Looking to start a new collection? Or maybe you want to make a more sustainable kitchenware choice? Consider starting a vintage kitchenware collection.

Not everything new is better. In fact, many old things are downright fantastic and that goes for vintage kitchenware collectibles. Whether you’re looking for practical additions to your kitchen or you’ve caught the collecting bug, vintage kitchenware is ubiquitous. And not only is it a more sustainable choice than buying new, it’s also a less expensive choice and one with a cool retro vibe, too!

Not sure you can tell the difference between Milk Glass and Jadeite? Read on to learn more about the most common types of vintage kitchenware you are likely to come across.

A Vintage Kitchenware Collection Primer

Depression Glass

Depression glass is machine-pressed tinted or clear translucent glassware that was produced during the 1920s – 1940s. It was widely distributed for free or at a low cost as giveaways or initiatives by companies looking to lure in customers. It became a popular collectible in the 1960s.

Ironstone Pottery

Ironstone pottery is often referred to as “poor man’s pottery” because it was the mass-produced alternative to pottery. First produced in the UK in the early nineteenth-century, ironstone collectibles are prized for their heft and stunning whiteness.

Pyrex

Everyone loves vintage brightly-colored and patterned Pyrex dishes from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. Not only are they appropriately kitschy, but they are still quite functional in the kitchen! Pyrex is also ubiquitous on Etsy, on Ebay, and at thrift stores, estate sales, and yard sales.

Jadeite

Jadeite kitchenware comes in a stunning color of green. Jadeite is nothing more than milk glass that has color added to it. Produced by the Anchor Hocking Company it first hit American shelves in 1942. Martha Stewart has an envious collection of Jadeite.

Teacups

While not unique to a specific era or time period, many like to collect vintage teacups for the unique patterns and colors they feature. Your collection starts with just one!

Cake Plates

By the same token, cake stands are also not limited to a specific time period, and a collection might feature milk glass, depression, and ironstone cake stands. The only limit to this collection is how much time and space you have.

Enamelware

Enamelware kitchenware is made from glass that is fused to steel or iron, which creates a smooth, hard glass finish over the metal. Enamelware got its start in the 1800s as a way to reduce the chemical reaction of cooking directly in iron pots. It was also lighter-weight and more affordable. Vintage enamelware can be found at estate sales, thrift stores, and more.

Milk Glass

Milk glass describes opaque white-colored glass that can be either blown or pressed. While white glass had been around for centuries before, it didn’t gain popularity until the late-nineteenth century and remained popular through the Depression.

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Cleverly display your collections with these simple ideas that will show off your most prized possessions.

Whether you collect antiques, vinyl records, or vintage Star Wars toys, it’s a given that you are proud of your collection and want to show it off. While some kinds of collectibles need to be kept in their original packaging and are not suitable for display, most of the things we collect are intended to be put on display and not hidden away in the closet.

But it can be difficult to come up with clever ways to incorporate your collections into your home decor. Some collections have inherent display challenges–your items are too small, too big, or too unwieldy–but no matter what you collect, we think there is a way to fit it into your home decor. From guitar picks to vintage teacups, don’t hide your collection away, display it proudly.

Here are some creative solutions for how to display various types of collections.

Display Your Collections Cleverly

1. Frame It – Turn those postcards or vintage sports banners into framed works of art. Curate small items together in one large frame or frames larger items on their own. Framing can also have the bonus of preserving your collections.
2. Picture Frame Hanger – Use repurposed distressed frames and small nails to hang and display everything from vintage necklaces to holiday ornaments.
3. Gallery Wall – If you collect colorful plates, tea trays, or illustration prints, create a stunning gallery wall to show off your pieces. Not only does it highlight your collection, but it creates a very cool effect.
4. Shelve It – For breakable collections that you want to display, but keep out of reach, consider adding a shelf all the way around the room just below the ceiling. Of course, adjust the height according to your collection.
5. Create Vignettes – Don’t be afraid to mix and match your collections to create vignettes around you home. For example, display your owl figurines on a table with framed floral and feather prints on the wall above the table.
6. Birdcage Storage – Use vintage tabletop birdcages to display and store your knick-knack collections. Not only is it a smart idea, but it also has the added benefit of keeping your collection items from getting swiped onto the floor.
7. Type Cabinets – If you are lucky enough to find an old typesetter’s cabinet, snap it up. They are perfect for hanging on the wall and displaying tiny collectibles.
8. Use Other Unexpected Containers  – Repurpose and use other unexpected display props. Display vintage Nancy Drew books in an old suitcase, store marbles in a fishbowl, or Pez dispensers in apothecary jars.
9. Hang From the Ceiling – Depending on what you collect, consider hanging your collection items on invisible fishing wire from the ceiling to make it appear as if your collection is suspended in the air. This technique would work perfectly for everything from globes and retro thermoses to driftwood and stuffed animals.

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Colored Plates on the Wall Image from Shutterstock

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