Spruce Up Your Glass Dining Table On A Budget
Decorating a versatile glass dining table can seem daunting. But with a few simple tricks using items you likely already own, you can totally transform the space.
Reasons Glass Table Decor Matters
Glass dining tables can often feel stark and cold if left bare. Adding decor serves several important purposes:
- Makes the dining space feel warmer and more welcoming for mealtimes together
- Elevates the look for entertaining dinner parties and holiday gatherings
- Brings life and visual interest to what might otherwise feel like an empty, transparent surface
- Complements and accentuates the sleekness of the glass material
Planning Your Decor Approach
Take Inventory of What You Already Have
Before making any new purchases, take stock of decorative items you likely already have around the home. Candles, vases,unused bowls or trays can all be repurposed. Raid your linens as well for table runners, placemats, or napkins to layer on the glass.
Determine Your Style
Consider the existing style of your dining room - modern, traditional, eclectic? The glass table decor should tie into and flow with the rest of the space. Cool toned blues and silvers suit modern aesthetics while rich jewel tones align with traditional sensibilities. Identify a color scheme to inform your selections.
Set a Budget
One of the great aspects of glass table decor is you can totally transform the look without spending much, if any, money. Challenge yourself to use existing household items you likely already own. For new purchases, set a $20 budget limit to find affordable accents.
Easy DIY Glass Table Decor Ideas
Simple Table Runner
An inexpensive table runner in a solid color or subtle pattern provides the foundation for designing your tablescape. Linen, cotton, jute work well. Lay it horizontally or diagonally across the surface to define the space. Scale down the size if your table is on the petite side.
Candlescape
Groupings of candles in ascending order by height add lovely ambience and dimension. Play with different shapes, sizes, and holders for visual interest. Stagger pillar candles of varying heights, cluster shorter votives together, or incorporate cut glass candlesticks. The warm glow against the table is stunning.
Seasonal Touches
Rotate fresh florals, fruits, foliage and other elements to reflect the seasons. In spring, display a bouquet of tulips or daffodils. Summer calls for sunflowers or daisies. For fall, artfully arrange colorful leaves surrounding a pumpkin. Simple yet seasonal additions keep the decor feeling fresh.
Collections on Display
If you have decorative collections like sea shells, smooth stones, or ceramic creatures, a glass table allows you to showcase beautiful objects artfully styled together. Repurpose bowls from your kitchen to corral items, use sculptural trays, or stack favorite coffee table books to layer levels.
Design Principles For Styling
Scale Downsizing
When it comes to a glass table, less is often more. Oversized statement pieces easily overwhelm the typically slender surface. Edit items to smaller sizes and dimensions that lifted up, rather than weigh down the transparency.
Creative Usage
You can transform household items in unexpected ways rather than their intended kitchen or bath purpose. Repurpose a metal basket that held lemons as a vessel for napkin rings. Display assorted glassware not being used for drinking to add height. Get creative!
Editing is Key
As a general rule of thumb, limit yourself to three unique decorative accents. The clean lines and transparency beg to be treated delicately. Sparse, thoughtful touches have the highest impact.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When styling a glass dining table, it's easy to overdo it. Fight the urge to crowd every inch with decorations and tchotchkes. Also be mindful not to select heavyweight fabrics or ornate styles that conceal or clash against the sleek foundation. Editing is vital to let the essence of the glass shine through.
It's easy to make a boring glass dining table on a budget. Use an inexpensive table runner to define the space, clustered candles to add warmth, and sparse seasonal or everyday objects to lovingly accentuate what's already there. A few mindful touches make all the difference in letting your beautiful glass table sparkle through.