Adding a pop of color to your home decor doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. One easy way to incorporate color is through glass accessories in a rainbow of hues. The transparency of glass allows the colors to shine through beautifully, bringing vibrance and personality to any space. Here are some tips for decorating with a rainbow of glass pieces.
Selecting Glassware in a Range of Colors
When choosing glassware, look for pieces in every color of the rainbow – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Glass bowls, vases, cups, and other accessories are available in solid colors as well as ombre gradients that transition from one shade to the next.
For maximum impact, opt for very saturated jewel tones. Clear glass can work too, but the colors won’t be as bold. Look for inexpensive colored glassware at thrift stores and discount shops to amass a large collection on a budget.
Arranging a Colorful Glass Display
Group your glass pieces together in a china cabinet, on open shelves, or even stacked on the floor for a beautiful rainbow display. Arrange the colors in ROYGBIV order or alternate complementary colors like red and green or purple and yellow.
Make sure to use glassware in a variety of shapes and sizes for visual interest. Small bud vases, tumblers, decanters, and bowls will provide plenty of variety. For a coherent look, keep the styles consistent even if the colors differ. Include other colorful objects like flowers, books, and artworks for an eclectic ensemble.
Adding Pops of Color with Glass Decor
In addition to displaying glassware in rainbow arrangements, incorporate colorful glass accents throughout a room. Hang stained glass ornaments in sunny windows so the light shines through them. Use glass lampshades in jewel tones to bathe a room in colorful light. Look for glass knickknacks like paperweights and figurines for shelves and tabletops.
Install extra large pieces like wall mirrors or serving platters to add an impressive punch of color. Paint frames, shelves, and walls white to allow the brilliant colors of the glass decor to take center stage. The transparent, luminous quality of the glass will make the colors appear even more vivid.
Pulling the Look Together
A rainbow of glass can look fun and lively but also cohesive and polished. Maintain harmony in the space by repeating colors from your glassware in other decor elements like throw pillows, blankets, area rugs, flowers, and art. For example, display blue glass pieces and tie them in with blue curtains and upholstery.
Also repeat the shapes, textures, and translucency of the glass in ceramic vases, metal bowls, acrylic boxes, and other accessories. Using clear glass candleholders, vases, and trays helps them blend in. The colorful glass will stand out even more against a neutral, monochromatic backdrop.
Inspiring Ways to Use Rainbow Glassware
Need ideas for actually using your new glassware? Here are some options:
- Display fresh flowers in a row of bud vases in different colors. The bold backgrounds will make the blooms pop even more.
- Serve up a rainbow dessert bar with cookies, candy, and other treats in glass dishes of varying hues.
- Create a colorful glass bottle collection by pouring juices, water, and other beverages into empty reused glass bottles.
- Make mini water features by filling glass bowls and vases with colored glass gems, beads, or marbles and water.
- Use upside down glasses or bowls over candles for ambient lighting in jewel tones.
- Arrange colorful glass ornaments in alcohol-filled decanters for festive decor.
With a little creativity, you can find many uses for decorative glass pieces while bringing color into your home. Change up the displays seasonally to keep the look fresh and fun.
Caring for Colored Glassware
While so beautiful, colored glass requires a little extra care to keep it looking its best:
- Wash by hand only to prevent chipping and scratching. Avoid harsh dish soaps.
- Dry thoroughly since moisture can leave behind deposits and film.
- Avoid putting glassware in the microwave or oven which could cause cracking.
- Store carefully padded and wrapped to prevent breaking and scratches.
- Dust frequently as colors can look dull underneath built-up dirt and grime.
- Avoid harsh cleaners which could strip colored finishes over time. Mild soap and water is best.
- Don’t leave in direct sunlight which can cause fading of certain colored glass over time.
By gently cleaning and storing your glassware, the colors will look rich for many years. Periodically inspect each piece and remove any with damage from your displays. With a little TLC, a rainbow of glass can be a durable, lasting addition to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Decorating with Rainbow Glass
What are some good places to find inexpensive colored glassware?
thrift stores, yard sales, discount home goods stores like HomeGoods, flea markets, dollar stores, IKEA.
What’s the best way to display my rainbow glass collection?
Try grouping pieces by color in neat rows, alternating colors for visual interest, or arranging from light to dark hues. Use risers or varying heights for dimension.
How can I incorporate my rainbow glass into my existing home decor?
Pull out colors from your glassware into pillows, art, flowers, dish towels – anything you can find in coordinating hues. Keep the backdrop neutral.
Is it OK to mix glassware styles as long as the colors coordinate?
Yes, mixing and matching glassware can give your display a fun, eclectic look – just be sure to keep the overall aesthetic cohesive.
What are some ways to use my decorative glassware instead of just displaying it?
Use colorful vases for fresh flower arrangements, fill glasses and bowls with treats for a dessert bar, create mini water landscapes with glass gems and marbles.
How can I keep colored glassware from fading or getting cloudy over time?
Avoid direct sunlight, don’t use abrasive cleaners, hand wash carefully with mild soap and water, dry thoroughly, and store padded and wrapped.
Conclusion
Decorating with a rainbow of glass is an easy, inexpensive way to bring pops of vibrant color into any room. Look for decorative glassware in every hue and display them in neat arrangements, alternating colors for visual impact. Incorporate the glass colors throughout the rest of your home decor for a cohesive, pulled-together look. With proper care, your colorful glass collection will stay brilliant for years to come. So go ahead, give your home a much-needed dose of color and cheer with glassware in every shade of the rainbow!
