taken my Parisian antique bar cart outside for an après-ski hot cocoa bar, styling it with vintage mugs and glassware for a warm, inviting setup after a snowy day. Creating homemade ice buckets to pair with vintage glassware is another favorite trick, they add a playful and practical touch to outdoor entertaining.

From lobster feasts to fall brunches, vintage glassware shines outdoors, transforming simple tables into memorable moments filled with character and charm. Using vintage glasses outside is a wonderful way to celebrate the changing seasons while making everyday meals feel like an occasion.

Celebrate Every Day with Vintage and Antique Glassware

Whether you’re setting an elegant holiday table, enjoying brunch in the garden, or sipping iced tea on a summer afternoon, vintage and antique glassware can turn any meal into a memorable moment. I hope this guide has inspired you to collect and use glassware you love, and to style your tables with pieces that tell a story.

Do you have a favorite vintage glass or heirloom piece you use in your own home? Share your photos and stories with me in the comments below. I’d love to hear how you’re decorating and entertaining with vintage glassware!

And if you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more vintage decorating ideas, antique collecting tips, and seasonal table styling inspiration. Let’s keep celebrating the beauty of vintage together!

Vintage Glassware Glossary

Pin forLater!