I am not sure when glass cloches found their way into the world of interior decorating and display. Evidence shows they were used for gardening purposes as far back as the 1600s.
Jamison Cottage kitchen ~ Cloches add usefulness (one is used to cover sticks of butter) and sparkle to this arrangement of white dishes
A glass cloche (pronounced klōsh) is a bell shaped cover. They were originally used to cover and protect young plants. The word cloche (French meaning “bell”) can also refer to a bell shaped hat.
Jamison Cottage ~ Cloches add interest and charm to shelves in this library
My thoughtful husband recently sent me several photos of large cloches used to display footwear and handbags in an upscale department store. The photos were taken in low light and, although I could see the beauty of the displays, I wish they were clear enough to show here!
I found a few cloches at my mothers house.
My mother uses this cut crystal cloche for butter
She stores garlic on her counter in this glass cloche
Paris ~ A cloche holding a nest of starfish in the window of a coffee shop
I am fascinated by the unique ways people use cloches. I have an antique cut crystal cloche, which my grandmother used for fresh butter on special occasions. I use it for a ball of butter or cheese during the holidays and I have a darling small cloche that sits on a milk glass pedestal, I use it to display chocolates and pretty treats.
Paris ~ A cloche in the window of a coffee shop displays a sculpture of flatware
Pretty cloches in a Paris shop’s window.
Glass cloches make whatever they are displaying look more important. They become a frame for things that can’t easily be framed. They also can serve the purpose of protection from dust and damage. Similar to the way that garden cloches are used to protect plants from frost.
W Paris ~ A cloche covering a porcelain dog sits on a display table in the hallway
I took pictures of cloches in our recent hotel room in Paris. I did a little rearranging while I was there, so maybe I will do another post about this beautiful room and befores and afters of my Accessory Refinement™. Nothing major, but an improvement!
W Paris ~ Cloches were used to accessorize this hotel room
W Paris ~ A closer view of the cloches used to cover porcelain flowers in the sitting area of this hotel room
W Paris ~ A cloche covering a figurine sits on the mantel in this hotel room
W Paris ~ Close up of cloche covering a figurine
Hey, Girlfriend! 
Mel, it was lovely to see your hotel room in Paris. Excuse me while I go find a paper towel to wipe the drool from my chin. Now, that my dear is total style. So exciting yes, please show us more.
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Joy, you make me smile! Thank you for your vote!
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Oh Mel, you seem to always teach me something new! I have seen these “domes” n never appreciated their use. Now I know! Thank you. When we were closing my mothers home we found two ‘identical’ small slender “Crystal glass bud vases”……but these “vases had no foot ( base ) the bottom was round. I actually was the only one who knew their purpose! They were used to hold a few flowers inside old automobiles….hanging on either side of the auto, right where clothes hooks now go! ( beauty in traveling very slow, eh ). I enjoy your blog. Love to you. Janet B😘
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I remember learning about those when I first met you! That was a brilliant invention! The vision of driving around with bud vases anchored between the side windows of a car is the best! So charming. I don’t recall ever seeing those in old movies, but they must be shown in some! I used to have a few sets of those that were used to hang from the wall.
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I loved your hotel room in Paris! I love cloches. I have only one but may buy a few more after seeing this post!
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