If you rummage through grandma’s cupboards, you’ll probably come across an unexpected treasure that might unlock some memories: Arcopal tableware. You can’t miss it! With its tempered glass and retro flowers, it was a regular at every family meal. Today, tableware is taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane, and Arcopal pieces are flying off the shelves on platforms and at flea markets. The perfect pop touch that takes us back to our childhood!
The Arcopal style, what is it, and why is it coming back?
The term “Arcopal” refers to a process for manufacturing tableware from opaline glass (a very thin and very resistant opaque white glass heated to 500°C then cooled suddenly), discovered and registered in 1958 by the French company Arc International. Durable, lightweight, colorful and very inexpensiveArcopal ended up adorning all the tables. And then, over the decades, this style ended up being relegated to the back of our grandmothers’ cupboards: too kitsch, not modern enough…
But that was without counting on the vintage wave that has taken over our dressers in recent years. Today, the collectors and vintage lovers rediscover the charm and quality of the Arcopal tableware. Some rare or emblematic pieces (the plate with delicate blue flowers, and the mugs with large orange daisies for example) even sell very quickly, and sometimes at a high price!
Where to find vintage Arcopal tableware, and for how much?
If you want to get your hands on these nostalgic nuggets, start by asking your ancestors: they probably have some rooms in the attic. Arcopal models can also be found in large quantities at flea markets and garage sales, often at affordable prices. Online resale platforms such as Vinted or Ebay are not far behind: simply type “arcopal” in the search bar, and you will certainly find what you are looking for. cups usually sell for between 3 and 8€, platesin batches, for a handful of euros. Some rarer patterns, such as the gingham print, can increase the bill to several dozen euros !
The Arc International brand still exists today, and markets Arcopal pieces with a more modern design : you therefore have to go through the vintage market to obtain the iconic collections from the 50s to the 70sthe most sought after! The company actually has several ranges of tableware, whose name is associated with their manufacturing process: Arcopal for opal glass, Luminarc for transparent, Arcoroc for tempered. And the prices are still as low as ever!
Other cult tableware pieces to steal from grandma
Arcopal is not the only one retro jewel to be recovered from our grandmothers’ kitchens ! Keep your eyes peeled, because many other cult tableware treasures may be hidden there. For example:
- THE famous Digoin bowls et Sarregueminesrenowned for their robustness and traditional designs.
- THE Gien earthenware services or of Sarreguemineswith floral or animal decorations, very popular among vintage lovers.
- Duralex glasses and the range of tableware very seventies “Lys Vermeil” in brown glass from the cult brand!
- The services in Limoges porcelainwith timeless elegance.
- The cabbage leaf slushie, adorably kitsch (and very trendy in 2024)
Hunting for hidden retro gems at grandma’s is also cherish their valuewhich goes far beyond their simple usefulness.
