The Copper Goose

Looking for home décor that is timeless, affordable, and easily adaptable to different styles and settings? 

Enter milk glass.

Milk glass is a fresh and versatile home décor option that is perfect for tablescapes, shelf display or simply for displaying some fresh flowers on a countertop.  Around since the 16^th century, milk glass was named for its milky color in the Victorian era.  Milk glass production exploded in the Post-WWII era, making mid-century pieces easily available today.  It’s beautiful, easy to style, and easy to find, which is why some folks have dozens of pieces in their collection.

Let’s take a closer look…

WHY DECORATE WITH VINTAGE MILK GLASS?

• It’s a neutral color, perfect for a backdrop to more intense pops of color. 

Milk glass is a usually milky white color and opaque, although technically there can be tinted milk glass, too.  Antique milk glass will often have an iridescent sheen.  It makes for neutral template, which is great for those who either want to contrast with bolder colors or stick to an all-neutral color scheme like we see in modern farmhouse style.

Quilted. Basketweave.  Diamond.  Harvest Grape.  There are dozens and dozens of milk glass patterns, depending on the era, manufacturer, and model.  Some of my favorites are hobnail (easy to find) and Louis XV, which is super ornate (I’ve yet to add that to my collection)!

• It’s cheap and easily accessible.

Well, some of it is cheap and easily accessible.  Rare or very old pieces can fetch a hefty price, but for the most part, milk glass can be found anywhere from Grandma’s attic to yard sales or thrift stores.  Check out some more ideas of places to find milk glass below.

• It works with any interior style. 

Want some hobnail salt and pepper shakers to go in your funky mid-century modern kitchen?  Those come in milk glass.  Or how about some lace-design cake stands to show off those raspberry-vanilla cupcakes in your farmhouse style kitchen?  That comes in milk glass, too!  It’s truly a versatile item that can fit any style.

EXAMPLES OF VINTAGE MILK GLASS DECOR

1. Botanical Decor

Stuff those vases and bowls with succulents, dried bundles of herbs, or fresh flowers for instant DIY home decor!

2. Table Centerpieces

This spring tablescape was easy to throw together with milk glass vases, tall candles, and fresh flowers. Milk glass centerpieces are not just popular as home decor, but also with party decorations and wedding centerpieces!

3. Mantle and Shelving Decor

I used milk glass for a pop of white against the dark navy wall in my office.

4. In the Kitchen

In addition to being decorative, milk glass can also be functional. Cake stands, serving platters, tea sets, and even salt and pepper shakers can be found.

5. Lighting

Milk glass lamps and hanging light fixtures can easily fit into farmhouse or mid-century styles to give a vintage look to your home.

WHERE TO PURCHASE VINTAGE MILK GLASS

1. Garage Sales

Garage sales and auctions are definitely the cheapest place I’ve ever bought milk glass, with small vases and bowls practically being given away. 

2. Thrift Stores

I’ve seen at least one piece of milk glass every time I’ve been in a thrift store recently.  Check out your local thrift stores for unique pieces.  Prices are usually reasonable since it is a fairly common item.

3. Online

If you’re looking for specific patterns or pieces of milk glass, online platforms like Etsy or eBay may be your best bet, since they are harder to find.  Expect to pay more online or in specialty stores compared to what you would pay at garage sales or thrift stores.

4. Antique Shops

I live in Southern Kentucky, and there’s a half dozen antique stores in every town.  You can bet you’ll find milk glass in every single one!

5. Home Décor Stores

Vintage has made a comeback, and manufacturers are recreating the look for selling in home décor stores (think Hobby Lobby).  Milk glass, jadeite, and carnival glass have especially made a resurgence.  Again, expect to pay more compared to used vintage items.

SO, LET’S REVIEW

Milk glass is affordable, easy to find, versatile with any style, and serves as the perfect neutral backdrop.  What’s not to love?  I have my own small collection of vases and bowls and normally use them as table centerpieces or candy dishes, but plan on expanding that to include some serving platters and cake stands (I’m holding out to find the perfect pattern).  I hope you can use these ideas as inspiration to style your own milk glass pieces, or – if you have yet to enter the milk glass world – start up a collection of your own! 

Love vintage-inspired decorating? Check out these posts on Vintage Picture Frame Gallery Wall and Vintage End Tables’ Makeover.

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Be sure to leave a comment below and tell me about your favorite ways to use milk glass!

Happy styling!