The Vintage Glass Item That Gives Your Bathroom Countertop Storage A Big Upgrade

One of the most fun aspects of hunting for vintage decor is all the unusual pieces you may discover. You don't really know what they're for or what they're called, but they look so pretty that you can't help but bring them home. Well, a vintage spooner or spoon holder is definitely one of those quirky vintage decor items that you should always look for at the thrift. 

Originally conceived to hold tea and coffee spoons for storage or while hosting, these small vessels are the perfect upgrade for bathroom decor. You can use them to hold cotton swabs, floss picks, lipsticks, nail tools, small bath bombs, and other tiny items that get lost in large drawers. 

As beautiful as vintage glass is, it's not always safe to drink or serve food from, due to possible lead and other toxic metals in glazes and paint. For this reason, it's typically recommended to use vintage glass as decor only, which doesn't make it a very practical buy. The humble spooner, however, can actually serve a functional purpose around the home. 

Spooners are believed to be a Victorian-era invention. They were especially popular for middle-class families, which were just emerging as a distinct, defined social class at that time. Families that could afford silver flatware wanted to display it proudly on the table in these snazzy, decorative vessels. Spooners can be metal or ceramic, but the most exquisite examples are patterned glass. You may find this item as part of a set that includes a creamer and sugar bowl, or as a piece in a complete tea service. 

If you find vintage glass that kind of looks like a spooner and you think would look great in your space, don't worry if it's not actually one of these pieces. You see, back in the days of supreme dining etiquette, there were a number of small vessels with very specific purposes that looked similar to a spooner — including the aforementioned sugar bowls and celery vases, which were used to display celery as a table centerpiece given the vegetable's rarity and associated luxury. 

Take one of these containers and fill it up with accessories or products. Stash them inside a cabinet to keep everything tidy, or display them on your bathroom countertop. Mixing vintage details with modern shapes and materials can bring texture and interest to a simple bathroom. You can enhance the spooner's antique charm by pairing it with other items from past centuries, such as glass bottles, silver hand mirrors and hair brushes, and towels with traditional floral or toile prints.