Decorating with Cloches
WORDS: CHYKA KEEBAUGH
IMAGES: LISA ATKINSON & MARCEL AUCAR
VIDEO : @BRUCEGILOFFICIAL
Let me introduce you to one of my favourite decorative items…
The humble cloche! A cloche is a decorative glass or transparent cover often used for protecting and displaying items, such as plants, collectibles, or decorative objects. If you have been a reader of Chyka.com for the past few years, you would know of my LOVE for cloches. They store my collections, my most treasured items, my piles of weird and wonderful and of course, they are home for a multitude of random things! The word "cloche" is derived from the French word for "bell," which aptly describes its bell-like shape. Cloches are typically made of glass, acrylic, or other transparent materials and are commonly used in interior design for both functional and aesthetic purposes.
But why a cloche?
Protection: Cloches provide a barrier that helps protect delicate items from dust, dirt, moisture, and other environmental factors that could potentially damage or degrade them. This makes cloches especially useful for preserving valuable or fragile collectibles, such as antique figurines, jewellery, or small works of art.
Personalization: Cloches allow you to create unique and personalized displays that reflect your personality and passions. Whether you're showcasing a vintage camera collection, a small potted plant, or a treasured heirloom, cloches provide a way to express your individuality.
Focus and Attention: Placing an item under a cloche draws attention to it, making it a focal point within a space. This can be useful for showing off your most prized possessions!
Aesthetic Appeal: Cloches' elegant and classic design adds a touch of sophistication and charm to interior decor. They come in various shapes, sizes, and styles, allowing you to choose one that complements your overall design theme or aesthetic preferences.
Curated Displays: For me, it’s all about curation! Cloches provide a way to curate and showcase collections visually appealingly. By grouping similar items under cloches, you can create an organized and cohesive display that showcases your personal style and interests.
Versatility: Cloches can be used in a variety of interior settings, from living rooms and bedrooms to kitchens and offices. How about a cloche full of snowy cotton balls for the bathroom? See, that’s versatility.
Seasonal Decor: Switch out the items displayed under the cloche to reflect different themes, holidays, or changing seasons, keeping your decor fresh and engaging.
Get creative with cloches in your home.
Decorating an eclectic home involves combining various styles, colours, and textures to create a unique and visually engaging space. Cloches can be wonderful additions to your decor, providing a focal point that captures attention and adds a touch of charm. Mixing and matching items that resonate with you is the key to eclectic decor. Feel free to experiment, combine different ideas, and let your creativity shine when decorating with cloches in your eclectic home. Here are some creative ideas for what you can put inside a cloche to decorate your home…
Miniature Succulent Garden: Create a tiny indoor garden under the cloche using a combination of colourful succulents, small pebbles, and moss. This natural arrangement adds a burst of greenery to your eclectic space.
Antique Keys and Curiosities: Just like I have, display a collection of antique keys, vintage coins, or other small curiosities. You can even add a magnifying glass or an old map to enhance the explorer's theme.
Bohemian Textiles and Jewelry: Arrange a selection of colourful, intricate bohemian textiles, scarves, or beaded jewellery to create a vibrant and textural display.
Floating Art Installation: Suspend lightweight art pieces, such as origami sculptures, delicate paper cuttings, or small paintings, within the cloche to create the illusion of floating art.
Nostalgic Memorabilia: Arrange vintage toys, trinkets, and memorabilia from different eras to evoke a sense of nostalgia and whimsy.
Candlelit Ambiance: Place a single decorative candle or a cluster of small votives inside the cloche to create a cozy and romantic atmosphere.
Found Natural Treasures: Collect interesting natural objects like seashells, feathers, polished stones, or driftwood and arrange them creatively within the cloche.
Colour-Coordinated Curiosities: Arrange a curated collection of small items that share a specific colour palette. This can create a visually cohesive and aesthetically pleasing display.
Globetrotter's Collection: Arrange a variety of souvenirs, postcards, and small mementos from different countries to create a well-traveled aesthetic.
