The Vintage Glassware You Should Look For When Thrifting

Libbey glassware might not have the same name recognition as those alluring vintage Pyrex dishes or possibly radioactive Fiestaware, but among collectors and people who love weird '70s dinner parties, it holds a special place. With kitschy midcentury patterns, durable construction, and a heavy dose of nostalgia, Libbey glassware is finally having its well-deserved moment. 

Libbey can actually trace its roots back to the founding of the New England Glass Company in 1818 in East Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was one of the earliest glassmaking ventures in the country, known for its craftsmanship and innovation while experimenting with etched glass that rivaled fancy European imports. In 1888, Edward Libbey, the son of the first corporate owner, decided to move the whole operation to the Midwest — Toledo, Ohio, to be exact.

Middle America, surrounded by railroad and steamship lines, was a better fit logistically. Being located on the edge of Lake Erie also provided rich deposits of sand and water, with natural gas readily available — all the materials you'd need to produce a cut glass punch bowl. Even today, Toledo is still known as the "Glass City."

The company became a household name in the mid-20th century for its mass-produced yet stylish varieties of cocktail glassware. Libbey products soon found their way into suburban homes across the country; now, decades later, the brand is finding a new audience of admirers.

If you're not impressed yet, consider the fact that Libbey also provides glassware for the national chain that calls everyone "family": Olive Garden. And unlike a lot of American-made vintage items, Libbey is generally pretty affordable — especially if you're thrifting. You might find a complete set of midcentury whiskey glasses for under $40, and individual glasses often sell for just a dollar or two. Look for the telltale "L" logo on the bottom, or with enough thrifting, you'll learn to recognize their common motifs by sight.

Durability is another draw for collectors. Libbey glasses were made to last. Their weighty bases and sturdy rims mean many pieces have survived decades of use. So don't go sticking them into dusty display cases or saving them for "special occasions only." You don't have to coddle them like fragile antiques; these bad boys are meant for everyday enjoyment!

Maybe the best thing about collecting Libbey is simply the sheer volume and variety of designs out there. No matter what your favorite style or decade is, there's probably a tumbler with your name on it. From frosted highballs adorned with gold autumn leaves to a circus-themed "hostess set," Libbey pieces captured the corny optimism of the '50s, '60s, and '70s. Whether you're into retro cocktail culture or affordable vintage finds, Libbey glasses are worth scouting for on your next thrift store hunt.