Vintage bowls and glassware are one of the simplest and most affordable ways to add colour and character to your space. Due to their versatility, they can be used in almost any room, not just on the dining table. Whether you're looking for functional pieces or simply a decorative piece, vintage bowls and glassware are the perfect choice. In this blog, we will cover where to use them, how to group them, and some tips for mixing old and new pieces.
Why vintage bowls and glassware make great decor
Vintage glassware and bowls can help add texture to a space without a complete redesign. Glass catches and refracts light, while many vintage bowls are crafted from ceramic and stone, which add an earthy texture to any room. Their shape can also help define their function; for example, shallower bowls may be used for fruit or to help display another item, while deeper bowls may be used for baking and mixing.
These pieces are also among the most accessible entry points into collecting vintage and antique items, each with its own history and individuality that you can’t replicate with new homeware.
Where to style them around the home
Here’s a quick breakdown of how we would style glassware and vintage bowls in different rooms:
Living room: Try placing a single statement bowl on a coffee or console table, either empty or filled with dried flowers. Glass pieces could be displayed on a mantelpiece to catch the light.
Kitchen/Dining room: Open shelving displays are a great place for glassware and for table centrepieces. We would also recommend using fruit bowls that can double as art or a focal point in your space.
Bathroom: Smaller bowls (or trinket dishes) for jewellery or soap are great in bathrooms, as they provide an aesthetically pleasing look while also being functional.
Hallway or entrance: Placing a bowl on a console table can give it a catch-all purpose: keys and post, for example.
Bedroom: Use a decorative bowl on a bedside or dressing table to double up as storage.
Tips for grouping and display
When styling these pieces, try to stick to odd numbers; groups of 3 or 5 feel more natural, and use a variety of heights. Start with a tall vase, a medium bowl and a small glass piece. When looking for pieces that complement each other, focus on colours and textures. Pick 2 - 3 complementary tones for a cohesive look, and avoid using colours with a harsh contrast. However, when it comes to texture, choose pieces that contrast each other, such as smooth glass, rough ceramic and stoneware.
Don’t overcrowd your space. Each item needs some room to breathe, so limit the number of pieces based on the space you’re working with.
Caring for vintage glass and ceramics
When it comes to caring for vintage glass and ceramics, there are a few quick and practical methods that will help to protect these pieces.
- Make sure to handwash any delicate glass (do NOT put them in the dishwasher).
- Avoid sudden temperature changes with older ceramics, as they can become brittle and snap.
- Display delicate pieces away from high-traffic areas where they may get knocked.
- If you're putting them on polished surfaces, make sure to place felt pads under the bowls so that they don’t cause scratches.
If you find hairline cracks in your ceramics, make sure to use them for display, not for food or water.
Making vintage bowls and glassware work for you
When you choose to integrate vintage bowls and glassware into your space, start with 2 or 3 of your favourite pieces. Place them somewhere that you will see daily and then build from there. These pieces don’t need to be focal points; they can be used to add an extra element of interest to your home subtly.
