Thrift Store Enthusiasts Should Always Keep An Eye Out For This Vintage Glass Brand

Nothing beats a weekend of thrifting. Hours of rummaging through boxes and examining shelf after shelf of interesting (and sometimes bizarre) home decor items are always so much fun. But sometimes, the thrill of a thrift store session can lead you to some wonderful finds. One vintage brand that is always worth buying at thrift stores is Orrefors, a Swedish company that has been making luxurious glass products for over 100 years. 

Founded in 1898 on an existing ironworks site nestled in the lush green forests of southern Sweden, Orrefors began its life as a simple company that focused on practicality and need over anything else. It began producing jars for lingonberry jam and bottles for ink, but that changed in the early 20th century when artists Edward Hald and Simon Gate were invited to the factory and began experimenting with glass creation. Their work incorporated new and exciting patterns, colors, and engravings into the glass pieces, and this transformed glass into art, not just a practical material. They brought in skilled glassblowers and engravers, and the company soon became renowned for its luxurious glassware. The work travelled across Europe, being displayed at the Gothenburg Exhibition and World's Fair in Paris in the 1920s. 

These events elevated the respect of Orrefors, cementing those behind it as pioneers and artists in the world of glass. Since then, the company has carried on creating beautiful glassware for homes across the globe. From simple yet elegant glasses to their striking nature-inspired vases that call back to the forests where it all began, Orrefors is inspiring — and the stunning vintage glass you should always snag from the thrift store.

As it has been around for over a hundred years, Orrefors has created so many designs that you may spot in a thrift store. When you are hunting through the shelves, make sure you are on the lookout for high-quality glass products. You can find Orrefors glasses, bowls, plates, and vases that have a simple design but still exude that high end feel that is synonymous with the brand. However, it is their more innovative glasswork that would be the real treasure in a thrift store. Orrefors is famous for introducing the Graal technique into the glass world, with pieces made in this way being breathtaking works of art. The Graal technique refers to colored designs and motifs being encased in clear glass, which creates a wonderfully smooth, almost 3D effect. These Orrefors pieces usually depict imagery of the natural world, such as motifs of small fish swimming amongst delicate streams of fronds. Every Graal piece feels like its own miniature world, and a small snapshot of the streams, woodlands, and skies of their Scandinavian home. 

If you think you have found an Orrefors piece, look for a signature at the bottom. They will often also have a serial number and the initials of the designer who created the piece. If it is a Graal piece, it will also have this word written on it. Prices for vintage Orrefors glassware range from around $100 to over $1,000. Found this valuable vintage glass brand at your local thrift store? What you do next is up to you. You may want to sell it on for some cash, but you may want to keep it and have a stunning piece of Swedish design history in your home forever.