Glass Cloches Are Back—Here Are 5 Stylish Ways to Use Them in Your Home, According to a Designer

You might not know what glass cloches are, but you've likely spotted them at the thrift store, on the counter at your favorite coffee shop, or in your grandmother's curio cabinet. The classic home accent has seen a resurgence in attention lately, making the “what’s old is new again” adage as relevant as ever.

"Glass cloches date back to the 1600s, originally intended to act as a mini greenhouse for gardeners,” says interior designer Elisabeth Gunshenan. “Today, the design and style have evolved to options with colored and textured glass and, as a result, can seamlessly fit in with any style.”

Here's why glass cloches are worth incorporating into your decor, along with expert recommendations on how to decorate with these charming little display cases.  

Why Glass Cloches Fit into Today's Trends

According to Gunshenan, there’s something about glass cloches that lends itself to the mix-and-match aesthetic so popular in home decor now.

“Clients are gravitating towards mixing vintage elements with modern pieces to give their spaces a more collected and curated look,” she says. “The flexibility of glass cloches allows for each client to create a display that is unique and personalized to them.”

These possibilities—what to place inside a glass cloche and where to use them—are copious, perhaps lending even more reasons to love this reborn trend. Gunshenan says introducing a glass cloche on a kitchen countertop, coffee table, or credenza provides the opportunity to add an eclectic element that elevates the style of your space, but how you go about it is only limited by your creativity.

5 Ideas for Decorating with Glass Cloches

Give your glass cloche a fresh and modern look with Gunshenan’s ideas for incorporating these vintage-inspired pieces in your own space.

1. Style Seasonally

Don’t let your glass cloche sit stagnant—use it as a revolving source of seasonal decor. "For example, in the fall, you can bring in small, decorative pumpkins. Then in the winter season, you can pair your glass cloche with decorative pinecones,” Gunshenan says.

Allow it to serve as a focal point in your home, marking the passage of time. Stop by your local craft store or head to your yard for a foraged vignette that emphasizes the colors, themes, and feeling of the season in a tidy, perfectly contained package—courtesy of your cloche collection.

2. Just Add Greenery

Take your cloche back to its gardening roots by pairing it with greenery, whether faux or fresh. Remember to consider how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in maintaining your mini greenhouse. If you’re up for taking care of flowers, go for it—but if something a little lower maintenance is what you’re after, Gunshenan says succulents make a more effortless alternative.

3. Light It Up

One of the most modern uses for glass cloches: housing candles. This can be exceptionally functional outdoors, where wind can quickly blow out your flame (just be sure to use a cloche that is specifically suited for use with a lit candle). If you’re looking to cover your unlit candle, protecting it from dust and giving it its special moment, any glass dome will do.

4. Show Off Sentimental Items

 “A glass cloche can be used to draw attention to a specific item that you would like to highlight in your home that may otherwise get overlooked,” Gunshenan says. That can include antiques, family heirlooms, or special mementos. It can provide a museum-quality look that turns these special treasures into a focal point. Consider using a few cloches in varying sizes to display collections. It can lend a cohesive, organized look that elegantly draws attention to the array.

5. Serve with Style

Gunshenan says glass cloches elevate your tablescape by adding a bit of elegance to food displays and sideboards. While they certainly provide a decorative element, they also have the practical benefit of acting as a protective barrier from bugs or air exposure. “Pair a glass cloche with a cheese board, pastry, or dessert to elevate your next dinner party,” Gunshenan says.