The Vintage Glass That Could Set Off A New Aesthetic Trend

The thrift store is a great source for unique items and hidden treasures to fit your home's aesthetic at affordable prices. When browsing the shelves of your favorite local shops, keep an eye out for the latest vintage glass trends. Frilly Murano glass is among the valuable glass items you should be looking for at thrift stores and estate sales.

Murano glass is a type of Venetian glass that originated in the late 13^th century on the island of Murano in Venice. The island is renowned for its glassmaking around the world. Today, local artisans continue to create unique glassware using a glass-blowing process that has remained virtually unchanged.

Murano glass is renowned for its intricate layers of different colors and the incorporation of silver or gold into the glass material. The glass master will add metal oxides and other compounds to the glass to create the desired result. The frilly Murano glass is made in the same way, with the shape of the edges being the only difference; it has a frilled, or ruffled, edge.

Frilly Murano glass is set to become a major vintage glass trend in 2025. In an interview with VERANDA, Vice President of Global Merchandise at Chairsh, Noel Fahden, said of the statement-making pieces, "The delicate 'frilly' accents — seen on pitcher handles, chandeliers, and mirror adornments — highlight the craftsmanship and artistry synonymous with Murano glass. This playful yet elegant aesthetic adds a touch of whimsy and sophistication to any space."

The Murano glass chandelier is making an elegant comeback in homes. Over the years and centuries, the styles and designs of Murano chandeliers have varied. When shopping for vintage glass or searching estate sales, these chandeliers stand out for their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and exceptional artistry.

In addition to chandeliers and other types of lighting, Murano glass is used to craft vases, sculptures, goblets, centerpieces, and other decorative objects. The frilly glass has a ruffled accent at the top of vases, goblets, and bowls. In lighting, the ruffled glass design is found on the edges of pendant light fixtures, chandelier cups, and lamps. 

As you are browsing through glassware at thrift shops, yard sales, and estate sales, looking for the latest vintage glass trend, it is helpful to know how to identify Murano glass. If you are buying from a private seller, they should be able to provide information about the authenticity of the piece. Experts suggest looking for the glass master's signature or a certificate of origin sticker to ensure that the glassware was made by an artist or company based in Murano.

However, a mark or signature of the glassmaker is not always reliable or the only way to determine if the glass is authentic. Some glassmakers may have chosen not to mark their work. When buying vintage Murano glass, the signature, stickers, or other marks may have faded or worn away. When looking at a glass object, evaluate the overall aesthetic, shape, and quality of the craftsmanship. Handblown glass generally has small imperfections, such as small air bubbles. Some handblown glass artworks may also have a Pontil mark on the bottom, a raised spot that results from the rod used during the glass-blowing process.

While finding valuable Murano glass at a thrift shop is rare, it does happen, usually with smaller items such as glasses, goblets, and bowls. These glass kitchen items are a thrifter's best-kept secret, whether you are looking for vintage glass for your home or to resell. Authentic Murano glass and frilly Murano glass can be worth hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars, depending on the craftsmanship, the master who created the piece, and the age and condition.