Vintage Collections: Milk Glass

I'm so in love with the opaque beauty of vintage milk glass!  Come take a peek at my collection and see how versatile it is in decorating.

Let's start with finding out more about milk glass and where it originated.

History of Milk Glass

From Wikipedia:

First made in Venice in the 16th century, as a translucent competitor for porcelain, colors include blue, pink, yellow, brown, black, and white. Some 19th-century glass makers called milky white opaque glass “opal glass“. The name milk glass is relatively recent.

Made into decorative dinnerware, lamps, vases, and costume jewelery, milk glass was highly popular during the end of the century. Pieces made for the wealthy of the Gilded Age are known for their delicacy and beauty in color and design, while Depression glass pieces of the 1930s and 1940s are less so.

Where do I get milk glass?

I pick up milk glass at both thrift stores and antique stores.  All of my pieces are from the 1930's or later. I find them to be readily available if you keep your eyes peeled.

Why do I collect it?

My favorite thing about milk glass is the pretty designs, from hobnail, to geometric designs, each piece has a function and style of its own. I like to use these pieces on my coffee table, as storage in a bathroom, on display, vases for flower bouquets, and in vignettes throughout my home.  They add a pretty texture to your space and are unique and timeless.

I added these shelves in this family room nook (LINK), last fall.  It was kind of a wasted little area and I thought it would be a good spot to showcase my brass and milk glass items.  I originally had a chest of drawers there, but swapped a desk for the dresser and I like the fit of it better.

As you can see, I have a lot of brass items as well!  I'll have to do a separate post on that collection soon!

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Many of these milk glass pieces are available for purchase in White Cottage Home Store (LINK). Start your own collection today! 

Interested in my other collections?

Come take a look at my other favorites I've posted about: Antique Bottle Collection (LINK), Paint by Numbers (LINK),  Silver Collection (LINK), Favorite China (LINK), and Antique Cameras (LINK).

XO,