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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The home bar glassware must-haves.

Sure, you could totally serve everyone out of red SOLO cups or mismatched glasses from the thrift store, like back in college, but you are a grown up now, and grownups use real bar glassware.

Bar glassware should is a lifelong investment, just like flatware and china. If well taken care of,  you and your guest can enjoy your home bar glassware at every get together you throw. Does everyone need to own a set of sherry, Pousse-cafe, or cordial glasses? Definitely not.

So, what are the essentials? While it does depend on personal taste, there are some tried and true basics to make your bar complete.

Bar Glassware Basics

1. Pint Glass

Image: Pint Glass via Shutterstock

A pint glass is essential for serving beer. While there are other special glasses for beer, like the Weizen, Pilsner, and goblet, a pint glass will do in a pinch for all but the most particular beer drinkers. Choose between the Conical American-style, which will hold 16 ounces, or the Nonic British-style (pictured above), which holds 20 ounces. The Conical glass is nothing more than the ubiquitous standard tumbler glass. It is a good multi-purpose glass as you can serve both beer and other non-alcoholic beverages in it.

2. Wine Glasses

Image: Red and White Wine Glasses via Shutterstock

If you are really into wine you may need more glasses, but most homes have a need for only two types of wine glasses (oh and champagne glasses, but more on that later). Whether choosing stemmed or stemless, most red wines can be served in a glass with a rounded bulb, while most whites will work in a more slender glass. Of course, there’s more to it than that, but most people are not going to invest in special Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Bordeaux glasses.

3. Rocks Glass

Image: Rocks Glass via Shutterstock

Also know as an old-fashioned, or low-ball glass, the rocks glass is a short glass that is good for serving whiskey over ice. It can also be used for some cocktails, like an old-fashioned, Sazerac, or mint julep. It comes in two sizes: 6–8 ounces or 12–14 ounces.

4. Cocktail Glass

Image: Cocktail Glass via Shutterstock

Sometimes referred to as a martini glass, the cocktail glass is a stemmed glass used for serving cocktails. These glasses are used most commonly for shaken or stirred cocktails served without ice. The glass is to be held by the stem, therefore keeping the drink from getting warm.

5. Champagne Flute

Image: Champagne Flute via Shutterstock

Champagne and sparkling wines do not need to be served in champagne flutes (or the more retro coupe glass), but it adds a bit of elegance to the occasion. If you choose not to invest in Champagne flutes, don’t worry, it is perfectly acceptable to serve sparkling wines in white wine glasses.

6. Highball Glass (or a Collins Glass)

Image: Highball Glass via Shutterstock

You can choose between a Highball glass (smaller at 8-12 ounces) or a Collins glass (larger at 12-16 ounces) for serving mixed drinks that are served over ice and often with a straw like the gin and tonic, gimlet, and most drinks you mix with soda.  There are exceptions to every bar glassware rule, but choosing either the Highball or Collins glass is a good investment.

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Image: Glasses via Shutterstock

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Seriously, Babushka anything is cool with us.

We love Babushka girls, especially when they’re hiding out in a trio of nested glasses from eco-retailer VivaTerra. With their folded-kerchiefs, rouged cheeks, pursed lips and baby doll eyes these Babushkas have a slightly Bratz-ish air, which saves them from looking like souvenirs from Moscow’s Domodedovo airport.

A perfect housewarming gift for yourself or others, a set of three is $25.

Look for Lustables daily at EcoSalon. 100% gorgeous green finds, and never sponsored. Submit your favorite to tips@ecosalon.com

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Sure, you’re forced to take down the ghosts and fuzzy spiders (news flash: your neighbors are pissed if you haven’t done so), but some of the seasonal elements we put up to get in the mood  should endure until the end of the year, if not beyond.

Here is my list of favorite affordable decorative displays for the festive and frugal in all of us.

1. Lanterns

Rice paper lanterns bobbing outside (with solar lights) or in your rooms make a huge, happy statement. I love the cylinder shapes with Asian motifs like the ones found at My Green Party Goods, $3.50 each.  Keep out of wind and rain and purchase eco options.

2. Mini Pumpkins

Don’t toss these babies out with the bad Halloween candy. They transition to the Thanksgiving table (orange+pumpkin) and even co-mingle happily pomegranates and pepper berries for winter holiday merrymaking. You can buy organic by the case at Baldor, if you haven’t already succumbed to the adorable guys at the farmers’ market.

3. Bowls of shells

It’s likely you have amassed these already. Gather them in a pretty bowl for the coffee table, scatter on the table, line them on the mantle. Shells – often used to evoke romantic, seaside summer lazing – work just as well in fall and winter. I like combing the beach for sand dollars and tossing them into my mix.

4. Strung Cards

I string three rows of natural wire along my dining room wall to hang beautiful cards from the high holidays and my daughter’s October Bat Mitzvah to Halloween, Thanksgiving and winter holiday greetings. Just pick up some clamps and you’re in business. Guests love them and cards are so cool, why toss them out?

5. Photo Displays

I’ve mounted many photo walls for clients and friends, which is affordable art for the home and a way to display treasured memories from the year. Of course, assorting eco frames on various tables throughout the house works well, too (school photos, Halloween shots, other fun scenes).

6. Foliage

Harvest leaves, twigs and pine cones and branch out in your earthy styling of tables, entryways and other venues that smack of fall color. I like how Arenamontanus gathered a grouping for a desk.

7. Candles

Beeswax candles come in all shapes and sizes and really set the mood for seasonal statements. Mix ’em and match ’em, turn off the lights and turn on the tunes. For a great assortment visit 1000 Markets.

8. Recycled Cloth Coasters

Like these vintage treasures from Etsy, turn your excess fabric into coasters with easy sewing for delightful results. When do you put them away? Never.

9. Table coverage

Roll out the organic runners and roll out the fun, kids. This sumptuous moss design from Amenity can take you through the seasons and inspire unique styling. I use them to dress up many surfaces from the dining table to the buffet and entry way.

10. Vintage Dishes

This peach glass from Step Toes is a lovely example of the menagerie of collectibles you can break out to display and use for serving, from favorite heirloom porcelain to tea pots and even plates hung for display. This is where you canhave blast and save on that styling budget.

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