The Best Colorful Glassware of 2024, According to an Interior Designer
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Our list includes editor-favorite picks from Material, Riedel, and Sophie Lou Jacobsen.
Food & Wine / Arhaus
It’s official: Colorful glassware is having a moment. Drinkware in moody shades of smoke and amber adds a certain je ne sais quoi to a dinner table setting or cocktail hour. But colorful drinking glasses aren’t just for martinis and margaritas. As we researched the best colorful glassware, we found plenty of versatile picks, like tumblers that can handle everything from your morning juice to your favorite evening nonalcoholic spritz.
We also spoke with interior design expert Mikel Welch about what to consider when shopping for the best colorful glassware, like size, material, and care. He even shared a couple of favorite personal picks — he’s got a soft spot for olive green coupes, as it turns out. And unlike many decor trends, every one of these colorful glassware sets is timeless.
Best Everyday: Duralex Picardie Tumbler, 8-3/4-Ounce
Pros
These glasses are durable and inexpensive.
Cons
They don’t add a sophisticated flair to cocktails.
Duralex glasses are a restaurant industry staple, owing to their understated, chic design and their practically unbreakable construction. They come in a variety of sizes, but we’re particularly partial to this set, which includes six 8.75-ounce glasses — ideal for a bevy of drinks. They also stack neatly, which is a real bonus to anyone playing glassware Tetris in their cabinets.
They come in classic colors (like smoke and amber), and a couple of surprises, like a stunning sapphire hue. Although they can’t offer quite the same grown-up elegance that a coupe or Champagne flute can, these petite tumblers certainly hold their own with whatever beverage you serve.
Quantity: Set of 6 | Capacity: 8.75 ounces | Material: Duralex tempered glass | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Stackable: West Elm Stacking Drinking Glasses, set of 4
Pros
This is a high-quality set, available in two sizes, for a very attractive price.
Cons
You can’t mix and match colors within the sets.
Here’s a hot tip straight from the country’s best bartenders: Stackable glassware is a must-have if you’re short on storage space. Happily, functional drinkware can still be fashionable, and this pretty set from West Elm is proof. Available in four complementary shades — clear, amber, green, and blue — we like that you can choose between two sizes, as well.
The short 10-ounce glass is ideal for juice and wine, while the 14-ounce glass is perfect for your afternoon seltzer. The graduated step on the glass allows for tidy stacking, and as a bonus, makes it comfortable to hold, too.
Quantity: Set of 4 or 8 | Capacity: 10 or 14 ounces | Material: Soda lime glasses | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Hobnail: Hawkins New York Hobnail Tumbler
Pros
This glass is sold individually, so you can build a colorful set according to your preferences.
Cons
Depending on how many you buy, it can be a splurge.
Never has the phrase, “I’ll have one of each,” felt more appropriate. These hobnail tumblers are a tactile dream come true, and are sold a la carte, so you can build the color palette of your dreams. (We’re thinking olive, amber, and gray). They were designed in the Czech Republic and crafted in Denmark, and demand attention, no matter when you use them — although Hawkins recommends both afternoon tea and evening cocktails. They're not the cheapest at $20 a glass, but nobody said you have to build your colorful glassware set in a day.
Quantity: Set of 1 | Capacity: 12 ounces | Material: Glass | Dishwasher Safe: Yes, up to 140°F
Best Cocktail Glasses: Arhaus Rosalie Cocktail Glasses
Pros
The coupe shape is ideal for a variety of cocktails.
Cons
They’re not dishwasher-safe.
This sophisticated set is a favorite of Mikel Welch: “When you say coupe glass, I'm already on board! This glassware is elegant without being formal or stuffy. The four different shades of color are perfect for a party, so guests won't mix up glasses.” We like that you don’t have to choose between shades, as the set includes one each of blue, green, amber, and rose.
These coupes are part of a larger collection by Arhaus, which also includes water glasses and wine glasses in the same pretty jewel-toned shades.
Quantity: Set of 4 | Capacity: 12.5 ounces | Material: Glass | Dishwasher Safe: No
Best Drinking Glasses: Material The Full Glass Set
Pros
These eye-catching glasses are stackable and dishwasher-safe.
Cons
Drying them is a bit of a chore, and they’re not as sturdy as others on our list.
