Decorating
Trends: 10 Clear Reasons to Consider Glass Shelving
Move over recessed, industrial and rustic-style shelving – it’s time for glass to shine
There’s no call for consigning glass shelving to the bathroom. After all, we appreciate what larger panes can bring to the rest of our homes as part of an extension or as a room divider. So why not put glass surfaces to work in every room? Here are 10 ways glass can work as a good-looking and highly practical design element.
Look up
This clever design integrates a kitchen extractor into a capacious yet unobtrusive glass shelf. OK, so it might not prove to be the easiest surface to keep clean, but using glass for this job keeps the sightlines nice and clear, so the handsome cabinetry is what you notice as you move around the room.
This clever design integrates a kitchen extractor into a capacious yet unobtrusive glass shelf. OK, so it might not prove to be the easiest surface to keep clean, but using glass for this job keeps the sightlines nice and clear, so the handsome cabinetry is what you notice as you move around the room.
Create a foil
If you love the idea of a rough brick wall, but don’t want to come over too rustic or industrial, contrast the wall texture with sleek and functional glass. It will tie in with the kitchen’s other smooth surfaces, but also let the variations in the downlit wall add interest.
If you love the idea of a rough brick wall, but don’t want to come over too rustic or industrial, contrast the wall texture with sleek and functional glass. It will tie in with the kitchen’s other smooth surfaces, but also let the variations in the downlit wall add interest.
Add the illusion of space
In a narrow kitchen, this mirror-backed storage unit creates the illusion of more space beyond. Using glass shelving allows the mirror to shine through, accentuated by using crystal and glassware as the focus of the storage.
Check out more galley kitchen ideas
In a narrow kitchen, this mirror-backed storage unit creates the illusion of more space beyond. Using glass shelving allows the mirror to shine through, accentuated by using crystal and glassware as the focus of the storage.
Check out more galley kitchen ideas
Enhance the architecture
If you have a beautiful original feature, such as an alcove, it’s a shame to detract from its lines with heavy shelving and clutter. Glass shelving allows the architecture to be the main attraction – a few carefully selected ornaments simply add to it.
If you have a beautiful original feature, such as an alcove, it’s a shame to detract from its lines with heavy shelving and clutter. Glass shelving allows the architecture to be the main attraction – a few carefully selected ornaments simply add to it.
Add a twist
This homeowner has harnessed the architectural capabilities of glass, including a light well, a glass balustrade and a window over the stairs. But they don’t stop there, taking the tricks around the corner into a music area. Here, shelving isn’t just transparent, but curvy, too, adding a playful note.
This homeowner has harnessed the architectural capabilities of glass, including a light well, a glass balustrade and a window over the stairs. But they don’t stop there, taking the tricks around the corner into a music area. Here, shelving isn’t just transparent, but curvy, too, adding a playful note.
Create an illusion of space
This loft-space bathroom has been designed so the sloping walls feel as open and unrestricted as possible. Two wide glass shelves at the narrowest point of the pitch help create the illusion that the space gradually recedes into the distance. More intrusive storage, or even a dark-coloured wall, would block off the end section and make the pitched room feel far more hemmed in.
Read expert advice on planning a loft conversion
This loft-space bathroom has been designed so the sloping walls feel as open and unrestricted as possible. Two wide glass shelves at the narrowest point of the pitch help create the illusion that the space gradually recedes into the distance. More intrusive storage, or even a dark-coloured wall, would block off the end section and make the pitched room feel far more hemmed in.
Read expert advice on planning a loft conversion
Work magic with mirrors
These alcoves either side of a fireplace have been backed with mirrors, with glass shelving enhancing a feeling of space and depth in what is a fairly narrow room. Along with the twinkly statement chandelier, the glass shelving helps to bounce light around the room, opening out the space.
See how mirrors can work wonders
These alcoves either side of a fireplace have been backed with mirrors, with glass shelving enhancing a feeling of space and depth in what is a fairly narrow room. Along with the twinkly statement chandelier, the glass shelving helps to bounce light around the room, opening out the space.
See how mirrors can work wonders
Sharpen those angles
In a super-sleek kitchen, recessed shelving with a strong rectangular outline reflects the shape of the cabinets. So the last thing you want is shelving in a colour or texture that detracts from the look. Glass is the clear material of choice – with an array of immaculate glassware displayed on them, naturally.
In a super-sleek kitchen, recessed shelving with a strong rectangular outline reflects the shape of the cabinets. So the last thing you want is shelving in a colour or texture that detracts from the look. Glass is the clear material of choice – with an array of immaculate glassware displayed on them, naturally.
Go freestanding
If getting contractors in to install recessed or floating shelving all seems a bit too much of a commitment, a vintage-style cabinet could be the answer. This metal and glass number feels edgy, and could suit any style of ornaments, from retro to modern. It could even work as a kitchen dresser in an industrial kitchen.
TELL US…
Does glass shelving work for you? Share your tips in the Comments below.
If getting contractors in to install recessed or floating shelving all seems a bit too much of a commitment, a vintage-style cabinet could be the answer. This metal and glass number feels edgy, and could suit any style of ornaments, from retro to modern. It could even work as a kitchen dresser in an industrial kitchen.
TELL US…
Does glass shelving work for you? Share your tips in the Comments below.
Let’s start where you’d expect to find a glass shelf – in the bathroom. But this is a great example of how it can be used in a creative way. This shelf inside the shower area is neatly recessed, allowing lighting from above to draw attention to whatever gorgeous products you have on show, while the shelves themselves don’t detract from the ice-cool design.