Give Your Bathroom A High-End Look On A Budget Using Thrift Store Glassware

The bathroom accessories you need to create a high-end look on a budget may be as close as your favorite thrift store — and that was exactly the case for TikToker @tinathrifts. She styled beautiful crystal pieces that she thrifted for less than $5 each to create a high-end aesthetic in her newly renovated bathrooms. Not only do they double as decor, but they can also be used for storage.

Crystal is among the home decor steals you should never leave the thrift store without buying. In fact, it's often used in luxury bathroom fixtures to bring a touch of glamour to the space. The TikTok user found crystal decanters, candy dishes, and jars in different sizes and used them for decor and storage in her bathrooms. The decanter holds mouthwash, a candy dish holds Q-tips, and a crystal jar is filled with cotton balls. Several commenters expressed concern about putting mouthwash in crystal that contains lead, but the creator insisted she's been doing this for years. If you are concerned about lead exposure, decanters can always be used for something else, such as bubble bath. 

The options are nearly endless for curating your own stunning crystal finds. When you are browsing the shelves, consider the many ways to reuse crystal glassware from the thrift store. Candy dishes, jars, small vases, crystal bowls, platters, and tumblers can all be used as decorative objects and for storing items you use daily in the bathroom. Of course, the amount of space you have for decor will depend on the size of your bathroom, available countertop space, and shelving to hold your thrifted crystal finds. 

In the video, the creator stored mouthwash, cotton balls, and Q-tips in her crystal dishes and jars. You can customize this idea to your specific needs and storage requirements. Some ideas for using crystal in the bathroom include a tumbler to hold toothbrushes, bubble bath in a decanter, a small jar to house a handmade candle, a crystal bowl to hold decorative soaps, or a little dish to hold jewelry. Additionally, displaying flowers in a small crystal vase, arranging your favorite perfume bottles on a crystal tray, or planting a succulent in a little candy dish will elevate your bathroom decor even further.

You'll more than likely find a wide assortment of crystal and cut-glass pieces while thrifting. Hence, it's important to know how to spot valuable, high-end items at thrift stores, including crystal. There are a few ways you can tell the difference between cut glass and crystal by weight, sound, and shining a light on the glass. 

When you pick an item up, the weight can give you a clue about the material. Crystal is heavier than glass due to the presence of lead. You could also do a simple sound test. Tap the side of the item with your fingernail. If the object is made of crystal, you'll hear a ringing sound. Alternatively, you can use the light from your smartphone to tell the difference between crystal and cut glassware. Crystal creates a prism effect when you shine light on it. Turn on the flashlight on your phone and hold it up to the object. If the item is crystal, you'll see rainbows when you look through the piece.