How to Decorate with Milk Glass

By Lauren Rose Correa, May 2, 2025

Milk glass is an opaque white glass that was originally intended as a less expensive alternative to porcelain. Its beautiful simplicity has made it a collectible item for many who enjoy it’s appeal. If you are among those that love this glassware, you may be wondering how to decorate with milk glass. Stay tuned, because I’m going to share some clever and creative ideas!

How to Decorate with Milk Glass: An Affordable Collectible Item

As far as collections go, you can acquire milk glass for relatively cheap. I have a small collection of milk glass that has been sourced for under $10 for each piece at the thrift store. I see it on the shelves often, and I don’t pick it up if it’s priced too high because I am confident that I can find what I want at a lower price.

Seven Ideas for How to Decorate with Milk Glass

Here are seven ideas that I came up with for decorating with some common milk glass pieces. These are not exhaustive – I’m sure you could come up with many more!

Floral Arrangements

This is by far my favorite way to use milk glass vases. In fact, it is the impetus behind why I collect so much milk glass. I love using the footed vases to create faux floral arrangements for each season. They are just so stunning! All you need to do is fill the base of the container with green floral foam. Use wire cutters to cut your faux florals to size and arrange them in the foam.

Ornaments or Vase Filler

Milk Glass Footed Vase filled with Christmas ornaments

Around Christmas time, I used the footed vases to display some of my favorite ornaments. You could also use ceramic balls or vase filler. It’s simple and pretty!

Candle Holders

How to Decorate with Milk Glass: Milk glass pieces turned upside down with candles on top

I saw this idea on Pinterest and had to recreate it with my milk glass pieces! All you need to do is flip your footed vases upside down and add a thick candle. I like the idea of doing a set of three, perhaps displayed on a dining table or buffet table.

Display as a Collection

For a long time, I had my milk glass pieces displayed together in my china cabinet. If you have a china cabinet or curio, you could assemble a collection of milk glass to display. I loved how this looked! I might try to recreate this look again the next time I change up my cabinet.

Fruit Bowls

This is a simple way to use your milk glass, but you can use the bigger ones to hold fruit. It’s a great way to add some elegance to your fruit bowl.

Jewelry Holder

I used a pretty hobnail milk glass piece to hold my bangle bracelets and earrings. The ridges on the side were perfect for holding the earring hooks! No matter what size or shape pieces you have, consider using them on your vanity for jewelry or even to hold makeup brushes.

Woven Ribbon

Milk glass plates with ribbon woven through the edges

Some milk glass pieces have holes around the perimeter that are perfect for threading some thin ribbon through. Consider adding a pretty ribbon for an extra special touch of texture and color!