Every household needs a few sets of everyday glassware. That includes tumblers for water, on-the-fly cocktails, and fizzy soda.
These glasses by Bormioli Rocco are stylish, sturdy, and affordable. Strategist taste tester Joanna Goddard swears by them in her house and on the go.
Stackable glasses can make your cupboards feel tidier and optimize space for storage. This set of eight by Libbey does the trick.
1. Cohesive Aesthetic
Often overlooked, glasses are one of the most practical wedding registry essentials. They're also a key part of the aesthetic of your place setting.
For instance, the stemmed glasses we tested from Anthropologie have a classic silhouette and come in a suite of tints to suit any color palette. They're also dishwasher-safe. "Fine stemware absolutely enhances the wine drinking experience and is worth a splurge," says Coleman. If you're on a budget, however, she suggests the Libbey Province glassware set. This durable, modern pick performed well in our tests and is available at a bargain price.
Other popular options include the Villeroy & Boch Polaris wine glasses and the HAY colored glasses. The former boasts a sleek design inspired by designs uncovered in Parisian flea markets, and the latter's rounded silhouette is reminiscent of moonlight. Both sets are affordable and dishwasher-safe.
2. Simplified Selection
While mixing and matching yields a fun, contemporary look, having a complete set of glasses on hand is a nice convenience. Our Lab pros favor this set from Libbey because it strikes the right balance between style and affordability (it's available in a whopping 24 pieces). The glasses have a classic silhouette with modern lines that coordinate well with any dinnerware set and can hold up to everyday use without looking dated.
In addition to the aforementioned wine glasses, this set includes highball and champagne flutes. The low price tag doesn't mean the glasses skimp on quality, either. The Libbey team has done a fantastic job of engineering the glass to be thin enough for easy holding but sturdy enough to be durable.
Another great option is this H&M set that looks like a set from a swanky boutique but comes in at a more affordable price point. It's minimalist in silhouette but has enough variation in texture to elevate even the most basic drink.
3. Durability and Quality
Besides style, the glassware you choose needs to be durable for everyday use. This includes being able to withstand a few drops and frequent dishwashing. You also want a set that’s made from heat-resistant glass, like tempered or borosilicate.
A quality set is also a good investment, because you’ll likely be using it for years to come. Aside from the materials, the durability of a glassware set can be determined by its build. This includes features like thick bases that help it stand up to the heat of an oven or a cold drink.
Whether you’re stocking your everyday cabinet or your bar cart, the right set can elevate drinks. Look for a set that has glasses for different occasions and can be paired with extras, like a fancy decanter or glass markers, to add flair. For a great gift idea, consider pairing a set with a matching serving tray.
4. Versatility
While choosing drinking glasses for your home may seem straightforward, there's a lot more to consider than just their color and design. According to experts, the right glassware enhances your drinking experience and makes a statement on your dining table.
The right glasses can make you look forward to your morning juice, a cocktail on the weekend, and everything in between. They can also show off your personality and reflect your unique style.
These stemmed wine glasses from Libbey hit all the high notes without the bigger price tag. They have a thin lip, classic rounded bowl, and sturdy stem and base that will resist clouding from frequent washing. This set would be a smart investment for couples that drink wine regularly, host parties, or want to elevate their daily beverages.
You can also minimalist glass art add extras to your glassware collection to make it even more versatile. A fancy decanter will upgrade wine nights and a set of coasters keeps your tables clean and looking beautiful.
