Glass has always been a material that intrigues the imagination. From skyscrapers to buildings that are always at the top of the most futuristic architectural creations, such as the Brasilia Cathedral or the National Arts Center in Beijing, glass has been perceived as the main material of modern design in recent decades.
A very important benefit of glass is its ability to enhance natural light, creating a bright and positive design.
This feature made glass not only used for external architectural elements, but it quickly entered interior design as a material for furniture, usually in combination with other materials, but thanks to new technologies and as a unique material.
Glass is a modern and vibrant material, very suitable for small spaces, which it transforms into bright, airy and modern spaces.
Even in a not very modern home you can use glass furniture or decorations. The material is extremely versatile and can be used on walls, showers, stair railings, from a coffee table to a glass dining table, as lamps, trays and vases.
Pros and cons of glass countertops
Kitchen countertops are made of tempered glass with a thickness of at least 8 mm. For household safety purposes, the edges of parts are ground using edge-processing equipment. As an alternative to tempered glass, extruded plexiglass can be used, but it is less heat-resistant and is subject to abrasion.
Advantages | Flaws |
The glass tabletop is resistant to temperature changes. You can place hot dishes on it. | There are traces of fingers and water on the glass. |
Tempered glass is not afraid of accidental impacts; its fracture strength is 5 times higher than that of ordinary glass. When destroyed, it will break into small fragments without sharp edges. | If the light source is located above the tabletop, the reflection will be unpleasant to the eyes. |
The glass is scratch-resistant; if necessary, the gloss can be restored using polishing paste. | Glass reflects rather than absorbs sound. Glass dining tables will make more noise when in contact with dishes compared to regular ones. |
Glass furniture can be easily cleaned with household chemicals, with the exception of abrasive powders. | The corners of rectangular or square glass tables are sharper than the corners of wooden furniture. |
Glass furniture visually increases the space. | The glass does not heat up to room temperature, so there is a feeling of cold when in contact with the furniture. |
Advantages and disadvantages
A glass dining table will create a special comfort zone in the room. Among the advantages of such furniture:
- stability when exposed to high temperatures;
- immunity to humidity;
- contaminants cannot penetrate the structure of the material;
- durability;
- safety ensured by the use of special tempered glass;
- unique, magnificent appearance, appropriate in interiors of all styles and compatible with all materials;
- glass will reflect light and visually make any kitchen more spacious;
- When cleaning, you can use both regular detergents and special ones intended for glass;
- environmentally friendly - the tabletop material does not contain any harmful substances or dangerous chemical compounds.
As for the disadvantages, glass dining tables have certain performance characteristics that not everyone likes:
- stains and fingerprints may remain, and in some models crumbs and dirt may get into the joints between the table frame and the glass;
- reviews on the Internet can be negative - many say the glass table seems fragile, cold and uncomfortable;
- Also, reviews often write that transparent glass dining tables are not the best choice, since the legs of those sitting and the floor are visible;
Tips for care and use:
- Experts recommend using glass kitchen tables correctly, which means using mats or napkins for dishes, cleaning with microfiber and a high-quality glass cleaner.
Is a glass table practical?
Glass, as a material, does not absorb liquid at all, which is why traces of dirt are immediately visible on it. On the other hand, dirt does not penetrate inside and is easily removed with detergents.
- The tablecloth will slide off the glass surface; it is better to use special anti-slip napkins.
- When using glass furniture, you must be wary of chips along the edges; they are dangerous for both adults and children.
- To protect the countertop from dirt and scratches while eating, it is recommended to use a silicone protective coating.
Features of care
Interior harmony is impossible without cleanliness. Glass surfaces require constant attention. If you organize your care correctly, it won’t take much time:
- Use high-quality detergents that do not leave rainbow stains.
- Once a month, wash the surface with water and dish detergent.
- Use microfiber cloths.
- Remove any fresh stains and immediately polish the glass.
- Protect the surface with decorative napkins or coasters.
Glass surfaces require constant attention
Such simple techniques help maintain the perfect appearance of glass surfaces. Clarification. Dirt on black surfaces is more noticeable than on light or pure white surfaces.
Are you not ready to “lay down your life” on maintaining the perfect cleanliness of transparent countertops? Choose frosted glass and photo printing. Dirt and dust will be less noticeable. The apartment will acquire an exclusive look that combines lightness, and the furniture does not steal space.
Types of kitchen tables
Glass tables for the kitchen are available for dining and bar. The area of folding glass tables increases 2 or 3 times after transformation. This furniture is ideal for a small kitchen or studio apartment. A glass bar counter with built-in lighting will look impressive in the evenings.
