30 Modern Terrariums to Inspire You

Three components of modern terrariums are simplicity, scale and minimalism, says Jeffrey Schneider of Jeffrey Terrariums, who creates terrariums of hand-blown glass. In this woodland-themed terrarium, he used pincushion moss (Leucobryum albidum), rabbit's foot fern (Phlebodium aureum), reindeer moss (Cladonia rangiferina), Selaginella kraussiana and succulents such as Peperomia prostrata. Acorns, twigs and leaves are sterilized to prevent pests and diseases.

Jeffrey Schneider is inspired by artists such as Dale Chihuly and Anish Kapoor and their work with organic shapes in creating his own hand-blown shapes for terrariums. A legume-shaped terrarium holds a variety of mosses: pincushion moss (Leucobryum albidum), peacock moss (Selaginella uncinata) and succulents such as Peperomia hirta. Plants include Acorus gramineus 'Minimus Aureus' (a perennial) and Ficus pumila 'Quercifolia' (a vining plant).

Hand-blown terrariums are organic and sculptural, says Jeffrey Schneider of Jeffrey Terrariums, based in New York. The bean-shaped terrarium he created holds Selaginella emmeliana, maidenhair fern and perennials such as Peperomia urocarpa. He used Yamaya stone for the base and placed sterilized twigs into the display.

These terrariums, made of recycled and repurposed glass, include found items, feathers, coral, moss, twigs, seashells and stones. Stained glass artist Sarah Brueck Williams placed those items with "my nursery of plants that need help," such as Aloe juvenna and a variety of echeveria.

A tiny alocasia plant in displayed a metal and glass terrarium with quartz crystals and feathers, plus skull and antler decor. The display was arranged by stained glass artist Sarah Brueck Williams.

A Hindu rope plant curls over the rim of a terrarium made of recycled glass. Stained glass artist Sarah Brueck Williams also placed succulent Mesembryanthemum lehmanni in the octahedron-shaped terrarium.

This clever collection of recycled glass terrariums in different shapes displays sedums (such as Sedum spurium and Sedum acre 'Aureum') and succulents such as variegated Candle Plant, String of Pearls, Propeller Plant and Silver Squill. At the top right, begonia 'Fireworks' brings in a punch of ruby red. A Hindu rope plant and Mesembryanthemum lehmanni are in the same container in front, near a tiny hen and chicks succulent. They were assembled and arranged by Sarah Brueck Williams, a stained glass artist.

A low-maintenance succulent, String of Pearls, fills a dodecahedron-shaped terrarium. The triangular terrarium below includes Sedum acre 'Aureum.'

In this modern terrarium, floral designer Laurel LeMaistre used a combination of natural found material, such as birch bark and swirled branches along with petite orchid plants, and polished river stones. Orchids are a staple flower for all modern design, and their simplicity and longevity make them a perfect choice for terrarium work, says LeMaistre, a member of the American Institute of Floral Designers.

A large vase set on the vertical and a mini cube, both holding tillandsia, can be sleek and elegant terrariums, says Wil Gonzalez, a member of the American Institute of Floral Designers. Tillandsia and succulents are ideal for home decor because they are low-maintenance, says Gonzalez, owner of W/E Flowers in Ukiah, Calif.

This glass tube is a mini modern terrarium packed with plants and layers of various colors and textures. Dry twigs, timbers, sand and stones are used by Dodo Kit Yee Fung, education director for Instituut de Creatif, a flower school in Hong Kong, and a member of the American Institute of Floral Designers. Natural timbers are used for the inner groundcover and outer stand.

Air plants, also known as tillandsias, have a unique, sculptural appeal, which fit into modern design. This DIY terrarium kit sold by Gardener's Supply Co., includes a hanging glass terrarium and planting supplies such as preserved moss and lichen, and decorative stones.

A cube terrarium has the straight lines that sometimes define modern decor. This terrarium, sold by Gardener's Supply Co., is made of glass and metal finished in copper.

Terrariums can hold succulents, sedums and other plants, as well as candles and mini sculptures. These Pierre terrariums from HomArt are made of leaded glass. The one on the bottom right is a dodecahedron-shaped terrarium.