Maybe you inherited a few old jars, or maybe your shelves are already packed with stained glass finds — either way, if you love vintage colored glassware, you know how much character a well-made piece can add to a room. But not all glass is created equal. If you’re looking to grow your vintage colored glassware collection, here are three styles that collectors consistently search for so that you can spot the good stuff before it disappears from the shelf!

Milk glass

First introduced in the late 1800s, milk glass was created as a budget-friendly alternative to fine China. And though most known for its opaque white finish, antique milk glass also came in soft jade, pastel blue, pale pink, and even black. It wasn’t used for everyday dinnerware — instead, it was crafted into decorative pieces like vases, covered dishes, cake stands, and pitchers.

Full sets of dinner plates are unlikely to be authentic milk glass. Look instead for serving or accent pieces such as dessert dishes, punch bowls, or teacups.

Mid-century glass

Mid-century pieces are some of the most sought-after examples of vintage colored glassware. You’ll find a wide range of styles depending on where they were made. Scandinavian glassmakers leaned into subtle tones and clean finishes, usually soft and matte. Italian studios went bold with vivid colors and sculptural forms that doubled as art. In the US and UK, designers preferred subtle textures and functional shapes to let the color of the glass speak for itself.

Depression glass

Depression glassware are machine-pressed translucent glassware that was widely produced in the US and Canada during the Great Depression. Often included as giveaways in cereal boxes or sold at low prices in department stores, it became a household staple. Today, certain rare colors or patterns are highly collectible, with well-preserved pieces commanding strong interest from vintage glass enthusiasts.

At Pacific Antiques Mall, we showcase a wide range of vintage colored glassware, from timeless milk glass to rare Depression-era finds. Visit us to explore, discover, and take home your next collectible.