In the photo, the glass table in combination with light wood harmoniously matches the mint color of the kitchen set.
Shapes and sizes of glass tables
If the design or color of furniture depends solely on a person’s personal preferences, then when choosing the shape of the tabletop it is worth taking into account the area of the dining area in the apartment or house.
Oval
As a rule, oval dining tables are placed in dining rooms or kitchens. Tables of this shape look good in long, spacious rooms. The photo below shows options for placing an oval table in the kitchen of an apartment and a country house.
The photo shows a modern interior of the dining area. The oval tabletop matches the tone of the main color scheme of the interior.
Round
Smooth lines in the interior are associated with a warm family atmosphere or friendly gatherings. Tables with a round top are ideal for square spaces. Compared to a square table, a round one can accommodate more people. Rounded corners make the furniture safe for children. In the photo on the left is a round table in a modern kitchen, in the photo on the right is transparent furniture in a neoclassical interior.
The photo shows a kitchen of modern European design. Kitchen facades in wenge color and chairs made of genuine leather in a warm shade contrast with the gloss of stone and glass.
Square
The square shape is suitable for small kitchens with symmetrical accents in the interior. At a square table, a person sitting has more personal space than at a round one.
The photo shows a set of designer furniture for the kitchen. The chairs are made in the same style as the kitchen table.
Rectangular
Glass rectangular tables can zone rooms, separating the kitchen from the living room. Thanks to the visual lightness of glass, such zoning looks original and unobtrusive. If the table is not set daily for a large company, then one of its ends can be decorated with flowers or decor.
In narrow dining rooms, a rectangular glass table will fit neatly against a window or wall without cluttering up the space; this option is shown in the photo on the left. The photo on the right shows a fusion-style interior, a piece of glass is used as a protective cover over a carved wooden surface.
Angular
Corner tables are good when, if there is a shortage of space, you need to allocate space for working in the kitchen. Also, corner models are convenient when combined with kitchen corners, as in the photo below. A stylish corner table made of glass will decorate the room in a modern style, while maintaining the feeling of open space.
Triangular
If two or three people are dining in the kitchen at the same time, then you can use a triangular table. It is desirable that the sharp edges of the triangular tabletop be smoothed.
The photo shows a triangular tabletop with rounded corners. The central part is made of frosted glass.
Semicircular
If you want to leave more free space in the center of the kitchen, then you should consider a tabletop in the form of a semicircle or semi-oval. This product configuration is suitable for a small room area.
The photo shows a cozy kitchen table with a semicircular tabletop.
Unusual shape
For those who love experimenting in the interior, designers offer furniture of unusual shapes, but at the same time comfortable and safe. CNC machines can cut glass parts of any shape. Designer furniture is often made in a single copy and has a certificate of uniqueness.
The photo on the left shows an unusually shaped tabletop made of frosted glass.
Little ones
Compact tables will become a cute interior accessory that will complete the kitchen furnishings. Despite their small size, they can be original in design and execution. A small table in the kitchen can serve as the main place for food or be a stand for dessert, fruit, or sliced bread.
Large
The large size of the tabletop will not be so obvious if it is made of transparent material. Despite their apparent fragility, glass tables are very reliable in use. It is also worth thinking about setting a large table, choosing stylish dishes, vases, and candles.
Glass tabletops for interiors
You may think that if glass is a brittle material, then it is dangerous to use as a kitchen countertop. Let's dispel several common mythical speculations. We will not talk about thin glass, which is used for windows, furniture or interior doors.
High-quality glass is used for tabletops, which is made using modern technologies. It meets food and household safety standards, is thick, with well-finished edges. Such models undergo rigorous quality checks.
High-quality glass is used for tabletops
The countertops do not break even from a moderate impact or when dishes fall on them. The edges are smooth or slightly rough, which prevents injuries and cuts. The fastening of the tabletop to the legs is reliable, the upper part does not fly off at the first touch.
As usual, tempered glass is used . It is durable, aesthetically attractive and safe. What do the above benefits give you? There are no restrictions for the production of complex models.
Round model for the kitchen
This material gives a wide range of imagination for interior design. Let's talk about the features. Often, the word glass evokes an image of a transparent surface that allows light to pass through, does not become an obstacle, and does not hide objects and details. Yes it is. The construction industry produces various types of glass for the production of exclusive tables:
- Transparent with high strength characteristics.
- Red-hot.
- With sandblasted pattern.
- Tinted.
- Colored.
- With photo printing.
- Decorated with colored stones.
- Stained glass.
Glass is used to create unique tabletops for rooms decorated in neoclassical or modern styles. Transparent countertops do not steal space. The furniture dissolves in space.
