Check out these 5 different ways to use a glass table top to improve your home’s décor. While a glass table top might not be the first item that comes to mind when you think of redecorating, it’s worth a closer look. Glass table tops vary in appearance and function, so there are lots of routes you can go with them. On a fundamental level, there are two ways to use a glass table top:
Annealed glass is usually used if you’re placing the glass on top of another surface, but tempered glass is needed if you’re fixing it on supports to serve as a table top in its own right.
When it comes to the appearance of the glass top, there are tons of possibilities. If you’re using the glass as a protective layer or simply to add sheen to your current top, you’ll want transparent glass. Most homeowners are comfortable with the level of transparency provided by standard clear glass. However, if you desire ultimate clarity with minimal greenish coloration around the edges, you can select low-iron glass instead. Home decorators will also choose clear or ultra-clear glass when they want to create a table with a transparent top that makes the room feel open and modern.
On the other hand, if your goal is to camouflage or completely hide an old table top, you can choose from:
Very different effects will be created depending on the glass chosen. Tinted glass, for instance, will only slightly obscure the view of the original top, while back painted glass will completely hide it.
Now that we’ve covered some glass table top basics, let’s explore 5 different ways they can be used in your décor:
#1 Breathe new life into an old table.
A custom glass table top is a quick and easy solution for a sturdy table with a scratched or stained surface. Whether you’re dealing with a dining table, coffee table, end table, or meeting room table, the addition of a glass top will give you an updated look. Moreover, your new glass top will be resistant to staining, non-absorbent, and easy to clean and sanitize. If you work with ABC Glass and Mirror, we can customize the top in regards to not only dimensions but also glass type, thickness, and edge style – polished, beveled, pencil, or custom.
#2 Protect the surface of an expensive or heirloom table.
Glass is also ideal if you want to take proactive steps to keep a table top from being damaged in the first place. What if you’ve inherited a flawless antique table but are a parent of small children? Or how long will your brand new coffee table hold up if you entertain frequently? Whatever the source of your concern, the addition of a clear glass top is an easy fix. The transparent glass keeps the original top in sight but protects it from hazards ranging from spilled coffee to art projects gone wrong. You can relieve your mind of stress about your valued table and make it easy to wipe clean.
#3 Create a table with a glass-only top.
Designing a custom table with a glass top is a rewarding project. It puts your own stamp on your interior décor and can enhance many home styles. The ABC Glass and Mirror team will work with you to determine the appropriate dimensions and thickness of the glass top to be attached to the legs, supports, or pedestal you have chosen. Your choice of glass type will determine the overall style of the new table. For example, clear glass supported by an industrial metal frame will have modern vibes, while frosted glass resting on a carved wooden pedestal will have a more antique flavor.
#4 Choose a glass top for your home bar.
Glass can also serve as a functional and attractive bar top. Whether you’re putting a wet bar in your basement or enhancing your dining room with a mini-bar, glass is a smart choice for the top. You can choose the kind of glass most in keeping with the bar’s theme or simply choose clear glass to function as a shield for a wooden bar top. A glass surface will harmonize nicely with many other elements of a home bar, such as glassware, beverage bottles, a wall mirror, or a glass shelf.
#5 Cover your kitchen island with back painted glass.
A kitchen island is another surface that can benefit from the addition of a glass top. Glass is always welcome in kitchen settings because it lacks grout lines and is easy to disinfect. Used on your island, it can update the overall ambiance of the kitchen. Some homeowners will use even more glass in a kitchen makeover and coordinate the island top with the style of their new cabinet glass, back painted glass backsplash, or open glass shelving. A glass island top gives your kitchen an upscale feel while providing a functional work surface.
If you’d like to try one of these ideas in your home or office or if you have another inspiration for how to utilize a glass table top, feel free to give us a call at (703)257-7150. Our on site glaziers can answer your preliminary questions about the project, and we’d be happy to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation house-call from an ABC estimator. Our family owned and operated glass shop specializes in client care and in providing the custom glass sheets needed to bring your ideas to life!