When we tested these Material glasses, we were enamored with their ability to handle “daytime” and “evening” drinks with equal finesse. They’re also undeniably gorgeous, with an elegant footed base and super thin rim that’s miraculously strong. The durability is thanks to borosilicate glass reinforced with sand. Although they’re a little finicky to dry — water can pool in the foot — they’re one of our top picks for everyday sips and entertaining. If you only have room in your kitchen for one colorful glassware set, this is a strong contender.
Quantity: Set of 4 | Capacity: 12.6 ounces | Material: Borosilicate glass | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Beaded Glasses: West Elm Jupiter Beaded Glass Martini Glasses
Pros
These textured glasses are pleasing to hold.
Cons
The style won’t suit everyone.
Who knew we’d be so into beaded glassware? The makers behind these delicate martini glasses. Each one is covered in tiny, delicate glass “beads” that give the cup a satisfying tactile quality. Despite their bespoke appearance, they’re hardy enough to withstand the dishwasher. The pink set would be right at home in Barbie’s Dreamhouse, but we’ve got a thing for the new-to-us hue called Cornflower.
Quantity: Set of 4 | Capacity: 11.5 ounces | Material: Glass | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Tumblers: Sophie Lou Jacobsen Ripple Cup
Pros
These light-hearted glasses are pure joy, and immediately freshen up a table setting.
Cons
They’re not cheap.
If standing out from the crowd is one of your priorities when choosing drinkware, these whimsical glasses will surely grab your attention. Affectionately known as “the ripple cup,” they’re the brainchild of a French-American designer with a flair for soft, luxurious shapes. You can choose from five different colors in pink- and orange-adjacent tones, and it’s also up to you whether you invest in a set of two or four.
Although these glasses carry a larger price tag than most on our list, we think it’s worth springing for a full set: You’ll quickly realize how useful they are as flower vases, too.
Quantity: Set of 2 or 4 | Capacity: 12 ounces | Material: Borosilicate glass | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Old Fashioned Glasses: Khen Old-Fashioned Drinking Glasses
Pros
This sturdy set can be used for water, soft drinks, and cocktails.
Cons
You can’t choose a single color.
File this one under our favorite Amazon finds, ever. The Khen Old-Fashioned glasses come in a set of six and include a full spectrum of complementary neutral colors. The 9.6-ounce capacity is well-suited for use as whiskey glasses and everyday water glasses, making this a versatile, space-saving investment.
If you like the color combination and quality of this set (and we bet you will), you’ll be pleased to know it’s available in additional formats: coupes, flutes, margarita glasses, martini glasses, and more.
Quantity: Set of 6 | Capacity: 9.6 ounces | Material: Glass | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Stemless Wine Glasses: Riedel The O Wine Tumbler Happy O
Pros
These stemless glasses offer a low-commitment way to experiment with color.
Cons
The pops of color may be too subtle for some.
We are big fans of Riedel glassware, especially the brand’s highball glasses and Nick and Nora glasses. Their Happy O line, just released this year, marries the classic Riedel quality we’ve come to expect with lighthearted playfulness. Each glass in this set of four is stemless, with a flash of color pooling in its sturdy base.
We recommend Riedel glasses for serious wine drinkers for a variety of reasons, but this set is particularly smart because the clear sides of the glass won’t interfere with the visual component of enjoying a quality bottle.
Quantity: Set of 4 | Capacity: 11.8 ounces | Material: Crystal | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Acrylic: West Elm Fluted Acrylic Glassware
Pros
This set is incredibly durable and stackable.
Cons
If you purchase a set, you can’t mix and match colors.
Drinkware doesn’t have to be made from glass to earn a spot in our favorites list. This set of BPA-free acrylic tumblers earns a solid 11 out of 10 gold stars for durability, but it still manages to look elegant. Their fluted design makes them stackable, and they come in two different sizes. We like that they’re sold in small or large sets, but if you want to customize the color palette, you’ll have to buy them individually.
Quantity: Set of 4 or 8 | Capacity: 13 or 15 ounces | Material: BPA-free acrylic | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Coupes: Anthropologie Ramona Coupe Glasses Set
Pros
The two-toned design of these glasses makes them unique and surprising.
Cons
With 5-ounce bowls, the capacity of these is quite small.