But this does not mean that only camouflage qualities should be used. An unusual effect is achieved by combining glass with forged and carved wooden legs. They are viewed through glass and become an additional decoration of the room.
Unique tabletops are created from glass
The nickel-plated legs, laconic in shape, reflect objects and make the interior light. If a material or color is chosen that matches the overall design concept, the table base becomes an additional decorative element.
In this case, you can choose a base color to match the walls, main furniture, or play with accents. For example, in a monochrome white kitchen, use a black, red or dark gray table base.
Advantages
Do you need to create a zone of soft, sophisticated comfort? Furniture with glass surfaces is becoming an ideal option for the kitchen. What advantages does such furniture provide:
Living room decoration
- It is not susceptible to moisture, so mold and mildew do not appear on it.
- Resists high temperatures: you can safely place hot objects.
- Safety during operation (tempered glass has high shockproof properties) they are difficult to break.
- Universal material. Glass can be used to decorate various interior styles. Designers create unusual models.
- Environmental safety - the countertops are made of a material that does not absorb germs or harmful compounds, it is hypoallergenic and safe even for children.
- The glass surface allows light to pass through and increases the area of the room, making it larger.
- It is not affected by chemical compounds and will not be damaged by aggressive detergents.
Universal material
You can install tables on open balconies, loggias, terraces, or organize recreation areas in your garden.
Which legs to choose?
This is an important question. Tables with glass tops are usually combined. Since legs are the basis of tables, safety depends on their reliability. It is necessary to take into account the style of kitchen design:
- For classics and neoclassics - wooden, carved, forged parts, made of natural stone.
- High-tech - nickel plated.
- Loft – black metal.
- Japanese – black matte wood finish.
- Mediterranean - metallic light shade.
- Country and eco-styles - wooden, unpainted, wicker.
- Modern – with curved lines.
- Minimalism - plastic.
- Modern design trends are stone.
Non-standard, stylish option
An interesting effect is provided by the transparent surface through which the decorative legs are visible. In any case, they must be tightly connected to the tabletop to prevent it from falling and damaging.
Tip If you want to emphasize the unity of the interior, choose the legs and frame of the tabletop from the same material.
Shape and size
A unique feature of the material is transparency. On the one hand, this is an advantage. But not all pieces of furniture need to be on display. The transparent surface takes up space anyway. Therefore, the table should not interfere with movement in the room. Therefore, choose a size that matches the size of the room.
Install round ones in square rooms. Oval elongated shapes are suitable for long rooms. Square miniature ones are universal. Rectangular ones become the border of functional zones. If there are two or three people in a family and they prefer to meet with friends in cafes and places of entertainment, then a small semicircular or rectangular model is quite enough.
Art Nouveau style
Folding table models are becoming indispensable for organizing festive feasts. Do you want to organize a cozy place for tea? Buy a small round table for two.
Versatile material for different styles:
- Baroque - a round tabletop with a small diameter, wooden legs, decorated with elaborate carvings in the form of acanthus.
- Rococo - metal legs with elements imitating shells, glass in a metal rim.
- Classic - rectangular models with massive carved stone legs and a smoky tabletop.
- Art Nouveau – stained glass, legs in the form of a “scourge blow”, forged iron or steel.
- High-tech - metal or plastic legs of a laconic shape and frosted glass.
- Pop art - Stained glass. Red and black colors are quite suitable. The base is one leg in the center.
- Minimalism - basic details of a laconic form, glass framed in wood or metal without frills, forging or carving.
- Indian - legs made of metal, bamboo, wood. The upper part is framed with a stylistic pattern of stones.
- Shabby chic and Provence have a wooden base and sophisticated forged legs.
- Country music requires a wooden frame. Wicker pieces of furniture would be appropriate.
Colors of tables in the kitchen interior
For furniture, not only transparent, but also tinted, frosted and colored glass is used.
White
The main advantages of white in the interior are its versatility and impeccable compatibility with other colors. White furniture looks fresh and sophisticated. A white glass table can be decorated to suit any style. In a modern-style kitchen, bright dishes and vases will contrast effectively with the white surface. A tabletop decorated with candles and transparent dishes will be a wonderful addition to a classic interior.
The photo shows the interior of a kitchen in high-tech style. Glossy textures, laconic forms, neutral colors are characteristic of this style.
Black
The black glass surface has a deep mirror-like gloss. This texture is ideal for a luxurious kitchen interior in the Art Deco style or black and white classics.
Beige
The color has many shades from almost white to caramel. Beige is chosen by those who prefer a calm, relaxing environment at home. Neutral beige color is also suitable for tables that emphasize the original shape.
