Using Vintage Milk-Glass for Cottage Home Décor

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Rachel Stone

Hello everyone! Today I’d like to share some vintage décor items I’ve discovered in the last year or so and have come to love and use daily in our home. Hopefully this will inspire you to use the special things you have and love as well!

As you know, I enjoy popping into a thrift or antique shop now & then just to see what treasures may be there. I noticed there were often these pretty white glass pieces and learned they were called milk-glass. Some pieces showed up at every shop ~ like the bud vases, but many were unique. 

The crisp white color is fresh, goes with everything, and hobnail is just a bit quirky ~ perfect combo! I started with a few vases & goblets to see if they’d go with my decor & actually get used. Just this weekend I spotted a large milk-glass vase exactly like this one for $38!

Matt surprised me with these bouquets on Valentine’s Day. I love the milk-glass vases & they get used often!

A search on Pinterest revealed that milk-glass came in many forms, including lamps. I began keeping an eye out for these as well. Here are a few that I passed on ~ somehow they reminded me of poodles…

I settled on this taller lamp since the height would work on a bedside table or chest of drawers. The shade was also thrifted bringing the total cost to $7 – $8. The lamp works beautifully, adding lovely charm to the guest bedroom & the vintage inspired gallery wall!

This petite hand painted milk-glass lamp appeared at the thrift shop for about $3 ~ then I saw a matching one at the antique store for $16. Always check the thrift shop first! This sweet little lamp gave a feminine touch to our vintage cottage style guest bedroom. 

Next I picked up a few milk-glass goblets with varying patterns. These turned out to be quite versatile! They’re served as forced bulb planters, votives, serving dishes, and most recently as Christmas decor on our dining room hutch! Can you believe this diamond print compote was marked down to just .79 cents?!

My inspiration this Christmas for decorating the hutch was centered around milk-glass. Here are the pieces gathered to begin decorating.

Simple, inexpensive, and classic!

This charming pair of square milk-glass dishes were a little harder to find. After seeing them on Pinterest I kept an eye out for months… One was thrifted for about $2. The other from an antique store for $10. They hold q-tips and make-up remover pads. Simple and elegant for daily use items. 

The milk-glass candy dish from was another long sought after find. I have a special DIY project planned for this dish… stay tuned!

Near the front door we have this antique shelf (thrifted!) with a little milk-glass dish for holding pocket change, keys, and a phone charger. Another option for a dish this size is to hold bath essentials, or sample sizes for guests.

And lastly I found this “bubble” milk-glass serving bowl for just .77 cents Pieces like this don’t come through the thrift shop very often so I try not to squeal aloud when they do! The hobnail pitcher we found over Christmas break while antique shopping with my sister. It’s nearly always in the fridge full of tea.

I hope you found some inspiration to use and enjoy those special things that tell the story of your home & family! Thank you for stopping by & have a lovely day!

Thank you for joining me today as we found creative, fun ways to use milk-glass in the home!

Until next time, take care,

Rachel

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Author: Rachel Stone
Rachel is passionate about creating a comfortable and beautiful home for her family. She also loves to share the lessons she is learning with her wonderful audience both on this blog and her YouTube channel.

8 thoughts on “Using Vintage Milk-Glass for Cottage Home Décor”

  1. Love the way you use all your pieces.
    I have some plates that belonged to my aunt Vaga and I use them occasionally .

    Blessings,
    MiMi

    • Good morning Mi Mi!
      Glad you liked the post, isn’t it fun to use pieces from family? Thank you for stopping by & have a lovely day!
      Warmly,
      Rachel

  2. Hi Rachel! I love the milk glass pieces you have found! I didn’t even think to look at the thrift store. Good advice! I am currently collecting a certain milk glass snack set of dishes from Federal Co. I love Fire King, also. It was nice reading your post. Have a great week!
    – Jenny M

    • Hello Jenny M!
      How nice to meet a fellow milk-glass collector! Glad to pass on the tip to hunt pieces down in thrift shops – hope you find what you’re looking for a better price. Fire King is great, I also enjoy Westmoreland pieces. Thanks for stopping by & glad you enjoyed the post. Keep an eye out for a milk-glass DIY project in the next few weeks… 🙂 Have a lovely day!
      Warmly,
      Rachel

  3. Very cute! You are getting a very nice collection together. I always think of you when I see milk-glass on my antique shopping trips. 🙂

    • Good morning Carrie,
      Glad you enjoyed the post. Yes, the hobnail pitcher always reminds me of our trip to Miss B’s together. Thanks for stopping by, have a lovely day!

  4. Love the decor ideas here! The red roses contrasting with the white milk glass pieces you have found are gorgeous.

    • Good morning Joanna!
      Glad you found some decor inspiration! The milk-glass seems to go with just about anything and everything, it has a mellow effect while still adding good texture and height to a vignette. Thanks for stopping by & have a lovely day!
      Warmly,
      Rachel

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