This modern take on a classic cocktail glass has our hearts — and so do the two-toned color combos. We like that the wide-brimmed bowl calls to mind 1920s speakeasies, but the inverted triangle base gives it a sturdy, unbreakable confidence. Although you can’t mix and match colors, the price point for a set of four is not prohibitively high; we would understand completely if you end up with two sets (our choice would be lilac and sky).
Quantity: Set of 4 | Capacity: 5 ounces | Material: Hand-blown glass | Dishwasher Safe: No
Best Wine Glasses: Estelle Colored Glass Wine Glass Set of 6
Pros
These hand-blown glasses are stunning.
Cons
They’re not available in a set of less than six.
Not that it’s a beauty contest or anything, but these wine glasses are giving off strong Prom Queen vibes. They’re beautifully shaped and made to accommodate a variety of wine types, and are available as either traditional or stemless wine glasses. Plus, we’ve got to talk about those colors! Pink enthusiasts will be pleased with the option to choose between rose or blush, and fans of cooler shades will gravitate toward mint green and cobalt. (And for the true neutral lover among us, there’s a rusty-toned smoke). This set is hand-blown, which makes it more expensive than most and requires hand washing: a trade-off we’d happily make.
Quantity: Set of 6 | Capacity: 16.5 ounces | Material: Glass (hand-blown) | Dishwasher Safe: No
Best Hand-Blown: Hudson Wilder Aita Glass
Pros
The streamlined style of these glasses is a perfect addition to any minimalist decor.
Cons
The narrow bases make them more prone to tipping over.
The first word we’d use to describe these hand-blown glasses is “breathtaking.” And honestly, that’s reason enough to pick up a set of two (although the fact that the smoke color is on sale provides a helpful extra incentive). Build a complete set your way, choosing from two colors and two sizes, and wait for the compliments to roll in. Although the narrow bases on this glass may cause worry about tipping, it’s helpful to know they’re made from very strong borosilicate glass.
Quantity: Set of 2 | Capacity: 8 or 11 ounces | Material: Borosilicate glass | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Martini Glasses: Ghia Totem Glasses
Pros
These glasses are hand-blown, with a unique geometric shape and sturdy base.
Cons
The available color palette is limited.
Ghia, one of our favorite nonalcoholic drink brands, frequently drops stylish home goods and kitchen wares. This set of cheeky martini glasses is right on cue, and we want them all. They were designed in collaboration with Sophie Lou Jacobsen, the creator behind those pretty ripple glasses, above, and are offered in four subtly different shades.
Whether you choose between Positano, Portofino, Paris, or Provence, you’ll get two glasses with a clear bowl and colorful, geometric base: ideal for martinis, NA spritzes, or whatever you happen to be sipping. Heads up: This collab is a limited run, so snap up a set soon.
Quantity: Set of 4 | Capacity: 11.5 ounces | Material: Glass | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Margarita Glasses: Fortessa Tableware Solutions Shatterproof Tritan Outdoor Margarita Glasses
Pros
Unbreakable and bright, this set is pool party-ready.
Cons
You can’t opt out of any colors in this set.
At first glance, these margarita glasses look like high-quality glass, but they’re made with BPA-free plastic. If there’s any doubt they were made for a party, consider the fact they’re sold in sets of six and are shatterproof. The clear set may be classic, but the colorful set is too fun to pass up: It comes in six bright, cheery colors that are a warm weather pool party entertaining essential.
Quantity: Set of 6 | Capacity: 10 ounces | Material: BPA-free Tritan plastic | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Multicolored: Our Place Night and Day Glasses
Pros
There are so many colors to choose from in this set.
Cons
You can’t buy them a la carte.
Our Place has spoiled us with the amount of color choices in their everyday glasses. You can pick up a set of perfectly-sized tumblers in nature-inspired shades such as dusk, sunset, dawn, twilight, or spring for a multicolored set. These are another amazing pick for “everything” glasses, and some of Welch’s favorites, thanks to their versatility. Despite the fact the rims are thin, the composition of recycled glass and sand makes them surprisingly strong.
Quantity: Set of 4 or 8 | Capacity: 12 ounces | Material: Borosilicate glass | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Goblet: Arhaus Seema Cobalt Goblet Glasses
Pros
There’s nothing quite like these striking goblets.
Cons
These glasses might feel a bit bulky or heavy to some.
