The Vintage Glass Candles You Should Keep An Eye Out For At Thrift Stores

You can find so many relics at your local thrift store. Some may even pass you by because you have no idea what they actually are or do until you stumble across a video online showing you just how fabulous they can look in your home. Take glass oil candles, for example. They were a popular trend in the '70s, but ultimately became obscure alternatives to wax candles. 

Although they mimic the look of a candle, glass oil candles are essentially oil lamps. They burn through fiberglass wicks that draw the fuel upwards, creating a flame that can last up to 12 hours. Now, new brands have begun offering updated takes on this technology, which could make glass oil candles the once-dated thrift store find that's making a stylish comeback in home décor. Luckily, you don't need to spend upwards of $20 to buy new, when, for just a couple of dollars, you can get your hands on vintage models that most likely still work!  

The candles feature a delicate, elegant, transparent appearance that can change the ambiance of any room, without many of the hassles of wax candles. Your days of getting spilled wax off your hardwood floors and other unwanted areas will be over, since unless they're overfilled, there's little risk of glass oil lamps and candles dripping or spilling over. They're also more sustainable, since one quality piece can last you basically a lifetime. Not only is the glass heat-resistant and strong, the wicks are also very durable and may never even need to be replaced, making glass oil candles fantastic items to thrift.

When it comes to brands, Firelight Glass was one of the most popular makers of these art pieces thanks to its quality handmade products and innovative, patented designs. Another '70s brand to look out for is Glass Dimensions, which used to sell stunning oil candles and lamps before it closed in 2015. Check their websites to familiarize yourself with their unique designs so you can better recognize them in the wild. Some come protected by angular and spiral glass chimneys that are great for outside use. Also, look for oil candles with elegant glass wick holder tubes that run the length of the piece, as opposed to other models where the fiberglass just sags in the fuel. 

When you find a piece that you love, check for cracks and chips in the glass. Though most glass oil candles are made to withstand wear, a more violent tumble can damage their exterior. Cracked oil lamps are best left at the store or reserved for decorative purposes only, since heating them could cause them to shatter. A damaged or missing wick, however, can be easily replaced. 

If deemed fit for use, simply fill three-fourths of the container with odor and smoke-free clean-burning pure paraffin oil using a funnel. Most brands suggest letting the wick soak completely before lighting it and placing only a few millimeters of fabric above the wick holder for a small, controllable flame. Finally, as with any open flame, keep your glass oil candles away from flammable fabrics, flammable gases, or any kitchen ingredients that could pose a hidden fire risk while cooking.