I grab vintage glass refrigerator containers at estate sales when I see them if the price is right.
These containers were the storage precursor to Tupperware. I don't use them in my fridge, but use them in many other ways.
I don't care if they come with lids or not. The glass is always very heavy duty and these containers are work horses. I use them in my studio and like that I can see the contents of the containers.
They come in a huge assortment of sizes and shapes.
The one on the bottom holds old stamps and the one on top holds figural Christmas lights.
This square container holds my bingo card scraps. I like the checkerboard pattern on the glass.
These containers aren't entirely glass, but still refrigerator containers. They live in my studio to hold supplies as well.
I think this glass tray was intended to hold a stick of butter.
I use it to keep my pump soap dispenser tidy from drips in the bathroom.
I love this round refrigerator dish that is printed with the word Mayonnaise on the top.
Sometimes I don't know if my glass containers were originally intended for refrigerator use. I like these for the shape and size and they live in my cupboard. The taller one holds tiny teaspoons.
I am not 100% certain of the original use of these glass containers either. The colors are great. The one with the lid is marked Hazel Atlas on the bottom.
Again I don't know the original use of these hobnail turquoise containers. I was thinking ashtrays, but they are small. I have these in my bathroom to hold earrings and rings when I take them off at night.
My favorite place that I have used these glass containers is on a vintage vanity in my bedroom. They are all shallow and work great to organize baubles.
I really like how tidy they keep everything when gathered together.
Always on the hunt for these glass containers in the quest to keep things tidy. A cute way to use a common everyday vintage object.
If you have an idea for a future collection challenge, leave me a comment and finish the sentence "Show me your collection of ____." Loving me my vintage.
What a wonderful way to start the mornings with a cup of coffee and your blog!!
My eyes just opened up and I'm looking at things in a different light thanks to you again!!
I have some Pyrex refrigerator containers but they're not clear. I like those clear ones since you can see what's in them. Love your ideas of using one under the soap!!
Your last pic I love too with all the vintage jewelry and What Nots all together:-)
Have a wonderful day!
Posted by: Doreen | March 18, 2014 at 06:30 AM
Love these glass containers. It's always so fun to see the interesting ways you utilize your collections, My parents had those blue hobnail pieces in the 50s, and I always thought they were ashtrays, because that's how they used them.
Posted by: Martha | March 18, 2014 at 08:03 AM
Clear is the way to go when you have such incredible looking trinkets for them to hold.
What a great way to organize!
Posted by: Maureen | March 18, 2014 at 08:30 AM
I think the jadite dish is a fridge container, too. I have one like it that has a cute little lid with indents to grip and lift lid. I do love them all.
Great collection.
Posted by: janet johnson | March 18, 2014 at 09:32 AM
I have some clear glass refrig dishes and I too love them to hold things. I have a couple I use on my desk and some others will find their way to my craft room. I do love trays and small dishes to hold my vanity items also. Just makes it look tidy. Great collection!
Posted by: Linda @ A La Carte | March 18, 2014 at 10:19 AM
oh WOW do I love that last picture!! l.o.v.e i.t
a.l.l!!!!! (even see a couple of pieces that I have too ;-)
Grouping things is the answer!! only way to stay organized IMO
Another great tip for us all!!
I do use the clear refridgerated dishes in the refridgerator!! (shall we ever talk about pyrex??) they have produced some really cute refridgerators!
Posted by: joy | March 18, 2014 at 10:39 AM
I love old fridgies too and use them in the same way you do plus in the kitchen. Loving that picture with all the old costume jewelry.
xo Danielle
Posted by: Danielle @ Blessed Serendipity | March 18, 2014 at 11:59 AM
I have a few of these that I've picked up over the years too. I have a lot of Pyrex refrigerator dishes that I actually use in the refrigerator but these just hang out on my Ikea cart in the kitchen. Thanks for helping me find good uses for them!
Erica
Posted by: Erica | March 18, 2014 at 04:12 PM
Great collection! I have a few of these around but have never seen the ones without some kind of ribs or pressed in design. Maybe I didn't recognize what they were. I can imagine Danielle is smitten with that tray of flower pins!
Posted by: Kathy | March 18, 2014 at 06:31 PM
Love your creative uses. I especially like the last vanity shot of your pretty pins on display in your fun containers. Magazine worthy!!
Posted by: Musings from Kim K. | March 18, 2014 at 07:05 PM
Your containers are quite well used! The turquoise hobnails are ashtrays. My parents had them. I think originally for putting at each place at the dining table.
Posted by: Annette | March 18, 2014 at 08:08 PM
This will just shock you but I too have quite a stash of refrigerator glass. What!?!?!?
I love the thick glass. I use them for storage in drawers and also in the fridge. It makes me happy to open the refrigerator up and see these old glass pieces. I am not surprised in the least that you too collect these. I tell you we would be besties if we lived close!!!
Posted by: Melissa | March 19, 2014 at 04:37 AM
I love this post!
I have a few glass refrig. containers and some pyrex ones...they are great! I love the green and turquoise, I don't have any that cute!
I sold a glass fridge container in my booth and I am still regretting it! It had a cow on it!
Happy Wednesday! karen...
Posted by: karen | March 19, 2014 at 06:06 AM
Man, your studio is the thing dreams are made of... The dishes are a great idea for organizers. Pretty and easy to see. Very nice.
Posted by: Melissa | March 19, 2014 at 06:27 AM
You certainly have a lot of those dishes. I have been increasing the amount of glass I use too. I worry about using plastics because the experts say that chemicals can leach into food from the plastic.
Sheryl
Posted by: Sheryl Remy | March 19, 2014 at 11:00 AM
All that fun jewelry makes me happy. Love the flower brooches. I don't have a lot of glass stuff - I'm too clumsy with it. :) I do have a Vaseline glass divided dish like that in my booth - I thought it was a baby feeding dish, but I might be wrong. It wouldn't surprise me......
Posted by: Shara | March 20, 2014 at 04:55 PM
You're a girl after my own heart. I love, collect and sell refrigerator dishes. I never pass up a dish or lid...They always seem to match up eventually. Great Collection!!!
Posted by: Sherry@Back2Vintage | March 21, 2014 at 08:29 AM
Love this collection! Actually, I love ALL your collections! Your tiny turquoise pieces are salt dips. They would have been placed at the table instead of salt shakers.
Posted by: Janeray | March 22, 2014 at 06:24 AM
I love the idea of have a collection with a utilitarian purpose. It's nice to have cool nick nacks and things to look at, but it's even cooler when you can put them to use! Great idea!
Posted by: Eddie Mitchell | March 24, 2014 at 11:36 PM