Glass Decanters Evoke Bohemian Bliss

Support your local shops and peruse a few thrift stores for treasures this month. Glass decanters from the 50s are a perfect vintage treasure to go hunting for! They give your decor a fun, genie-in-the-bottle vibe and add just the right touch of color.

Glass Decanters by Blenko

Hand-blown pieces by Blenko Glass are the most collectible.  A family-owned business since the late 1800’s, Blenko glass decanters became widely popular in 1947.   Full-time design director Winslow Anderson received several Good Design Awards from the Museum of Modern Art in 1950.  The most collectible pieces are from Blenko’s “Historic Period”.  This is a time frame which begins with Anderson in 1946 and includes the work of John Nickerson up to 1974.

Bohemian Staple

Decanters come in a variety of shapes and sizes so you can find one that suits your minimal or maximal taste. If you’re rocking more of a Bohemian vibe, glass decanters can exude rich, Moroccan flavor.  They are available in gorgeous jewel tones and also look amazing clustered together.

Mid-Century Modern Barware

Next, if you’ve got more minimal decor going on, be sure to add at least one or two of these to your bar. Glass decanters are great hostess gifts when you want to be more generous than a boring old bottle of wine! Add a little class to your decor or spruce up a bar cart with colored glass.  If you like more of a modern look, try decanters in whites and greys.

Invest in Your Decor

Wayne Husted is my favorite Blenko designer. His glass decanters propelled the company into more cutting-edge design.   Investing in glass decanters from Blenko Glass is a nice way to add some extra value to your home decor. Check out Blenko Collectors website for more information on designers and how to know if your piece is a Blenko.  If you’re wanting to buy things to decorate for the holidays, invest in small, valuable pieces.  Buying cheap, breakable items that you won’t care about from year to year, is a waste of money and bad Feng Shui!

Empoli Glass

Most people are familiar with Venice or Murano glass makers, but Empoli is an almost equally famous center of Italian glass making.  Empoli glass decanters are similar to Blenko but they have thinner walls and smooth stoppers (not ground).  Pieces are easier to find and are less expensive. because Empoli glass is specific to a region, instead of a company.

Made in Italy

Empoli was most famous for their green glass.  The trademark color, also known as Empoli Verde was hugely popular in the 1950’s and 1960’s.  I love vintage green glass!  Most of the glass decanters from Empoli were imported into the U.S. and stamped “Made in Italy” on foil labels.  As a result, vintage Empoli glass is largely unmarked.  If you love the look of Blenko, but aren’t a serious collector, there are a ton of fun and beautiful vintage glass decanters available for the taking.  Take a look at some of what Etsy has to offer.  Some rare gems in there, I tell ya’!

I Dream of Jeannie

Did you know? The famous bottle from “I Dream of Jeannie” was only a store bought 1964 Jim Beam whiskey decanter. Jim Beam glass decanters were originally designed by Roy Kramer for the Wheaton Bottle Company. One of the show’s prop people hand painted it and voila! Instant genie home. Grab a few glass decanters in sad shape and add your own creative flair. Use enamel paint, which is available at most craft stores.

The Perfect Hostess Gift

Vintage glass decanters are perfect one-of-a-kind decor accessories for your home or a favorite hostess. Glass decanters are so lively and beautiful. They sparkle in the sun and make cocktail hours a little more special.