They are everywhere. Glass and steel structures are shaping every city’s skyline. In fact, today, it’s hard to visit a residential or commercial space and not see glass applications.

With varying colours, textures, reflections and transmission, glass offers interior designers an unlimited range of possibilities. It can be used in various shapes, sizes and designs that suit your preferences.

And the best part?

Recent advances in glass technology are only increasing the options available. Innovation is bridging the gap between seemingly futuristic designers’ ideas with reality.

So what are the benefits of glass in interior design?

Let’s get down to it.

#1. Glass is Welcoming

First, one of the main objectives of interior design is to make a space feel homely. And that’s what glass does. It blends the inside with the outdoors whether with glass walls, doors or windows.

Next, first impressions are important. An aesthetically pleasing workplace can improve a company’s brand image. Using glass, a company can create an office space that’s modern, sleek and elegant.

Also, when used in commercial buildings, it sends a subtle message to your visitors that you’re committed to transparency. It shows you have nothing to hide and this makes people feel welcomed to your premises.

Lastly, glass allows organizations to create open and accessible work spaces that allow for both communication and privacy. Consequently, it offers psychological benefits such as increased well-being and productivity.

#2. Lets in Natural Light

Natural light is a top priority in interior design. The illumination brings life into a room in a way that artificial light cannot. Colours will appear deeper, more natural and more appealing to the eye.

Glass walls and windows allow plenty of natural light to stream into a space. As a result, a room feels welcoming, bright and airy hence enhancing wellness and productivity. Additionally, daylight keeps the need for artificial lighting to the bare minimum therefore helping reduce energy costs.

Here’s an example:

Where there’s no ceiling between your roof and your house interior, a skylight can be installed. The installation will allow you to get the light you want into a space. Even better, skylights can be used in lofts and attic rooms where it’s not possible to install windows.

#3. Improves a Structure’s Aesthetics

As a modern material, glass communicates sophistication. In other words, it adds charm and character to a property. To achieve that, choose the best glass for your project and you will be rewarded with the most appealing look.

For instance, you can use decorative glass in doors and windows to provide beauty, style and elegance.

Here’s something else:

For commercial spaces, first impressions are essential. The visual appeal of a shop front is a critical requirement for any outlet. You can use glass to create appealing establishments and leave an enduring positive impact on your customers. Similarly, you can use soundproof glass to cancel unwanted noise.

#4. Makes Spaces Appear Larger

Some areas can feel confining and uncomfortable due to their small size. While it may not be possible to change the dimensions of the room, there are adjustments you can make to make the space appear bigger than it is.

Glass can make a small room feel open and larger by eliminating visual barriers. By creating the illusion of more space, it creates a completely different feel and atmosphere. For example, a glass door allows one to look into further surroundings without being stopped by a visual barrier.

Beyond that, mirror glass is a highly efficient decorative tool. By reflecting both natural and artificial light, this glass creates an optical illusion. It creates a cohesive and modern look by making a room look more spacious, brighter and expansive.

#5. Seamless Separation of Rooms

For a while now, open-plan has been the buzzword among interior designers. It could be collaborative working spaces or designs that enhance family connections at home.

Glass is a refreshing change of style compared to traditional walls. It’s important for partitioning without disturbing the flow of energy and light.

In offices, glass partitions can be used to create a reception area or a meeting room within the context of a larger open-plan office. Likewise, in homes, glass can be used to provide a flawless break between the bedroom and the bathroom.

#6. Allows Combination of Different Design Styles

The best, most comfortable, and beautiful spaces actually mix various home decor styles. But, mix and match interior designs can be challenging.

Glass walls between rooms give you the versatility to play with different styles that offer perfect harmony. Simply, glass can help create a cohesive look in your home.

#7. Enhances Hygiene

Showers and tubs are rarely given ample time to dry completely. This is particularly true in a family setting where more than one person is using these places daily. As a result, these spaces are the perfect incubator for moulds.

Even worse, shower curtains may block most of the light producing a better breeding ground for moulds. On the other hand, glass shower enclosures ensure faster drying by allowing more light and air flow, therefore reducing the growth of moulds.

Equally important, glass enclosures help keep bathrooms clean and tidy. By demarcating the shower area, it helps prevent the rest of the bath from getting wet.

#8. Optimal Usage of Space

In many homes and workplaces today, space is at a premium. With that in mind, it’s important to find ways to use the available space to it’s best advantage.

Unlike swinging doors, interior sliding glass openings can save on space. Sliding doors completely move out of the way leaving an entirely open area that allows free movement between two places. While allowing for both openness and privacy, a frameless glass design allows unimpeded view through the space and gives a more contemporary look.

Finally, glass is a resourceful room divider for tiny rooms without visually reducing space. A glass partition will allow the free passage of light while eliminating any visual fragmentation of an area.

#9. Glass is a Durable Material

There are various types of glass used in construction for different purposes. And with recent manufacturing advances, glass now has increased impact resistance against applied load. Generally, it’s a brittle material but the addition of admixtures and laminates, makes it stronger.

All in all, glass is a worthy investment. It’s sturdy and doesn't lose colour or stain like other materials.

And with all that said...

What’s Stopping You?

As you have seen above, glass offers numerous benefits when used in interior design. It not only adds style and sophistication, it also makes spaces appear larger.

Will it work for you?

Absolutely. Depending on the type of design, your style and the function, glass offers a variety of options. You’re only limited by your creativity.

Give it a try and see what happens.