It Was Popular In The '80s — Now It's The Rare Pyrex Bowl Worth Hunting For At Thrift Stores

Anyone who collects vintage kitchen accessories knows that Pyrex opalware sets are quite the rare find. And if you're a fellow vintage Pyrex enthusiast, then you know that the brand manufactured different designs for a limited time across the '40s until the '80s. Moreover, Pyrex had a habit of discontinuing one design after another, making it unlikely that collectors would ever find them again after they disappeared from store shelves. One of the many short-lived designs from the 1980s was the Forest Fancies pattern, which appears as a sand-colored container with an outlined illustration of a grassy forest patch with mushrooms at the center.

Among all the other vintage Pyrex patterns, this design stands out in terms of rarity — not because it was on the shelves for a shorter period of time, but it is one of the only two Pyrex designs with mushrooms in it. The other pattern you can integrate into your mushroom decor craze is the Mod Kitchen set, which was produced earlier in 1958. Furthermore, the Forest Fancies set was one of the Pyrex wares that marked the end of the brand's opalware era. In the late '80s, Pyrex ceased to release opalware sets due to changing consumer preferences, and has since moved on to manufacturing glass mixing bowls and casseroles.

When it was released in 1981, the Forest Fancies pattern was splashed across various types of Pyrex opalware, including three-piece mixing bowl sets, Cinderella bowl sets (a.k.a. bowls with flat handles on the sides), and a casserole set with glass lids. When the collection was originally sold, only the larger casserole pieces could be bought individually. Today, however, you can find this valuable vintage Pyrex pattern as pre-owned individual pieces and complete sets through secondhand marketplaces like eBay, where prices range between $15 to $30 per piece, and at least $100 for a three-piece set. Not to worry though, as thrifters can get lucky in finding one or more Forest Fancies opalware for a fraction of the price you see online.

If you have successfully secured a vintage Pyrex Forest Fancies piece, it is generally advised to treat vintage opalware as gently as possible. It is important that you never clean it through an automatic dishwasher. To preserve the original color and design, it's best to hand-wash it in water and dish soap. If you spot any stubborn marks, remove them by applying Barkeeper's Friend using a microfiber cloth.