Glass and its role in luxury interior design (8 impressive ideas)
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Are you looking for luxury interior design inspiration? Explore 8 ways glass can play a transformative role.
Some things we consider a luxury weren't always so. Consider the lobster: now a staple of fine dining, it was once considered the "poor man's chicken" and served as prison food.
Glass, however, has always played a role in luxury design – from ancient Roman wine glasses to early modern glassware from Venice's Murano island.
Today, glass remains an essential material in any luxury interior design project. It can be used for structural glazing features like balconies, partitions and wall panels. It can be printed with high-quality designs. Mirrored glass can be used to create a sense of space.
So far, so familiar. But what about smart glass, the relatively recent innovation that changes from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button? While it has practical applications, it can also be used as a marker of luxury – and it can add a touch of glassy class to your luxury interior.
Here at ToughGlaze, we're fascinated by the ways that function and design intersect in glass products. It's a fascination that's reflected in the myriad ways we customise glass for our customers.
So, whether you're looking for specific glass products or simply angling for inspiration, we hope these ideas help you in your quest.
1. Glass partitions and walls
It's rare for luxury living to be associated with cramped spaces. Instead, luxury resides in a sense of openness, whether real (the dimensions of the room) or implied through the use of glass, mirrors and other architectural trickery.
Glass partitions and walls are a simple way to make a room feel bigger. They offer separation without blocking light. And if you get them made from switchable smart glass (more on that later), they can be dimmed all the way to opacity when required. Win-win!
2. Staircases and railings
Today's laminated glass is tough. Made from two or more panes of glass and a plastic interlayer, it's up to six times stronger than annealed glass and can carry human loads.
This makes it the ideal – and often mandated – material for staircases and railings. Luxury designers often use laminated glass for sleek, modern balustrades and steps that give the occupant uninterrupted views with no compromise to safety.
3. Skylights and ceilings
Just as luxury is all about space, so it's often all about light.
Sure, there are some luxury environments that harness dimmer lighting – spas, say, and banqueting halls. But nine times out of 10, you want light to come flooding into the room – hence the prevalence of picture windows in expensive apartments.
One way to achieve this is with a glass ceiling or skylight. Like glass balustrades, these are often made from laminated glass to ensure they're safe for people to relax under.
Skylights and ceilings can be clear, letting natural light do its glorious thing. They can also be manufactured with a coloured interlayer, sieving the light through a coloured filter, or embedded with LEDs for a bit of drama or subtler effects.
Glass skylights and ceilings are a clear example of how many aspects make up a luxury interior. Yes, you need light coming in through the windows – but the roof can also play a pivotal part.
4. Textured glass
At first glance, you might think that today's notions of luxury revolve around sleek, plain surfaces. But look closer, and you'll see that we're still enamoured with textures and patterns.
This is good news for glaziers. Glass can be patterned and textured in all sorts of ways – with mesh interlayers, for instance, that give them subtle yet effective patterns.
This doesn't just add tactile interest to an environment. It also helps the light softly diffuse, adding a touch of romantic splendour to the setting.
Meanwhile, fabric interlayers can blend the glass in a room with the fabrics and other textures, such as wallpapers and curtains.
5. Printed glass
Glass can be printed with text, logos and other designs. And these designs can last as long as the glass itself. This is all thanks to innovations in screen printing and digital printing.
Both methods achieve the same effect: a high-quality design fused into the glass with long-lasting ceramic inks. The significant difference is the methodology. Screen printing involves a screen printer and is best for crisp, simple designs. Digital printing uses inkjet tech familiar from the office and can achieve photorealistic quality.
6. Stained glass
Stained glass is most commonly associated with centuries-old churches, but it can also be used in contemporary settings.
You can achieve this effect in a few ways. You can use reclaimed stained glass. You can get it manufactured by stained glass specialists. Or you can use laminated glass panels with coloured interlayers to achieve a modern variation of the same effect.
Whichever method you choose, the result is the same: a touch of luxury and a sure conversation starter.
7. Mirrored surfaces
Most homes have at least one mirror. But used well, mirrors can be a luxurious addition to an interior design project.
This is partly because high-quality mirror glass has such an appealing lustre. It's partly because of the endless design potential of frames. And it's partly because large mirrored surfaces, such as wall panels and wardrobes, make a room feel even bigger than it is.
8. Switchable smart glass
Of all the types of glass we've mentioned, this is perhaps the most luxurious. It's certainly the most cutting-edge.
Switchable smart glass can be turned on and off like a light switch. Want sunlight? Your glass can be as transparent as any other high-quality pane of glass. Want something dimmer – or altogether opaque? All this can be achieved with just the touch of a button.
Do you need high-quality, customised glass for an interior design project? At ToughGlaze, we cut, process and ship a huge range of glass products from one state-of-the-art UK facility. For you, this means simpler procurement and more peace of mind. Get in touch with our experts today to discuss your project or request a quote.
