How to Store Glass Christmas Ornaments So They Last for Years

Quick answer: Store glass Christmas ornaments by wrapping each one individually in soft tissue paper or foam, placing them in a divided box, and keeping them in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. This preserves the lacquer, silver lining, and shape for decades.

What is a glass Christmas ornament and why does it need special care?

A glass Christmas ornament is a decoration hand-formed by mouth-blowing a heated glass tube – a technique known as mouth-blown glassblowing – and then finished with lacquer and a silver interior. Its delicate structure makes proper storage essential for preserving its beauty year after year.

At Bolglass, every ornament is crafted following the glassmaking tradition of Gniezno, a craft practised without interruption since 1946. Each piece represents Polish craftsmanship and artistic glasswork at its finest – which is exactly why it deserves careful storage between holiday seasons.

How should you prepare ornaments for storage after the holidays?

A few simple steps before putting your ornaments away will significantly extend their life.

Step 1 – Clean each ornament gently

Wipe away fingerprints with a dry microfibre cloth. Avoid wet cloths or chemical cleaners – they can damage the lacquer or the silver lining inside the glass.

Step 2 – Wrap each ornament individually

Wrap each ornament in acid-free tissue paper or thin polyethylene foam. Never use newspaper – printing ink can transfer to the lacquered surface and cause permanent staining.

Step 3 – Choose the right storage box

Rigid cardboard boxes or plastic containers with individual compartments are ideal. Compartments prevent ornaments from rubbing against each other. Original manufacturer packaging works perfectly – at Bolglass, our boxes are designed with long-term storage in mind.

Where should you store glass ornaments to prevent damage?

The storage location matters greatly. Glass ornaments are sensitive to temperature changes, humidity, and light.

• Temperature: Aim for 10–20°C. Avoid damp basements and attics with extreme temperature fluctuations.
• Humidity: High humidity causes corrosion of the silver lining inside the ornament. Keep decorations in a dry space.
• Light: Prolonged UV exposure fades lacquers. Use closed, opaque boxes.
• Weight: Do not stack heavy items on top of ornament boxes. Soda-lime glass, the material used for traditional ornaments, is elegant but fragile.

What mistakes should you avoid when storing ornaments?

Certain habits can cause irreversible damage to your cherished decorations. The most common mistakes include:

• Placing ornaments loosely in one box without padding or dividers.
• Storing ornaments in plastic bags – moisture condensation damages both the lacquer and the silver lining.
• Leaving ornaments hanging on display stands all year – dust and UV exposure gradually degrade the finish.
• Packing ornaments while they are still warm after interior silvering – steam can harm the silver coating.
• Using newspaper as packing material – the risk of permanent colour transfer.

Does the type of ornament affect how it should be stored?

Yes – different ornaments call for slightly different care. Ornaments with delicate glitter or hand-painted designs are especially sensitive to friction. Wrap each one separately in soft tissue.

Relief ornaments with raised decorations should rest in compartments that do not press on the protruding elements. Handcrafted pieces from Polish artisan workshops like Bolglass often feature unique details – individual compartments offer the best protection.

If you own branded corporate ornaments with a company logo, store them in their original gift packaging, which is specifically designed to protect the ornaments during transport and long-term storage. You can learn more about these solutions on our custom logo ornaments page.

In numbers

• Bolglass has operated continuously since 1946 – over 78 years of glassmaking tradition.
• Glass is shaped from a tube heated to approximately 1,200°C.
• The interior of each ornament is silvered with genuine silver nitrate.
• The lacquer palette includes more than 200 shades.
• Standard ornament sizes are 6, 8, 10 and 12 cm in diameter.

How long can well-stored glass ornaments last?

With proper care, glass Christmas ornaments can last for decades and be handed down as family heirlooms. Mouth-blown ornaments from Bolglass – finished by hand using the finest artistic glasswork techniques – are luxury Christmas decorations that gain character with age.

Looking to expand your collection or design your own ornament? Visit our 3D configurator to create a bespoke piece. Ready-made designs are available in the Bolglass shop.

Is it worth repairing damaged glass ornaments?

Minor lacquer chips can be touched up with glass paint available at art supply shops. However, structural cracks in the glass make an ornament unsafe to display – shards of soda-lime glass are sharp and hazardous. In such cases, it is safer to replace the damaged piece with a new one.

Inspired by the art of glassblowing and its rich heritage? We warmly invite you to visit our manufactory in Gniezno. Find all the details and admission and workshop prices on our website.