Sea glass mosaic, macro view of mixed sea glass and pebbles from a Bermuda shoreline, photographed by Brendan Dalziel.
The meaning of sea glass colours
Walking onto a sea glass beach can feel like stepping into a living colour chart. Every wave pulls new pieces back and forth, from soft frosted whites to deep emerald greens, smoky browns, and rare flashes of cobalt and red. Collectors love these colours because each one hints at where the glass came from and how long it has been in the sea.
In this guide I share how sea glass forms, what the main colours often mean, how rare they are, and how you can use sea glass photography to create calm coastal decor in your home. I also include a short story about a Victorian ceramic shard I photographed among the glass in Bermuda.
Soft pastel sea glass with frosted edges and gentle light.
Richer greens and blues that add depth and contrast.
How sea glass gets its frosted look
Sea glass begins as an ordinary bottle, jar, or plate that someone threw away. Once the glass enters the ocean it starts a slow transformation that can take decades. Waves roll the pieces over rock and sand, tiny scratches build up on the surface, and salt water reacts with the glass. Over time the clear surface turns into a soft frost and the sharp edges become smooth.
This is why genuine sea glass feels soft when you hold it. The frosting is not a filter or a digital trick in the photograph. It is the result of years of tide, sand, and chemistry working together.
Frosted surface and rounded edges created naturally by the sea.
Common sea glass colours and what they often tell us
White and clear sea glass
White or clear pieces are usually the most common. They often began life as bottles for soft drinks, spirits, or household products. In photography they act as a neutral tone that reflects nearby colours and light, which makes them perfect for airy coastal wall art.
Green sea glass
Soft greens and deeper bottle greens usually come from wine, mineral water, and old medicine bottles. They feel calming and natural, so I often use them as the main colour in sea glass prints that are meant for living rooms and bedrooms.
Brown and amber sea glass
Brown and amber pieces are usually from beer bottles and medicine containers. They may not feel glamorous at first, yet in a photograph they add warmth and balance. Brown sea glass works well when you want art that feels grounded rather than bright.
Rare cobalt and teal pieces that collectors love to find.
Old bottle fragments that show the starting point of sea glass.
Rare blues, reds, and oranges
Cobalt blue often came from medicine or cosmetic bottles. Reds and oranges are usually from signal lights, decorative tableware, or stained glass. These colours are scarce on most beaches, which is why a single bright red piece in a photograph can feel like a tiny jewel.
Victorian era ceramic shard from Bermuda
Among the sea glass at Black Bay Beach I found a small ceramic shard with a crown made from dots and the name Copeland in a curved arc. This impressed crown mark belongs to W T Copeland, an English pottery maker active in the Victorian era between eighteen forty seven and eighteen ninety. That means the shard travelled for well over a century before it reached this beach.
Victorian Copeland ceramic shard discovered among Bermuda sea glass.
Close-up of Victorian Copeland ceramic shard with detailed crown mark.
Using sea glass art in coastal home decor
Sea glass photography works beautifully in coastal and modern interiors because it brings colour, texture, and a sense of calm without feeling busy. Large macro prints create a strong focal point above a sofa or bed, while smaller pieces work well in hallways, bathrooms, and reading corners.
When you style a room with sea glass art, repeat one or two of the main colours in cushions, throw blankets, or vases. Soft whites and greens keep the space relaxed, while a touch of cobalt or teal adds energy.
Bring the calming beauty of Sea Glass Beach into your home with my exclusive sea glass photography prints. Explore vibrant close ups and serene coastal scenes crafted to add elegance, colour, and a sense of tranquility to any room. Discover the full Sea Glass Collection at www.brendandalziel.com and find a piece that completes your space.
Sea glass wall art used as a calm focal point in a coastal living room.