Where To Style Vintage Colored Glassware For An On-Trend Look

Unique vintage glassware can add intrigue, charm, and character to a home's interior design. Despite being a relic from decades past, designers are bringing back vintage glassware trends in 2026. Depression glass, carnival glass, and other colorful vintage styles are experiencing a resurgence, making this an ideal time to incorporate stunning vintage glass that collectors always hunt for into your own home's design.

Talking with Homes & Gardens, interior designer Thomas Burak shared his appreciation for nostalgic, vintage-inspired decor accents like tinted glassware. "I purchase most of the glassware by style and color, not necessarily maker. It's all about the look. White Opaline Portieux Vallerysthal makes a pretty summer table, as well as its unique robin's egg blue color. I have the color spectrum covered with cobalt, amethyst, amber, green, and red."

Some pieces of colorful vintage glassware are simply too beautiful to keep hidden away in cabinets. While closed-door China cabinets and antique hutches can serve as practical means of storage, they can mute the impact by keeping pieces out of full view. This is why some design experts recommend storing your colored glassware in highly visible places, where you and your guests can admire and appreciate the distinct, striking aesthetics they add to a room. Whether displaying a few standout pieces or an extensive collection, there are plenty of ways to showcase vintage colored glassware.

When choosing a spot for a glass collection, prioritize open, well-lit locations that naturally draw the eye. Bright, airy shelves are an excellent choice, since glimmering beams of sunlight can emphasize the glasses' tint and unique details. For those who prefer enclosed storage, glass-front cabinets or display cases offer protection without sacrificing visibility. The best way to display your glassware largely depends on the size of your collection. For smaller collections, floating shelves, mantel tops, or sunny windowsills can highlight the glassware. Larger collections benefit from bookshelves, ladder shelves, hanging racks, or display cabinets with built-in lighting. 

Alternating colors or heights can add depth, while grouping pieces by style or era creates a more cohesive look. Interior designer Benji Lewis describes how he tries to focus on the intention behind the display. "Work out the look you're after, perhaps a single statement piece, in which case something in a bold abstract form or in a strong color, or a collection of smaller pieces in the same color on a shelf." (via Homes & Gardens)

You can also use your collection to style different tablescapes on dining surfaces whenever they're not in use, though eating or drinking from it is often discouraged due to potential lead or uranium content. However you decide to display your collection, what matters the most is that you do it with pride, vintage-inspired glass deserves to be enjoyed rather than tucked away, collecting dust in the dark.