Vintage Glassware & Crystal: A Thrifter's Guide to Sourcing and Styling

Vintage glassware and crystal are some of the best items to snag secondhand -- but in a sea of sparkling treasures, how do you know what to choose? Christie Marie breaks down her go-to methods of searching and sourcing the best finds and the best ways to incorporate vintage glassware into every style and aesthetic. 

 

What type of glassware do you look for on AuctionNinja?

Vintage glassware and crystal are some of my favorite items to search for at auction. I personally don’t find it worth the cost to buy crystal new when there are so many incredible vintage treasures to be found, and at a fraction of the cost. When searching for interesting bowls, glasses, stemware, vases, or pitchers, the below are my tried-and-true keywords used to refine the search:

 

Murano glass

Cut crystal

Ribbed glass

Orrefors

Bubble glass

Rosenthal Crystal

Petal vase

Crystal coupe glasses

Crystal Stemware

Tiffany’s glass

Glass hurricane

Etched glassware

Scalloped glass bowl

Blown glass pitcher

Blown glass

 

How do you style vintage glassware so it feels cohesive with your overall look?

 

I find that vintage glassware – whether it’s a fabulous Rosenthal ribbed vase or a Waterford crystal coupe – elevates a space and makes it feel much more personal and unique. The worst thing you can do though is over do it and assemble your tabletop with everything crystal. It immediately dates the space… in a bad way. Instead, the simple trick is to balance unique glass or crystal items with more grounded and substantial pieces. For example, a raw wood dining table with a crystal vase or a travertine coffee table with a one-of-a-kind ribbed glass catch all. When used in moderation, it elevates a space beautifully.

 

Photo courtesy of Christie Marie Home

 

 

What’s the best way to use crystal lighting so it feels modern, not dated?

 

Simply put – juxtaposition. Use crystal to make a statement and add an unexpected element to a room. I find that crystal lighting with black hardware feels more modern and pairs well with a variety of spaces. From a modern farmhouse to a heavily printed room, it can be just what a space needs. I recently paired a vintage crystal chandelier with a blue printed Bennison wallcovering and just love how it all came together!

 

Photo courtesy of Christie Marie Home

 

 

For more sourcing tips and styling inspiration, follow @TheChristieMarie on Instagram.

 

Christie’s AuctionNinja Picks

 

1. Ceramic Lamp with Wide Shade (Clearing House Estate Sales)

2. Fantastic Antique Copper Kettle (Darien Scouts)

3. Pair 70s Shelby Williams Swivel Pod Chair from The Playboy CLub in Vernon NJ (Clearing House Estate Sales)

4. Pair of Handmade Pottery Lamps with Restoration Hardware Shades (Clearing House Estate Sales)

5. Pillow Grouping (4) - Lumbar Pair and 18”sq Pair (Clearing House Estate Sales)

6. Vintage Mode Danish Teak 6 pc Knife Set (Clearing House Estate Sales)

7. Two Baccarat Crystal Vases (The Magnusson Group)

8. Eight Fancy Sterling Silver Frames (The Magnusson Group)

9. Restoration Hardware Bleeker Street Brass Lamp (Modern Day Auctions)

10. Antique English Oak Bobbin Turnings Nesting Tables - Set of 3 (Clearing House Estate Sales)

Other Picks Not to Miss:

• Beautiful Runner (Clearing House Estate Sales)

• Gorgeous Solid Mahogany Bachelor Bed by Noir (Clearing House Estate Sales)

• Set of 6 Vintage French Architectural Illustrations (Clearing House Estate Sales)

• Gorgeous English Georgian Walnut Chest of Drawers (Black Rock Galleries)

• Two Woven Rattan Nesting Tables (Clearing House Estate Sales)

• Mid Century Modern Chinese Porcelain Blue and White Lamp (Clearing House Estate Sales)

• Late 60s Vintage Mid Century Hans Wegner Style Rope Chair (Clearing House Estate Sales)

• Vintage Spanish Oak Dining Table & Eight Matching Chairs (Clearing House Estate Sales)

 

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