What is it about a goblet that’s so enticing? Whether you’re drawn to this format for its burly profile or because it makes you feel like a character on Game of Thrones, the Seema goblet from Arhaus is one of the best. The Cobalt color is well matched to the gently ribbed glass, hand-blown by artisans in Mexico. Although hand washing is required, and they’re admittedly not the best glasses for a tipple of port, we can’t think of anything better for a cold beer or sleepy girl mocktail.
Quantity: Set of 4 | Capacity: 14 ounces | Material: Hand-blown, recycled glass | Dishwasher Safe: No
Best Pitcher: Death & Co. x Material The Cloud Pitcher
Pros
The handle on this pitcher is stunning, making it a unique find.
Cons
At almost $100, it’s an investment piece.
With a breathtakingly thin, wavy handle, this pitcher defies our expectations for what “functional” barware should be. The borosilicate glass reinforces it against breakages, and the 45-ounce size makes it ideal for use as a mixing glass for making batched cocktails.
Even better, it’s available in the same colors as Material’s Full Glass set, also on our list. Don’t wait too long to order one of these, though: They’re a collaboration with legendary NYC-based bar Death & Co and Material, and there’s no saying how long they’ll be around.
Quantity: Set of 1 | Capacity: 45 ounces | Material: Borosilicate glass | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Mugs: Kinto Sepia Amber Mugs
Pros
These mugs are richly colored, and have a sturdy handle.
Cons
The mid-century modern design won’t be to everyone’s taste.
Buying glass coffee mugs may seem like playing it fast and loose, but this set from Kinto is made from heat-resistant glass that can stand up to your hottest cup of coffee. Choose from a short or tall mug, but either way, you’ll get a sturdy yet thin handle and some of the most richly-colored amber glass we’ve seen in our research.
The short mug is ideal for tea or black coffee, and the larger, at over 11.5 ounces, is made for DIY lattes. You can also build out a set with tumblers in the same color.
Quantity: Set of 2 | Capacity: 9.2 or 11.6 ounces | Material: Glass (heat resistant) | Dishwasher Safe: Yes; avoid abrasive cleansers
Factors to Consider
Material
Don’t let the term “glassware” box you in. Welch says that unbreakable drinkware is a better fit for some scenarios. “Let’s not sleep on acrylic,” he says, “especially when keeping it low-key or taking the party outdoors.” That said, his personal preference is glass, which has a “timeless quality” that instantly elevates a meal or gathering.
Versatility
If you have ample storage space consider investing in multiple sets of glassware, made for different drinks. Says Welch, “You'll catch me rocking etched coupe glasses, tumblers, double old fashioned glasses, wine flutes, martini glasses, juice glasses, and water glasses — all in vibrant, colorful shades.” If cabinet real estate or budget places a constraint on your colorful glassware collection, you’ll want to check out a moderately-sized tumbler, like the Our Place Night + Day Glasses: Although they may not be perfectly suited for every drink, they’re incredibly versatile.
Size
Match the drink to the vessel, says Welch, who cautions against serving a small drink in a big glass, like a highball glass. “Etched coupe glasses are my go-to for those refined sips,” he says (and admits that they’re the item he’d save if his house caught fire). But for casual sips, he prefers a classic tumbler or double old-fashioned glass. The color of the glassware and the size affect the mood and style of your drink. Says Welch, “It's about curating the right glass for every vibe, with a colorful twist in each one, just like picking textures and tones for my designs.”
Care
Many of the glassware sets on this list are dishwasher-safe, so you don’t have to baby them. It’s less about the color and more about the style of the glass that dictates its care instructions. Hand-blown glass should always be washed by hand, as should any glassware with a delicate stem or thin rim. Hand drying, rather than draining in a dish rack, will take care of pesky water spots, too.
Color
If you’re in the research stage of shopping for colorful glassware, you’ve likely noticed plenty of amber and smoke tones. Those colors are incredibly on trend, and Welch says he has a soft spot for them, owing to their versatility and ability to complement many design styles. He also looks for blush and olive green glasses to use as accents for a subtle pop of color with a warm, inviting tone.
Our Expertise
Rochelle Bilow is a food writer and commerce editor with over a decade of professional experience. Previously a senior associate editor and social media manager at Bon Appétit and Cooking Light magazines, Rochelle is also a novelist, a culinary school graduate, and a former professional baker and line cook. Rochelle has written extensively about home and kitchen products in the luxury space; in researching this article, she spoke with a professional interior design expert and researched dozens of glassware sets across various price points.
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