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Hoarders Alley Buyers Blog

Vintage Glassware Buying Guide: Prices, Styles & Daily Use 

We love the fun of hunting for unique vintage decor and no retro kitchen would be complete without including some vintage glassware. If you are like me then you know how there isn’t a better feeling than when you finally find a set of Vintage Cristal D’Arques-Durand Diamond Starburst Base Antique Clear Glass Mugs in a vintage shop. Or the dopamine drop that happens immediately after when you turn them over and see the asking price.

$49.99 for 2 cups????? Are people really paying this much for used mugs???? 

They might be, but I most certainly am not. Nor will we over price any of our vintage items we have for sale. (Insider tip if you come to one of our in person events like the Palm Springs Vintage Market, where we have a booth, the prices are even lower than what is listed here. )

Not everyone is as obsessed with vintage decor as we are and since I sell vintage pieces & I shop for them both to sell and to use, I have a working knowledge on what these treasures are actual worth. For the average consumer who is just looking to mix in some retro vibes into their modern aesthetic, I wanted to create my fellow vintage enthusiasts a vintage glassware mini buying guide on 

  • acceptable pricing ranges 
  • actual (if any) value of some vintage glassware 
  • are these pieces actually vintage 
  • what to do with them/how to use in a modern home 

Before we get to that, I would like to add some relevant information about vintage glassware that helped me when I first started my sustainable shopping journey.

✨ The Allure of Vintage Glassware

There’s a special kind of beauty in vintage glassware — the way light catches a cut crystal rim or how pressed patterns reflect the craftsmanship of another era. Long before mass production, glassmakers treated every tumbler, goblet, and bowl as a work of art. Today, these pieces are being rediscovered by collectors, decorators, and sustainable shoppers who love their quality, texture, and timeless design.

🔍 Current Trends in Vintage Glassware

Modern decorators and collectors are embracing vintage glass in fresh new ways:

  • Colorful glassware is making a comeback. Pastel pinks, emerald greens, and amber tones from the 1950s–70s are trending across Pinterest and Instagram.

  • Mix-and-match table settings are replacing traditional uniformity. Combining pressed glass tumblers with crystal goblets creates visual interest and personality.

  • Functional repurposing is on the rise — think crystal bowls used for floating flowers, dessert cups turned into candle holders, or goblets repurposed as planters for succulents.

  • Sustainable living: Choosing vintage glass instead of buying new reduces waste and supports a circular economy. Many eco-conscious homeowners now use vintage serveware daily.

🍽️ Styling Ideas for Modern Homes

Vintage glass isn’t just for display — it can become part of your everyday style:

  1. Bar Cart Glamour: Showcase Wexford whiskey glasses beside gold-toned bar tools for a Mad Men–inspired aesthetic.

  2. Eclectic Table Settings: Mix clear and colored glass to create a vibrant tablescape. Add linen napkins and vintage flatware for texture.

  3. Shelf Styling: Use crystal bowls and goblets as accent pieces on open shelving — their reflections add light and dimension.

  4. Event Décor: Vintage glassware makes stunning centerpieces for weddings or holiday dinners. Group different shapes and heights together for a curated look.

  5. Functional Art: Repurpose crystal mugs for fresh flowers, tealights, or even makeup brush holders — elegance meets practicality.

💰 Fair pricing

Brand / MakerCommon Item TypeTypical Fair PriceOverpriced Range
Cristal D’Arques-DurandGoblets, mugs$10–$15 ea$30+ ea
Hoya JapanBowls, serveware$20–$40$80–$100+
Anchor Hocking WexfordWhiskey glasses$5–$10 ea$25+ ea
Generic MCM pressed glassTumblers, barware$5–$12 ea$25+ ea

Vintage Hoya Corporation Japan Crystal Icicle Square Glass Bowl (6”)
This stunning Hoya crystal bowl features an icicle-textured design and square shape that reflect Japan’s unmatched precision and artistry. Perfect as serveware, décor, or a centerpiece.

Vintage MCM Cristal D’Arques-Durand CRA46 Wine & Water Goblets (Set of 2)
From the golden age of Mid-Century Modern design, these goblets balance simplicity and brilliance. The CRA46 pattern is highly collectible for its geometric precision and clarity.

Vintage MCM Cristal D’Arques-Durand

Classic Vintage Wexford by Anchor Hocking — Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses (Set of 2)
The Wexford collection was one of the most recognizable American glass designs of the 1960s and 1970s. Known for its crosshatch pattern and heavy feel, it evokes classic cocktail culture and mid-century entertaining.