If you’re looking for a fun and affordable vintage item to decorate with then you might be interested in collecting milk glass. Today I’m sharing my best tips for finding and displaying it.

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Tips for Collecting and Using Milk Glass

Today I’m joining with some other vintage-loving friends and we’re all sharing how we use milk glass. Our group is led by my talented friend Cindy at County Road 407.

Be sure to visit her for all kinds of great ideas for using vintage items. You’ll love her Texas farmhouse style.

If you’re just coming over from Lora Bloomquist, welcome! She has the most amazing collection of vintage items and always knows just how to style them. If you haven’t visit her post you can see it here: Garden Party Ideas with Milk Glass.

And if you’re new here, you can learn all about me and this site here: Start Here

Check out all of the links at the bottom of this post for more ideas for using milk glass.

Now let’s learn a little more about the topic we’re all featuring.

Milk Glass FAQ’s

Some of you are familiar with milk glass but not everyone is. So I thought it might be helpful to answer a few common questions about it. Let me know in the comments below if you have other questions and I’ll try to answer them.

What is milk glass?

It’s a type of glass that’s usually smooth and opaque. It’s usually white and that’s how it got its name. But it also comes in a few other colors. It’s blown or pressed into various shapes including plates, cups, vases, compotes, cake stands, trays, and more.

Where did milk glass come from?

Milk white glass was made as early as 1500 B.C. in Egypt and possibly even earlier. Milk glass snuff bottles and vases were produced in China by 140 B.C. and milk glass bottles and jars containing spices from Persia date from about 635 A.D.

Here in the U.S., the first milk glass was made at Jamestown, Virginia around 1609. It was part of beads made to use in trading with Indians. A book including instructions for making it written in Venice around 1612. In France, milk glass called Opaline was produced from the mid-1820’s.

When did it become popular?

By the mid-1800’s milk glass was very popular in the U.S. and grew to its peak popularity between 1895 and 1910. It was mostly produced as a less expensive version of porcelain china.

For more about the history and value of milk glass I recommend reading Collector’s Encyclopedia of Milk Glass – Identification & Values. I’ve had this book since the 1990’s and the values aren’t current but there is some great information if you’re interested in learning everything about it.

Here are more books with detailed information.

• Milk Glass: Imperial Glass Corporation
• The Big Book of Fenton Milk Glass 1940-1985

Are there different types of milk glass?

There are several colors of milk glass including white, blue, red, brown, pink, and yellow. Some items are smooth and some have textured designs or waves/ruffles. Certain pieces have pierced designs.

Here’s an example of hobnail, which has a texture that looks like bubbles or bumps. It’s a very popular style.

Is milk glass worth anything?

Milk glass items are valued between $3 and $200. Most pieces are priced below $25. Rarer colored pieces usually have a higher value.

Is milk glass dishwasher safe?

Even though most glass is dishwasher safe, you should hand wash milk glass. The harsh detergents can give the glass a dull finish and could potentially damage it.

Where are the best places to find milk glass?

Since milk glass was mass produced it’s usually inexpensive and fairly easy to find. Look for it at these places:

• Yard sales
• Estate sales – see my best tips here: How to Shop Estate Sales Like a Pro
• Thrift stores
• Etsy – see my curated collection of favorites
• eBay
• Chairish

How to Use Milk Glass in Your Home

I was so happy when Cindy announced our topic for this tour. I’ve collected and used milk glass for many years and have lots of ideas to share with you. Let’s take a look at some favorite ways to use it.

Use a plate or pedestal for seasonal items

One of the great things about milk glass is how easy it is to use practically any color with it. A couple of years ago I made a DIY glass cloche and added a collection of small blue items. See the other colors I’ve used in it here: DIY Glass Cloche Plus Display Tips

And Christmas decorations are the perfect addition to milk glass. I stacked some small white plates on my milk glass cake plate and topped them with a preserved boxwood wreath and a few vintage glass Christmas ornaments.

See the more like this here: Vintage Christmas Decorating Ideas

Centerpiece with flowers in vases

Look no further than milk glass vases if you want to create a quick, easy, and beautiful centerpiece. A quick trip to the grocery store, farmer’s market, or your yard can provide you with fresh blooms that you can toss into vases grouped together.

A couple of years ago on a whim I created this daffodil centerpiece. I picked the flowers from my yard and arranged various shapes, heights, and textures of vintage milk glass vases on a small wooden board.

It took me about 30 minutes to put together and has been one of my most pinned images. See the entire table here: Natural Rustic Spring Tablescape

For a super simple patriotic centerpiece, add some small flags to a grouping of vintage milk glass vases. The little flags are very inexpensive and can be used around the house.

See more of this table here: Patriotic Tablescape with Vintage Thrift Store Dishes

See more table decor ideas in my archives: Table Decorating Ideas

Decorate your mantel with flowers in milk glass vases

Another great place to add a little milk glass in on a mantel or shelf. Here are a few of my favorite ideas.

Use varying heights and different color flowers for a pretty spring vignette.

Add a group of vases to a wooden toolbox for more impact. Grocery store carnations last for at least a couple of weeks and are a bargain. They come in many gorgeous colors and are perfect for spring and summer.

Use alternating heights and flowers for a more artistic, symmetrical look. Tip – odd numbers always look best to our eye, so use an odd number of vases and center the tallest one.

View more mantel decorating inspiration here: Mantel Decorating Ideas

Use Vases as Pedestals for Pretty Ornaments

I have a large collection of vintage glass ornaments and it’s fun to display my favorites on top of vintage milk glass vases. Last year I had a navy blue and pink Christmas theme and added a navy and white buffalo check ribbon for filler.

Add multiple ornaments to a milk glass compote for a little more impact.

Dress up a window sill with vases topped with glass ornaments.

See more Christmas decorating inspiration here: Christmas Decorating Ideas

Organize with milk glass vases

Since milk glass is so readily available and affordable and I have a large collection, I try to use it as many ways as I can. In my craft room I have various brushes and supplies stashed in vases and compotes. See more ways to decorate without breaking the bank here: How to decorate on a budget

Here’s another example of how to use milk glass vases to organize supplies. It’s a fun and pretty way to help corral the clutter. (I took this picture several years ago before I repainted the craft room.)

Think outside of the box and use vintage milk glass dental trays to organize jewelry.

Little milk glass creamers and bowls are perfect for organizing small office supplies like paper clips, binder clips, and more.

Keep frequently used cooking ingredients near the stove and neatly organized on a milk glass cake pedestal. Get more ideas here: 20+ Creative Ways to Organize with Vintage Items

See more ideas for using items in creative ways here: 29 Repurpose and Upcycle Ideas for Your Home

More ideas for using milk glass in your home

Now it’s time to visit my friends who are sharing some beautiful ways to use milk glass. Click on any image below to learn more.