The colourful island of Murano – famed for its exquisite glassware – is a place I’m fortunate enough to visit annually. Each time, like so many others, I find myself utterly captivated by the beauty of true Murano handblown glass. Although I’ve collected a few pieces over the years, they remain a rare indulgence. Yet lately, I’ve noticed something shifting back at home. Shops and makers across the country are embracing a wave of Murano-inspired designs, creating their own modern interpretations of the best glassware.
This renewed interest has encouraged me to look more closely at the conversation between heritage and contemporary taste. In British homes especially, there’s a growing appetite for objects that offer tactility, colour, and a sense of quiet spectacle. Murano-inspired pieces answer that desire with confidence. They bring artistry into the everyday while still nodding to the legacy that shaped them.
And the best part? If you want the look without jetting off to the canal-lined streets of Murano, I’ve gathered the most beautiful Murano-style glassware you can enjoy from the comfort of home – the best glassware to capture the spirit of the island without the airfare.
I’ve always been captivated by the way colourful Murano glassware injects life and personality into a space. Each piece feels as though it carries its own story – from the way the light dances across the swirls of colour to the subtle irregularities that mark it as unmistakably handmade. I love layering these treasures with other finds, mixing shapes, heights, and tones to create a look that feels accumulated over time rather than meticulously curated. It is this sense of collected character that makes a home feel truly lived in and full of warmth.
‘Playful, colourful glassware has almost become a status symbol among the super stylish – particularly those who love to host,’ says Charlotte Olby, Style & Trends Editor at Homes & Gardens. ‘A few years ago, I started a tradition of picking up a new Murano glass tumbler from Liberty's line-up every Christmas as a purple-packaged gift to myself, and over time I’ve built up the most festive collection. I love how they add a touch of Italian drama to the dinner table or at-home cocktail hour.’
I love how colourful Murano tumblers can elevate a table without any additional styling. Even a single glass feels like a miniature work of art, catching the light and adding character to every meal or drinks gathering. I often mix a few colours together so they play off one another, creating a casual, collected look that feels effortlessly stylish.
‘Using colourful glasses is an effortless way to bring personality and a touch of magic to your table,’ explains renowned interior designer Sean Symington. ‘They catch the light, add playful depth, and can instantly lift even the simplest setting. Mixing tones creates a layered, curated effect that feels as though it has been collected over time.’
These tumblers aren’t just for drinking. I also enjoy using them as decorative accents on shelves or sideboards, or grouping them together to create a whimsical, playful display.
Bring the Look Home With My Favourite Murano-Inspired Finds
For those looking to elevate their interiors without committing to full-price Murano, there are creative ways to bring that same sense of artistry into your home. Festive tablescaping with Murano-inspired pieces allows you to create visually striking arrangements for dinner parties. Layering colours, shapes, and textures can transform even a simple dining table into a statement display, and the playful, handcrafted feel of these pieces adds personality in a way mass-produced glass rarely does.
Another way to indulge your love of beautiful glass is by thrifting vintage glassware. Hunting for one-of-a-kind finds at flea markets, charity shops, or auctions can yield treasures that look as though they have been plucked from the studios of Murano while keeping your budget intact. Mixing these vintage pieces with modern Murano-inspired designs creates a layered, collected look that feels curated and intentional. It is a satisfying way to connect with the history of glassmaking while embracing trends that celebrate craft and individuality.