Transparent
Transparent glass tables are the most “invisible” option for kitchen furniture. Glass tables for the kitchen are often complemented by a set of transparent chairs. We must remember that the glass surface will look beautiful only with constant care and respect. The photo below shows options for transparent furniture that seem to blend into the surrounding environment.
Red
Psychologists say that temperamental people prefer red in the interior. The bright color of the table is emphasized by white walls and accessories. To make red less dominant in the kitchen, you can use it only for table legs.
Orange
Color fills a room with warmth and energy; it is one of the most vital colors in design. It is recommended to place an orange glass table in the kitchen, as this color evokes appetite. In a small kitchen, you should not complement the orange table with a kitchen set of the same color, because too many bright colors can be annoying. The combination of orange and light green colors looks colorful.
Brown
The calm brown color is liked not only by supporters of conservatism in design. Brown tone is often found in lofts and in American classics. The glossy surface of the glass makes shades of brown more rich. For the kitchen, you can choose coffee or chocolate brown options.
Stylish napkins
Glass, even high-quality glass, needs protection from scratches and chips. Wipes help neutralize the minor disadvantages of glass surfaces:
Wipes protect the surface
- Softens the coldness of glass surfaces.
- Helps keep surfaces clean and minimizes cleanup.
- Avoid the squeaking and grinding noises that utensils make when moving across the table.
- Napkins help to decorate the table setting: everyday or festive.
- They visually hide the legs of those sitting, which ensures comfort.
Natural materials are trending this year:
- linen;
- cotton;
- natural silk;
- sackcloth.
An interesting effect is achieved by adding burlap napkins to a table top made of tempered glass in a greenish tint. They are decorated:
- embroidery;
- stitching;
- lace;
- hemstitch;
- bows;
- ribbons.
It is necessary to have several sets for different occasions: daily lunches, tea parties, meetings with friends, special occasions. However, there are limitations.
Tip: Choose the material and pattern of napkins in accordance with the basic style of the room. Otherwise, homespun napkins will become unnatural in grand neoclassical styles. Thin silk with lace looks wild in Japanese style.
Natural materials are trending
Let's talk about the sizes of napkins. There are no strict rules in this regard. Everything that comes to your heart:
- round;
- square;
- oval;
- in the form of a rhombus.
Rectangular, elongated, look good for serving for two. This technique unites two people and creates an emotional path from heart to heart.
Design options and patterns on glass tables
Digital photo printing is the most progressive way of applying an image to a glass tabletop. In specialized workshops, a customized design will be printed. To easily find high-quality graphics or photos, you should use photo banking sites on the Internet.
Tables with photo printing
The most popular prints for the kitchen are orchids, marine themes, juicy berries and fruits. Geometric patterns are suitable for Scandinavian, country, and midcentury design. To ensure that glass furniture harmonizes with the eco-style, images with green leaves, grass, and wildflowers are selected for printing.
In the photo, the blue color of the tabletop is emphasized by the snow-white pattern.
With frosted glass
Glass, devoid of gloss, captivates with its sophisticated appearance. There are different shades of frosted glass: milky, vanilla, ivory, with a blue or blue tint. In the kitchen, frosted glass may be more practical than clear glass because it does not show streaks or dried water stains as much.
Combined with other materials
Glass combines well with many materials. The shine of glass emphasizes the warmth of wood and harmonizes with cold metal or the gloss of stone. With the development of technology, artificial and natural leather began to be used more often in furniture production. Leather inserts add status chic to the product. For visual lightness, the tabletop is made of glass, and the legs or base are made of another material.
With shelves and drawers
The design of glass kitchen tables often involves a shelf; it can be made of glass or another material. You can put a beautiful bouquet, decorative ornaments on the shelf, or use it for serving during meals. Some table models have a drawer for cutlery or kitchen utensils.
Glass type
A little more about the glass that is used to make tables. The thickness of the glass depends on its type. Hardwood is taken from 6 mm thick, triplex - from 8 mm. In appearance it can be:
- transparent;
- matte;
- patterned;
Black glass - stylish, but very troublesome to maintain - plain color;
- with a pattern applied using photo printing;
- The design was made using sandblasting.
If we talk about practicality, then the easiest to maintain is a glass kitchen table with photo printing. The marks are not so noticeable in the picture. But such furniture does not fit into all styles. It is not too difficult to care for matte or sandblasted designs. Their “roughness” makes dust and fingerprints less noticeable. Plain and transparent countertops are the most demanding to maintain. But there are special products that, after treatment, do not leave fingerprints and dust does not accumulate on surfaces.
