Glass has a way of adding interest, depth and light to any space, whether object d’art on a mantel, glassware on a moody bar or a centerpiece for your tabletop or console. “Glass is beautiful, timeless and so versatile and the makers we carry at 365 Collective have amazing handmade pieces,” says Abigail Fox, co-founder of 365 Collective by Abigail Fox + Serendipity, our own luxury lifestyle brand based in Greenwich, CT. “I love using glass for layering – whether it’s serving bowls, vases or decorative objects. It adds light and joy without overwhelming your decor.”
Quiet Power
“Whether it’s a sculptural centerpiece, a vibrant hand-blown vase, or a minimalist candle holder, glass objects have a quiet power—they don’t overwhelm a space but rather elevate it,” says Ema Ross who is the marketing and product manager for Orrefors and Kosta Boda, both Swedish glassmakers. Orrefors exudes Scandinavian minimalism and timeless elegance, while Kosta Boda is bold and expressive with a fearless use of color and form. “Our designs often center around clarity, precision and function—creating crystal pieces that are as practical as they are beautiful,” says Ross.
With so many possibilities, designers turn to glass again and again to add a layer of detail to any space and blur the lines between form and function. Here’s what a few pros said they love about working with this centuries-old material.
Enhancing Instead of Competing
“I love decorating with glass objects mixed in,” agrees Andrea Sinkin, founder and designer at Andrea Sinkin Design, based in Greenwich, CT. “It adds a visual detail while keeping the space free of clutter and gives a negative space effect where you see an object, but the transparency does not overwhelm you.”
She recently completed a project in which she chose a glass bowl as the centerpiece for a console in the foyer. The bowl serves as a holding place for keys and cell phones. “I love a big glass chunky vase in an entrance. The large raspberry bowl from Orrefors is particularly stunning. I would fill that with cuttings from the yard year-round.”
Versatility
Glass objects create movement and a mood, attests Jamie Trainor, senior project manager and owner at Müller Expo Services International, who frequently plans and designs events for her firm. A glass bowl on a Kartell Ghost Buster console can make an impact without feeling bulky. A Sophie Lou Jacobsen ripple lamp plays well with shadows and light.
“Because most furniture isn’t made of glass, incorporating it through accessories creates a fresh, unexpected layer of materiality in a space,” says Jennifer Press of Press Interiors, which serves clients up and down the East Coast. “It’s a great way to introduce variety and visual interest.”
Press loves to include an antiqued mirrored backsplash behind a dry bar for an effect that is both dramatic and classic. “For smaller touches, a delicate bud vase on a nightstand, a glass canister in the bathroom, or an elegant oil and vinegar set in the kitchen can all elevate a space with subtle charm.”
Playing with Light
“Glass, to me, is not just a reflective surface but a medium that amplifies light and mood,” says Sarah Mosele of Sarah Mosele Interiors, a New York-based studio focused on residential interiors. “I’ve recently completed several projects where sculptural glass played a pivotal role—from colored Murano side tables to smoky pendant lighting and hand-blown vases that anchor vignettes.”
Emma Corner of Emma Corner Interiors, with clients in NYC, the Hamptons and beyond, says her firm uses glass in a variety of ways depending on the mood and function of the space. “We particularly love using it to highlight architectural details or amplify ambient lighting. In a recent project, Corner designed a custom bar with glass shelving and an antique mirror backsplash. “The result was a beautifully layered glow and an air of understated glamour,” says Corner.
Layering
Whether organic in shape, colored or etched, glass vases can set the tone for your tabletop or paired with classic or modern seating in the living room. To determine what type of glass you should choose, “start with function, then think about the mood you want to create,” says Kelsey Matyas of New York-based Kelsey Deirdre Designs. “Clear glass is timeless—perfect when you want other materials to shine. Colored glass adds personality, like jewelry for a room. Etched or textured glass is ideal where privacy is needed or where light needs to be softened. It’s decorative without diminishing light.”
The tall Cut In Numbered Striped Vase from Orrefors has long satin cuts vertically down its clear crystal sides, elongating the shape and complementing fresh seasonal flowers. “I would put the high and low together and do two mix and match bouquets,” says Sinkin of how she would style this vase.
Meanwhile the Set of Seven Midsummer Mini Vases from Orrefors has a more mid-century modern feel, and provides a lovely display for fresh-cut buds on a shelf or nightstand. “I love colored glass,” adds Sinkin. “It looks very decorative and purposeful and it looks great on shelves when you’re styling with glassware and as an accessory.”
NYC-based Interior Designer Tara McCauley, a Katonah, NY, native, recently completed a dining room, which she finished with an antique pendant light dripping in hand-cut glass drops in amber and pink tones. “It served as both a sculptural centerpiece and a light source that transforms throughout the day,” says McCauley. “The pendant reflects the morning sun and casts a warm, moody glow at night, adding a dimensional quality that heavier fixtures simply can’t achieve.”
McCauley often incorporates colorful glass elements to add layers of lightness, sparkle, and dynamism. “I love how the effect changes throughout the day,” she says.
/
