Login

Not a member? Register

Lost your password?

Register

Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy.

Already a member? Login

Cottage style decorating, renovating and entertaining Ideas for indoors and out
  • Design Ideas
  • Entertaining
  • Outdoor/Garden
  • Lifestyle
  • C&B Project House
  • Shopping
  • Brand Ambassador
  • Wish List
  • Ebook
  • Shop
    • Subscribe
    • Single Issues
    • Product Collab
→ Our New 2024 Brand Ambassador Is… ←
45K
314K
17K
Cottage style decorating, renovating and entertaining Ideas for indoors and out
0Login
Cottage style decorating, renovating and entertaining Ideas for indoors and out Cottage style decorating, renovating and entertaining Ideas for indoors and out
  • Design Ideas
  • Entertaining
  • Outdoor/Garden
  • Lifestyle
  • C&B Project House
  • Shopping
  • Brand Ambassador
  • Wish List
  • Ebook
  • Shop
    • Subscribe
    • Single Issues
    • Product Collab
0
  • Lifestyle

Hobnail Heaven: How to Decorate with this Vintage Pattern

  • May 1, 2013
  • Written by Meryl Schoenbaum
  • Photography by Jickie Torres and Jaime Itagaki
Total
2
Shares
1
0
1

If you’ve been swept into the wave of nostalgia for midcentury modern artifacts and would like to begin a collection, there is perhaps no better place to start than by acquiring glass pieces with the hobnail design.

A vintage set
A vintage set makes the perfect addition to a Spring table.

One of the most beloved and popular decorative patterns from the era, it is easily recognizable, with its bumpy surface. So ubiquitous was the design that it would have been rare to visit a home in the 1940s and ’50s that did not have at least one vase or candy dish with a hobnail pattern. The glass pieces were as fundamental a part of mid-century modern decor as the furnishings themselves and identified the homeowner as a host with an eye for style.

interesting pattern adds texture and style
The interesting pattern adds texture and style to any display.

Not only was the pattern desirable, but it was also practical as well, with the bumpy texture enabling a good grip on the glass. The technique used to achieve the hobnail design involved pressing or blowing the glass into a mold.   The popular white milk-glass finish adds an elegant touch when displayed in a grouping on shelves or in a bookcase. They can be readily found at your local thrift store,

The popular white milk-glass finish adds an elegant touch when displayed in a grouping on shelves or in a bookcase. They can be readily found at your local thrift store, antiques shops, estate sales and flea markets. Online auction sites like eBay are good sources for a wide range of hobnail accessories.

History: The hobnail pattern was introduced by the renowned Fenton Art Glass Company at its glass factory in Williamstown, West Virginia, in 1939. By 1952, milk-glass hobnail became Fenton’s flagship pattern, however, the design was made with clear and translucent colored glass as well. Years later, company president Bill Fenton remarked that hobnail was the manufacturer’s “bread and butter” line. The design appears on numerous accessories, including perfume bottles, vases, ashtrays, jars, bowls, bottles, candleholders, lamps, compotes, cups and saucers, and mugs and pitchers, as cited by artglasscollectibles.com.

Milk glass
Milk glass finishes are a crisp variation to this style.

Market Appeal: Hobnail glassware has broad appeal, especially among collectors with a penchant for vintage items, products made in the USA, glassware, milk glass and specific serving pieces as well as Fenton and mid-century modern enthusiasts.

Getting Started: To learn more about collecting hobnail pieces, visit fentonartglass.com and artglasscollectibles.com. Here are several books on the subject available at amazon.com, such as A Pictorial Review of Fenton’s White Hobnail Milk Glass (Revised Edition): A Collector’s Guide with Price Valuation by Shirley Griffith and Larry Boyd Studios, The Big Book of Fenton Milk Glass, 1940-1985 by John Walk and Fenton Art Glass Patterns 1939-1980 by Margaret Whitmyer and Kenn Whitmyer.

flower port

Total
2
Shares
Share 1
Tweet 0
Pin it 1
Related Topics
  • antiques
  • collections
  • glassware
  • hobnail
  • Vintage Pattern
Cottages & Bungalows

Previous Article
  • Design Ideas

What to Do with Old Jars

  • April 28, 2013
  • Written and photographed by Jickie Torres
View Post
Next Article
  • Shopping
  • SHOPS & MAKERS

Shops + Makers: Claying Around with Eva Zeisel

  • May 3, 2013
  • Written by Jacqueline de Montravel
View Post
You May Also Like
View Post
  • Decorating
  • Design Ideas
  • Lifestyle

Timeless Designs: The Legacy of Laura Ashley

  • Written by Morgan Anderson
  • September 12, 2023
Front porch featuring a table, rocking chair, pillow, buffet table, mirror, and flowers
View Post
  • Design Ideas
  • Lifestyle

A Cottage of Many Colors

  • Written by Meryl Schoenbaum
  • Photography and Styling by Kimberly McCole
  • July 11, 2023
View Post
  • Lifestyle

The Elusive Jam Jar Hunt

  • by Mary Gearhard
  • June 10, 2023
View Post
  • Design Ideas
  • Lifestyle

Camp Lucky Dog

  • Autumn Krause
  • February 24, 2023
View Post
  • Christmas
  • Decorating
  • Design Ideas
  • Featured
  • Lifestyle

A Hand-Painted Focal Point

  • Written by Marissa Moldoch
  • Photography and Styling by Shelley Donnelly
  • December 12, 2022
View Post
  • Design Ideas
  • Entertaining
  • Lifestyle

Modern Cottage Living

  • Written by Marissa Moldoch
  • Photographed and Styled by Melissa Kalbfleisch
  • October 13, 2022
View Post
  • Design Ideas
  • Lifestyle

Curb Appeal: Ivey Creek Cottage

  • Written by Kelly McMaster
  • Photography by Mike Antonio
  • August 15, 2022
Black, white, and tan dining area that includes a fireplace
View Post
  • Design Ideas
  • Lifestyle

A Modern Beach Home in Newport Beach, California

  • Written by Marissa Moldoch and Cori Laatsch
  • Designed by Mindy Laven
  • Photographed by Christopher Lee Foto
  • August 9, 2022

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign-up to receive the best of cottage style directly in your inbox!
  • Timeless Designs: The Legacy of Laura Ashley

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up to receive the best of cottage style directly in your inbox!

Cottage style decorating, renovating and entertaining Ideas for indoors and out
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • FAQ
  • Newsletter
  • Do Not Share My Personal Info
Copyright © 2023 Cottages & Bungalows

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

We use cookies to optimise our website and give you the best experience on our website. ACCEPTREAD MORE
X