Our Favourite Colour Combinations for Fused Glass Projects

Colour is one of the most joyful parts of working with fused glass. The way different shades interact, shift in the kiln, and transform when the light catches them is endlessly fascinating.

Whether you're planning your first project or simply looking for inspiration, playing with colour can bring a whole new level of excitement to your designs.

At Yorkshire Glass Fusing Studio, we often get asked which colour combinations work best. While the answer depends on the feel you're going for, we do have a few tried-and-true favourites.

Here are some of our top picks, plus some beautiful workshop experiences and handcrafted pieces that showcase them in action.

1. Coastal Blues and Sandy Neutrals

This classic combination evokes calm, sunshine-filled days by the sea. Soft turquoise, pale sky blue, and gentle greys pair beautifully with sandy beige and warm whites. It's soothing, timeless, and very easy to work with.

We love this palette in our Beach Huts glass panel, which captures that breezy coastal charm with cheerful pops of colour.

If you're drawn to sea-inspired palettes, you might enjoy the Fused Glass Workshop at Your Own Home, where you can create your own piece with coastal tones in the comfort of your space.

2. Woodland Greens and Earthy Browns

Nature is a fantastic colour guide, and we find ourselves returning to deep forest greens, mossy tones, and rich, grounding browns time and again.

These colours have a calming, organic feel and work especially well in garden art. Take a look at our Woodland Aurora panel or explore your own nature-inspired design in the Garden Art Trellis Workshop.

This palette also lends itself beautifully to texture, layering, and combining opaque with translucent glass for a more dimensional effect. It’s a great starting point for anyone who enjoys the changing seasons and wants to bring a little bit of the outdoors inside.

3. Sunset Oranges and Fiery Reds

For something a little bolder, we love combining warm oranges, rust tones, and rich reds with touches of golden yellow. These colours create real drama in the kiln, often fusing in unexpected and beautiful ways.

They're perfect for making sun catchers that glow in the light – like our handmade Sun Catcher, which brings a warm pop of colour to any window.

These colours aren’t just dramatic – they’re joyful. If you’re the kind of person who’s drawn to colour and wants to create something uplifting, a fiery palette can be incredibly rewarding to work with. You can also explore this during a relaxed Umbellifer Mini Taster Session, which is ideal if you're just starting out.

4. Monochrome and Misty Greys

Black, white, and grey might not be the first colours that spring to mind, but they can be incredibly elegant in fused glass. These tones allow texture and layering to take centre stage and are great for creating more minimalist designs. Our Misty Morning Birch Trees panel uses subtle tones to create an atmospheric woodland scene.

Monochrome palettes are perfect for those who like a more contemporary or neutral aesthetic. They also make excellent gifts, as they suit a wide range of homes and personal styles. If you’re looking to create a sophisticated piece that’s both simple and striking, this is a great colour route to take.

5. Vibrant Abstracts

If you love colour and aren’t afraid to experiment, a mixed abstract palette can be great fun. Pair vibrant blues with zesty greens, add a shock of pink or a swirl of gold – anything goes. Our Abstract Countryside panel celebrates this freedom of expression and is a perfect example of how bold colour choices can come together in a dynamic way.

These kinds of palettes are all about play. You don’t have to plan every detail – sometimes the most beautiful results come from trying something unexpected.

Workshops like the Garden Art Trellis and At-Home Workshop allow you to bring your own personality to the palette and really explore your creative voice.

Some Tips for Choosing Colours

• Start with a mood. Think about how you want your piece to feel: calm, energetic, earthy, joyful?

• Limit your palette. Using just 2-3 main colours can create harmony and help avoid visual overload.

• Play with contrast. A pop of white or a dark accent can bring depth and clarity to your design.

• Let the light do the work. Remember, glass changes with the light – hold pieces up to a window and see how they shift!

• Consider your setting. Will your piece live in a sunny spot, or somewhere more shaded? This can affect how colours appear.

• Don't forget transparency. Some glass is opaque, some is translucent, and some is streaked or textured. Combining these can give your work a layered, almost painterly feel.

Whether you’re creating a new piece in a workshop or browsing our online shop for a gift, colour can be a wonderful guide.

There’s no need to have an art background or a design plan in place. Many of our best-loved pieces began with a simple question: "What colours make you smile?"

If you're feeling inspired but unsure where to start, Sarah is always happy to help. Whether it’s colour advice, workshop options, or finding just the right handmade gift, she can point you in the right direction.

Need help choosing a workshop or artisan glass gift? Just get in touch and she can point you in the right direction.