Accessories 101: A Splash of Milk Glass
A fanciful group of these vintage collectibles creates timeless style just about anywhere
Milk glass, widely produced in the United States and England from 1835 through the 1980s, was an inexpensive substitute for the luxurious tableware many could not afford during the depression of the 30s and 40s. Now, the opaque glass material, blown or pressed into various shapes such as vases and serve ware, look particularly great in groups. It's a vintage look sure to give any space sense of timelessness.
Depending on the object, you can obtain milk glass pieces for a fairly reasonable price if you hunt for the wares at thrift stores. Most come in white, although colors such as green and pink also can be found. If you're slightly afraid of accessorizing your house, start with these pieces as they go with most styles of décor, from shabby chic to more contemporary spaces.
Depending on the object, you can obtain milk glass pieces for a fairly reasonable price if you hunt for the wares at thrift stores. Most come in white, although colors such as green and pink also can be found. If you're slightly afraid of accessorizing your house, start with these pieces as they go with most styles of décor, from shabby chic to more contemporary spaces.
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| An utterly feminine and Hollywood-Regency looking tablescape looks amazing against the gold lamps and branch wall sculpture. |
by RLH Studio
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A grouping of unique milk glass containers contrast against the black table and gray upholstered dining chairs. Gathering a collection like this adds impact to a look that's perfect for everyday.
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| Here a milk glass vase is filled with an arrangement of wild flowers, and the smaller white dish next to it provides the perfect place to put keys. The continuity of the milk glass objects goes nicely with the bold white and blue stripes for an eclectic-yet-orderly look. |
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| These milk glass containers work nicely as a vessel for growing paperwhite bulbs indoors. While this tablescape is clearly meant for the holidays, the concept of using the milky glass vessel to grow bulbs works all year round. |
by Rachel Grace
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Talk about simple. This narrow white milk glass cylindrical lamp sits atop a white lattice table just big enough for the lamp for a minimal and clean look next to the sandy colored headboard and the dark stained floors.
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| Here's an example of colored milk glass. This turquoise tint is more rare and you can see why: the made-to-look-vintage chandelier really adds pop to the space, making the otherwise traditional environ much more eclectic and unique. |
by Dreamy Whites
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This is what most people think of when they hear milk glass: shabby chic. Well, you can see why it works if you are going for that look. The creamy pink lamp has a breezy quality perfect for the distressed furniture and ruffled bed.
Milk glass makes the perfect vessels for colorful arrangements. White milk glass classically goes well with pink and add brightness to this brown-and-cream kitchen.
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| An argument can be made that any collection looks great as long as there are enough pieces in the collection to make an impact, and this image supports that idea. The collection of vases, candlestick holders, and bowls that line the top shelf here goes nicely with layers of books arranged by color. More is more! |
Some of the collection here is creamware, and some is milk glass, creating an abundant collection of white. The fact that the walls are white here makes the aesthetic really clean, especially in contrast with the chalkboard fridge and dark countertops.
Milk glass also goes well with clear glass. Mixing the materials in this tablescape shows a restraint that feels like an update on traditional décor.
The white milk glass objects all in a line against the yellow and white striped wall makes an impact in this hip corner office.
More: 7 Areas to Accessorize With Style
Impact Accessories: Details That Make the Space
More: 7 Areas to Accessorize With Style
Impact Accessories: Details That Make the Space
Comments
Ikea Kitchen Design Online Painting your fridge with blackboard paint is a great idea, a bit risky though. Better try it with an old fridge before you paint on your shiny new one.
17 months ago · Like
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lindseyakin I have 2 milk glass bowls very like the keys one in the 3rd picture. I use them only at Christmas, flanking a beautiful wooden advent calendar tree. One has red jelly bellys, the other one green - the red, green and white together is that perfect traditional Christmas look and the bowls are the ideal size.
17 months ago · Like
Amy Renea Love this post!! ...and adore the books arranged by color...beautiful!
17 months ago · Like
8Foot6 Thanks for including us! I have MUCH more since that photo was taken!!!
17 months ago · Like
robinfromca What a great collection! I can tell by all that beautiful milk glass sitting up high on open shelves that you do not live in earthquake country...made me nervous just looking!
17 months ago · Like
Frisson Thank you for including my milk glass collection, which I amassed for my wedding centerpieces and couldn't let go after the party was over! I continue to grow the collection and love displaying it. Great IB on a very special topic!
17 months ago · Like
C.W. Styling What a great idea - milk glass containers for your wedding tablescapes! I love it. And your home office is to die for, btw :)
17 months ago · Like
Laurie at Bird in Hand VTG Milk glass seems to brighten up just about any room. And it's still easy to find authentic pieces at reasonable prices. Thanks for the idea and photos!
17 months ago · Like
liliane wall color
17 months ago · Like
tasharae I love milk glass, it's a great day when I find a piece at a garage sale! 
17 months ago · Like
nutmeghome Love all milk glass...one of my first pieces was given to me by my husband back in 1963....
17 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Jan. 16, 2012.
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