Decorating
Trends: How to Use Bell Jars to Display Finds
If you want to show off a beautiful object, setting it in a 3D glass frame is a clear winner, as these display ideas prove
A painting can come to life when you put it in the right frame. Likewise, objects that catch your eye can suddenly look prettier, brighter and more special when you give them a glass frame in the form of a bell jar. Creating clutter-free, stylish displays just got so much easier…
Mark the changing seasons
A row of bell jars can be adapted to seasonal displays. At Christmas, it’s easy to add your favourite baubles; come Easter, a clutch of eggs or foliage could take their place. In the summer a collection of shells would work, while in October, you could add Halloween trinkets or autumn leaves.
A row of bell jars can be adapted to seasonal displays. At Christmas, it’s easy to add your favourite baubles; come Easter, a clutch of eggs or foliage could take their place. In the summer a collection of shells would work, while in October, you could add Halloween trinkets or autumn leaves.
Create a sense of occasion
This bell jar is used to house side plates for afternoon tea. The cloche keeps them tidy (and dust-free), and can be lifted with ease whenever guests drop round for a slice of cake. Pile up white crockery like this for a simple feel, or make a display of colourful vintage plates for a more eye-catching feature.
This bell jar is used to house side plates for afternoon tea. The cloche keeps them tidy (and dust-free), and can be lifted with ease whenever guests drop round for a slice of cake. Pile up white crockery like this for a simple feel, or make a display of colourful vintage plates for a more eye-catching feature.
Add atmosphere to a dining table
It would be a shame to leave this grand dining table unadorned while it’s not being used. And how simple but gorgeous is this display? It’s unfussy, effective and as delicate as the rest of the scheme.
Gather fresh inspiration for table centrepieces
It would be a shame to leave this grand dining table unadorned while it’s not being used. And how simple but gorgeous is this display? It’s unfussy, effective and as delicate as the rest of the scheme.
Gather fresh inspiration for table centrepieces
Group together for impact
This glittering display of unusual finds becomes an artwork in its own right, drawing attention to the special nature of each object, but also forming a bright and shiny array that’s perfect for a windowsill or side table.
This glittering display of unusual finds becomes an artwork in its own right, drawing attention to the special nature of each object, but also forming a bright and shiny array that’s perfect for a windowsill or side table.
Adapt a lantern
These shapely lanterns have been turned into display cloches for plants, candles and a collection of mini bottles. Grouping them together gives them far more impact, and brings this disused fireplace to life.
The owner’s love of vessels continues on the mantelpiece, where shapes are carefully chosen to repeat and contrast. It all adds up to a beautiful scene for very little outlay.
These shapely lanterns have been turned into display cloches for plants, candles and a collection of mini bottles. Grouping them together gives them far more impact, and brings this disused fireplace to life.
The owner’s love of vessels continues on the mantelpiece, where shapes are carefully chosen to repeat and contrast. It all adds up to a beautiful scene for very little outlay.
Celebrate the unusual
If you have a quirky item that has sentimental value or ticks the kitsch box, putting it under a cloche tells visitors it’s there for a purpose. It changes its status from collected to curated.
If you have a quirky item that has sentimental value or ticks the kitsch box, putting it under a cloche tells visitors it’s there for a purpose. It changes its status from collected to curated.
Elevate the simplest items
You don’t have to have found an amazing treasure to make a display. This large bell jar is filled with the curled strips of a map, the forms and patterns creating a pleasing piece. It’s a useful reminder of how the gleam of glass can add a sense of luxury, no matter what you place inside it.
You don’t have to have found an amazing treasure to make a display. This large bell jar is filled with the curled strips of a map, the forms and patterns creating a pleasing piece. It’s a useful reminder of how the gleam of glass can add a sense of luxury, no matter what you place inside it.
Show off jewellery
Instead of hiding jewellery away, why not enjoy its beauty by displaying favourite pieces under mini bell jars? The ones on this dressing table are specially designed to hold jewels, but you could arrange rings, necklaces and earrings in pretty, shallow bowls and cover each with a bell jar for a similar effect.
TELL US…
What do you display under glass? Share your inspiring ideas and photos in the Comments below.
Instead of hiding jewellery away, why not enjoy its beauty by displaying favourite pieces under mini bell jars? The ones on this dressing table are specially designed to hold jewels, but you could arrange rings, necklaces and earrings in pretty, shallow bowls and cover each with a bell jar for a similar effect.
TELL US…
What do you display under glass? Share your inspiring ideas and photos in the Comments below.
A pile of antiquarian books can make a striking display – and putting an artfully arranged pile under a bell jar also helps save them from disintegrating any further.
See 11 more original ways to display your books