I wouldn’t call myself a minimalist by any stretch, but far more of my energy goes toward getting rid of things than accumulating them (unless you count plants, which I don’t!). There’s one recent exception, though, and collecting it has become a bit of a hobby: I’ve started thrifting for cut glass.
What Is Cut Glass?
Technically, glass that has been cut to create designs on it dates back to ancient Egypt. While cut glass was made throughout the world, especially in Britain in the 19th century, American Brilliant cut glass emerged in the 1870s. However, cheaper alternatives, made by “pressing” the glass into molds began to be manufactured as early as the 1820s.
Eventually, the ornate style of cut glass fell out of fashion in favor of cleaner lines. Most of the “cut glass” you may be familiar with today (and that you can get your hands on affordably!) is probably actually pressed glass, the more affordable cousin of true cut glass.
Why I Always Thrift for Cut Glass
I’ve always loved cut glass (I have a few vintage pieces handed down by my own family), but after seeing some Instagram Reels of people using cut glass trays and shallow bowls for their plants, I became hooked on the idea of incorporating more of the decorative pieces into my home.
Whenever I go to an estate sale, garage sale, or thrift store, I never pass up the sections that could have some cut glass pieces. Usually, they’re in the glassware or serveware section, but, especially at estate sales, they could really be anywhere in the house. Typically, I only pay a few dollars at most for small items. The most I’ve paid is $8 for a fairly large platter I set under a plant. Facebook Marketplace also has a good amount of cut glass in my area, but it seems to be priced higher than other places.
How to Incorporate Cut Glass Around the House
Since I’ve started thrifting cut glass, I’ve realized that it has so many uses all around my home. Here’s why I’ll always look for it:
Cut glass pieces are great for plants.
I love cut glass vases, but I also have a beautiful cut glass shot glass that I use to propagate plants. I have a small wavy dish that I use as a saucer for an African violet, and a large platter that I use instead of a plastic one to catch flow-through water. I’m on the lookout for a narrow tray for containing a trio of small plants, and I’ve always got my eye out for round dishes to use as saucers for planters.
Cut glass pieces make for pretty storage.
Whether you use them to hold keys or rings, cut glass pieces make decorative, unique storage. What I really love is that, because it’s clear, cut glass doesn’t contribute to visual clutter the way other materials might. I’ve even seen people use them as dividers in drawers to organize makeup or office supplies. This isn’t necessarily the best use of space, but if you have the room, it’s such a pretty option.
Cut glass pieces make great gifts.
Because they’re so versatile (and affordable!), cut glass pieces make exceptional gifts. No matter what people end up using them for, cut glass pieces are beautiful, classic, and inexpensive gifts, especially for housewarming or host gifts.
Searching for cut glass is my new favorite thrifting hobby. It’s such a useful, joyful thing to collect, and it makes me really happy.
This post originally appeared on Apartment Therapy. See it there: The Vintage Find I Never Pass Up When I Spot It at the Thrift Store (It’s Great for Gifting!)