The Unique '90s Vase That Looks Like Valuable Murano Glass (But For A Fraction Of The Price)

Some homeowners have grown tired of minimalist, "millennial gray" decor and are embracing more colorful, whimsical styles instead. That's part of the reason why Teleflora vases might be attracting interest on on the secondary market. These 1990s vases were mass-produced and distributed by Teleflora florists, and now, thrifters show interest in these beautifully-colored pieces.

On Facebook Marketplace and eBay, there are listings for Teleflora vases that suggest they have a "Murano-style look." It's easy to understand why — both Murano glass is known for saturated colors and dramatic shapes. While Teleflora glass is not rare, it's still compelling, especially the pink and green "watermelon vase," which some online can mistake for a Murano. 

Some Murano and Teleflora pieces may look similar, but they are unrelated (and certainly not the same). A true Murano is handcrafted by artisans, while Teleflora vases are machine-made for mass production. Murano glass is only made in Northern Italy on an island off the coast of Venice. Conversely, Teleflora pieces are made from other parts of the world, including China, France, and Thailand. One of the biggest distinctions between the two, however, is the price. Some vintage Murano pieces sell for hundreds of dollars or more; Teleflora vases typically sell for anywhere between $15 and $40, but they still offer a look that isn't too far off from Murano glass. That's why the Teleflora watermelon vase is attractive to thrifters, as it's a beautiful piece of colored glass with a unique shape at a fraction of the Murano price.

When hunting for colored glassware, check your local thrift store first! You just might find old Teleflora vases that people have donated from old bouquets.  Since Teleflora glass can be displayed empty or filled with fresh flowers all year long, you can use them to add a pop of color to your space. And, these Murano-like designs, made starting in the mid-century period, often have a uniquely artistic appearance with stylish flourishes and hues.

Teleflora label designs vary, but some options may include a gold Teleflora seal marked with, or applied to a clear sticker picturing a bird bearing a flower. Some are dark black with gold letters, and still, some pieces might not have a label if it wore off after years of use. FTD, another floral company, also made similar vases, so the label can give you a good clue as to whether it's a Teleflora. Look at the colors, too; Teleflora vases often mimic the designs of artisan glass, with ombre colors, "peppermint swirl"-style patterns, and textured glass treatments. 

Once you start browsing vase listings, you'll see many people describing Teleflora vases as Murano-style or art glass, and some will simply label all colorful glass as "Murano." However, since Murano is not a brand name, you'll have to examine the piece for other clues. Real Murano glass is handmade, so the glass will contain imperfections. There may also be a signature of a glass master, but Teleflora pieces will have perfectly even thickness all around, will lack any bubbles or imperfections, and won't feature a glass master's markings.