When people use glass at home, it is usually utilitarian in nature. Drinkware, bottles, jars, and windows are common examples of functional glass.
In modern home design, glass is more than just a building material. Eco-friendly and cost-efficient, glass is a versatile decorative item that adds a touch of glam to any home.
The whole point of using glass in home décor is to play with space and light. Small, dark rooms can look big and bright with the creative use of glass. There are plenty of ways to customize glass to suit your taste. Here are a few creative ways to use glass at home.
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Staircases
Do you have a dated staircase in need of a contemporary makeover? One way to do this is to replace the old wooden banisters and handrails with sleek glass. You can likewise take out the wood planks and install glass steps.
Glass looks stunning in combination with wood, leather, or steel. If railings are made of glass, use wood for the stairs and vice-versa for a modern textured look. Glass staircases are typically made with tempered glass with a minimum thickness of 32mm. Do note that glass handrails require daily upkeep as fingerprints show up easily.
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Ceilings
Small rooms with no provision for installing windows can use glass at home for illumination.
Skylights are a good source of natural light. An entire ceiling made of glass can dramatically improve room brightness. Skylights are not just great for lighting. They add a magical feel with warm puffy clouds during the day and bright twinkling stars at night.
Glass ceilings are also great for bathrooms. Natural light will be able to penetrate areas where the sun doesn’t shine.
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Walls and dividers
The flexibility of glass makes it easy to incorporate into partition walls, room dividers, and sliding doors.
Glass dividers are great for splitting a room while maintaining the look and feel of a big space. Both rooms can also benefit from borrowed light.
Glass partitions are now common in modern bathrooms, particularly those that have limited space. Glass keeps water sealed in the shower while keeping the area light and open. Glass is a beautiful option in place of the dull and unsophisticated shower curtain.
One way to incorporate a bedroom and bathroom is to install frosted glass doors. This way, the entire space feels like one room but can be separated when privacy is needed. Consider installing pocket-style glass doors that slide back into the wall.
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Balustrades
Line your balcony with a glass balustrade system for an awesome view of your lawn or pool.
Glass balustrades also make a staircase look bigger and brighter. The translucent panes of glass offer an unobstructed view while providing a secure barrier against falls.
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Tiles
Install glass tiles at full length – from floor to ceiling – or as blocks that form square designs. Colored glass mosaic tiles add a more dramatic effect to bathroom showers and kitchen walls.
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Flooring
Glass floors are not only aesthetically appealing but also offer a practical function – allow light to pass through. Walk-on glass floors are great for illuminating basements with natural light from above. They are made of toughened transparent glass designed to support the weight of several people and withstand breakage.
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Doorways
If you feel too exposed with a clear glass door, use frosted or textured glass instead. You can also use glass at home in combination with other materials. Wooden doors with a glass cutout in the middle allow light to pass through while protecting your privacy.
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Countertops
Kitchen countertops are usually made of granite or marble but glass is fast becoming a popular alternative.
Glass is a great option for any work surface – kitchens, bathrooms or workrooms. It is luxurious, durable, heat-resistant, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. The reflective surface bounces light around the room to keep it bright and airy. Choose from a wide range of colors, textures and finishes to match your wallpaper.
Use glass at home for small sections of your kitchen such as the island, sink or breakfast table. Add decorative lights under the glass to give it a backlit mood. Glass countertops give your kitchen or bath a contemporary feel that traditional stones lack.
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Kitchen splashbacks
Gunk and grease can leave kitchen walls looking tired and dirty. Re-grouting is not only time consuming but is often just a temporary solution. Glass sheets are more hygienic because they are easy to clean and do not attract dirt buildup.
Glass splashbacks are made of thin glass that you can pair with a thicker sheet for the worktop. An alternative to the monochromatic look is contrasting a glass splashback with a wooden countertop.
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Shelves
Instead of traditional wood, use glass at home for bookshelves! Open shelves are popular for keeping visual lines open and giving the room an airy feel. Wood only adds to the top heavy look.
Glass shelves demonstrate clean and sharp lines – perfect for solid colored walls. They give your home a modern look while providing space for display and storage. Be sure to use tempered glass to support the required weight.
Have you decided where and how to use glass at home?
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