How to Decorate a Glass Hutch

Choose items that match the theme of the room. Antique toys are charming in a hutch used in a baby's nursery, but they would not look nearly as appealing in a hutch used in a dining room.

Display items that show well when stored behind glass. Plants, for example, might not thrive if trapped in a glass hutch simply because of rising temperatures created by the glass. Glare can also be a problem with glass, so stay away from displaying a lot of items that have reflective qualities such as metal items, crystal items, mirrors and picture frames --although a few here and there is fine.

Layer the shelves with larger items -- such as serving platters or trays -- in the back, with smaller items placed in front of them. Use plate holders to hold them upright. Many hutches have graduated shelves, with the narrowest at the top. If yours do, place smaller objects on the top shelves, and larger items on the bottom shelves.

Secure fragile or unstable items with sticky tack or putty, which will not stain or damage the decor items but will keep them steady on the shelves.

Add seasonal touches by bringing in items that relate to the season. A ceramic bowl of sugar pumpkins and gourds, for example, adds a festive fall air to a glass hutch, as do orange and white candles.