Recommendations for choosing a table
The cost of glass tables for the kitchen is quite high. To avoid disappointment after purchase, you need to know the quality requirements for glass furniture.
- You should make sure that the table is made of tempered glass. Tempered glass is marked with the inscription “tempered glass”.
- The edges of the tabletop and other parts of the table should not have chips or pronounced irregularities.
- Adhesive connections of table elements are more resistant to vibrations and loads than bolted ones. In addition, adhesive fastening looks more aesthetically pleasing, because the glue becomes transparent when hardening, and the seams are almost invisible.
Leg ideas for glass kitchen tables
Glass table legs are made of wood, metal, stone. Sometimes they carry the main decorative load in the design of the product.
- Wooden legs can be laconic or lavishly decorated with carvings.
- A table on one leg can have a sculpture or a cubic stone composition at its base.
- A few years ago, there was a fashion for forged products in the interior; iron legs with signs of aging decorate glass tables in steampunk or industrial style.
- The most prestigious is furniture made entirely of glass from the tabletop to the supporting elements.
The photo below shows a dining group with forged elements; it is made as a replica of the furnishings of French bistros.
Making a table with your own hands
Do you want to make an exclusive model, do you have skills in working with construction tools? I will tell you how to make a table with a glass top with your own hands for an apartment, cottage, or country house for a vacation.
If your house is decorated in a neoclassical style, buy forged metal parts for the legs at a hardware store. Depending on the model, this may be a central support consisting of three or four elements. This mount complements round or oval countertops well. Individual decorative legs complement the rectangular tabletop well.
The wooden stand is chosen depending on the chosen style. Laconic elements correspond to the minimalist style.
Do not remove the bark if you want to emphasize the fashionable Eco style. Before installation, treat the legs with a compound that prevents woodworm damage. Cover the legs with matte black paint and get a Japanese style effect.
Original stand in the form of books
The legs must have a flat base at the top, which is attached to the tabletop with bolted connections or reliable professional glue. Before installing the countertop, check the horizontal level with a building level. If you skip this step, the cookware will slip and break.
Tip To prevent the glass from breaking when drilling, remove the top layer at the fastening point with sandpaper, and then drill using a diamond nozzle.
For those who love something exclusive, I suggest making a table for relaxing in nature. An unusual piece of furniture for a summer house or country house is made from a stump or a thick tree trunk. At the bottom of the log, you need to hollow out a semicircular hole into which spotlights are placed. The fireplace effect is guaranteed. Tempered glass is placed on top and you get an unusual table that matches the natural surroundings of a country house.
The legs must have a flat base at the top
Such interior furniture becomes the highlight of a home, terrace or garden plot. Handmade tables have no analogues. They make houses and plots unique.
Photos of tables in various interior styles
- For a kitchen in a high-tech or minimalist style, laconic-shaped furniture with a combination of glass and metal is suitable.
- Adherence to the Art Nouveau style in furniture design is expressed in the predominance of curved, smooth lines. Tabletops in the shape of a drop, with bent or forged legs made of aged metal, are suitable for this style.
- Tables made in a classic design have pronounced symmetry; the tabletops of classic furniture are made of the correct geometric shape.
- Kitchen furniture with glass mosaic inserts will fit perfectly into an oriental interior.
- Modern design style is characterized by the search for non-standard solutions for traditional pieces of furniture. Original designer kitchen furniture is combined with ceramic decor, tree roots, and metal rivets.
The photo shows a fashionable kitchen design in an eclectic style. The dining glass group “dissolves” in the space of the room, without distracting attention from the fireplace portal in a classic style.
What should the serving be like?
Why are we raising this question? The glass surface creates a special aura of peace. Several types of table settings are used for such furniture. For lovers of eco-styles, I recommend using fresh flowers and plants (ivy branches, small bouquets of flowers and leaves) in the summer.
This surface creates a special aura of peace
Minimalist and Japanese styles include bamboo or mat coasters. This option protects well from scratches and prevents dishes from sliding on the surface. Choose vases, tableware, and vessels for spices of a laconic form.
Classic interiors are complemented with exquisite candlesticks, napkin stands, and silver cutlery:
- knives;
- forks;
- spoons;
- salt shakers;
- pepper shakers.
Plates and salad bowls figuratively float in the air and create an atmosphere of fabulous grandeur.
Tip Take advantage of the transparent surface feature. You can do without a tablecloth. The serving will be elegant. You need to choose dishes and cutlery that match the color of the interior style. They complement, and the tabletop becomes a sophisticated canvas for setting the mood.
It is not necessary to use a tablecloth
Advice For lovers of healthy eating and diets, glass with a greenish tint is a suitable option. This color calms and reduces appetite.