Life is too short to use boring glassware

"A set of high-quality wine glasses is always fun to drink from because they enhance the overall experience," says Nadia Watts of Nadia Watts Interior Design. Whether you're sipping a glass of orange juice in the morning or sipping a glass of iced water with dinner, your glasses should be something you'll be happy to use again and again. A good set of glassware can also make a statement at the table and show off your taste. Whether you're enjoying a home-cooked meal or takeout, why not do it in style?

For this list of the best wine glasses, we delved into various types of glassware and selected sets based on material, size, quantity, and style. Kristen Pena, lead designer at K Interiors, offers expert advice on how to choose glass for your home. One of the most important considerations for glasses is sturdiness, as many places "sell glasses that are easily broken." If you're worried about your wine glasses breaking, then choose tempered and crystal glass, which are more durable than soda glass.

Duralex Tempered Glass, Made In France Picardie Clear Tumbler, Set of 6, 12.62 oz.

There's no doubt that the Duralex Le Picardie Tumbler has been a must-have at family tables and French bistros for decades, in part because of its design. A Wirecutter Selection since 2014, this glass's faceted sides and gently contoured shape make it a pleasure to hold, while the slightly open lip adds a touch of elegance. It's a more refined mug for everyday use (or so James Bond thinks).

It's also the second most durable glass we've tested. In our drop test, the Picardie glass withstood 13 drops onto hardwood floors and 8 drops onto marble slabs from a height of 3 feet. (For comparison, our recommended Kähler Hammershøi glass survived 20 drops on a marble slab and 1 drop on a concrete floor.) That's still pretty impressive for something made of glass (even durable tempered glass). This glass is also available in a variety of sizes and colors - we like to use the smaller size for espresso, juice, cocktails, or wine.

Bormioli Rocco Line Water Glass, Clear, 9.75 oz (Pack of 12)

Simple and durable, the Bormioli Rocco Line Water Glass is reminiscent of the drinkware found in 1950s restaurants, and it reminded some of our testers of Depression-era glass. We especially like the electric blue glass, which looks dazzling on the table. It turns an ordinary glass of water into a delightful drinking experience (think of the magic potion in Death Becomes Her). The color is also inherent to glass, unlike some of the colored glassware we tested, which is coated with a film that can be scraped off.

You wouldn't know it just by looking at them, but the ridges of the Line glass sit on the inside of the glass, so the exterior is smooth to the touch. It's an unexpected design detail that many of our testers appreciated.

Kähler Hammershoi Tumbler (Set of 4)

The Kähler Hammershøi Tumbler is the most resilient glass we've ever tested. Impressively, it was dropped 20 times from counter height onto a marble slab without a scratch. It even survived a fall onto a concrete floor, something no other glass we've tested has been able to do.

The glass is smooth where it comes in contact with the lips. All glassware has some minor imperfections, but the Kähler glass has very few. It is well-made and feels sturdy and balanced in your hand.

The Kähler glass is made of tempered glass, blown by machine into molds, and designed by Norwegian product designer Hans-Christian Bauer for Kähler, a famous Danish ceramics brand founded more than 180 years ago. The designer's name is etched into the bottom of the glass (rather than molded into the glass)-an extra detail that makes these glasses feel even more special.

A di Alessi 3-1/4-Inch Glass Family Water Glass, Crystalline Glass, Set of 4

Finally, if you're looking for the ultimate culinary experience in your own home, the Alessi Glass Family Water Glasses are our favorite of the thin, delicate glassware we tested. These glasses were designed by renowned product and furniture designer Jasper Morrison. Their simple, elegant design is both beautiful and functional.

While the silhouette appears to be straight-sided, the Alessi glasses have a slight taper so the glasses can be stacked compactly, which is a boon for smaller spaces. (Keep in mind, however, that stacking glass risers can lead to more scratches and damage over time.)

Most of our testers preferred the practicality and lower price of the Alessi glasses. The slight taper also makes them easier to hold. Alessi glasses are very light, but the extra weight at the bottom keeps them from floating across the table in case of condensation. These glasses can also be used for cocktails or juices on the rocks.

Which glass to choose is a personal choice. Smatdeals will also try to recommend as many relevant businesses and popular brands as possible for our customers.