Warmed Through: How to Collect Vintage Thermoses

vintage thermoses in outdoor fire ring with wooden chairs

The vintage thermos makes a comeback as a treasure that warms our drinks as well as our hearts.

Of all the old treasures you can hunt down and collect, vintage thermoses best represents American nostalgia. These cool containers carted around hot cocoa and warmed hands at football games, accompanied people on picnics and at camp sites and kept people cozy during the colder months. Now, vintage thermoses add color and character to shelves as décor pieces from the past.

vintage thermoses form part of an outdoor table fall vignette — “I’ve always had a soft spot for plaid and unique thermoses,” says Instagrammer Christine Vogel of @rusticfeatherstone. “I also enjoy using them in vignettes because they add so much color to a photo. They seem to always photograph well with paint by number paintings.”

What’s In a Name?

Many use the word “thermos” as a general term for a container that keeps liquids hot or cold, but it actually began as a brand. Thermos® was founded in 1904, and though someone else invented the idea of vacuum insulation, Thermos® was the first company to create consumer products using the concept. Eventually, other companies followed suit, and the name became a generic term.

plaid vintage thermoses — Vintage thermoses are known for their colorful—often plaid—designs. They come in all shapes and sizes, which is the mark of an intriguing collection.

Budget-Friendly

Thankfully, you don’t need to be a pro to collect thermoses. You can find them at most flea markets and online shops such as Etsy, and they aren’t out of reach on a limited budget. Most thermoses range from $5 to $30 per piece, making them a more affordable collectible than most.

collection of vintage thermoses on black shelves — As with any vintage collection, you don’t need to use the item for its original purpose. If you like how the pieces look, display them anywhere in your home, such as a bookcase, shelf or display cabinet.

Seasonal Displays

Because of their retro designs and bright colors, they make fun décor pieces you can display anywhere. Bright colors work great for the summer, and the earth-toned and plaid pieces work well in the fall. Of course, the red-and-green designs make a superb addition to Christmas décor, so there’s a style for every season.

If you love collecting, don’t miss Timeless Treasures: Collecting Vintage Clocks. And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to get your daily dose of farmhouse inspiration!