Metal mesh in glass: industrial, luxury or minimal?

Want to achieve an industrial, luxury or minimal look in an interior design project? Find out how mesh-laminated glass can play its part.



One of the great things about glass is its ability to work with a range of styles. After all, this is the material used for everything from cathedral windows to buildings in the world's financial districts.

Mesh-laminated glass is no exception. This versatile product is made from two sheets of glass and a metal mesh interlayer. It's often called upon when architects and designers are going for an industrial, luxury or minimalist look.

As with all elements of interior design, it all depends on what the mesh-laminated glass is working with. But there's no doubt that this product has the uncanny ability to add style where it's needed.

Industrial aesthetics

Metal and glass are materials inextricably associated with industry – from the Crystal Palace, that quintessential industrial building, to the steel-and-chrome buildings from the Bauhaus school.

So, it's no surprise that mesh-laminated glass, with its combination of sleek glass and textured metal, should give an industrial look in a range of settings.

This industrial chic can be found everywhere from actual industrial facilities to bars, restaurants and clubs going for a steampunk vibe. It's most frequently used for partitions, balustrades, wall cladding and feature screens.

It's not just the glass itself that has an industrial look. It's also the way it interacts with surrounding elements. It works well, for instance, with exposed brick and concrete.

Most metal meshes can contribute to an industrial aesthetic when used in the right way and in combination with the right materials. Stainless steel mesh gives a clean, modern look, while bronze and copper look back to a more rustic aesthetic.

Options to explore at ToughGlaze include:

• TGM-03-CO-COPPER
• TGM-01-BZ-BRONZE
• TGM-03-BS-BRASS

See these and the rest of our range on our mesh-laminated glass page.

Luxury aesthetics

While mesh-laminated glass is often used for industrial vibes, it's perhaps most commonly experienced as a luxury product.

In the right setting, mesh-laminated glass has an elegant, sophisticated look that suggests a curator's eye. Walking into a high-end hotel room with mesh-laminated cupboards, for instance, can be like walking into a jewellery store.

In an industrial setting, the metal suggests machinery. But in deluxe settings, the metal has more of a jewellery-like quality – less heavy, more shimmering.

It can be used in a wide range of settings, typically when the designer wants to make a statement. This makes it an ideal choice for elevator cabs, luxury hotel lobbies, retail facades and partitions in offices, restaurants and hotels.

In villas and luxury hotels, mesh-laminated glass can be used for balustrades and railings. Here, it combines the protective function of a balustrade with the exquisite beauty of a piece of jewellery.

In the home, it can be used for kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, tabletops and even feature walls, providing shimmering backdrops for residents and guests alike to enjoy.

If it's luxury mesh-laminated glass you're after, our bronze collection is perhaps your first port of call. In particular:

• TGM-06-BZ-BRONZE
• TGM-05-BZ-BRONZE
• TGM-02-BZ-BRONZE

These designs combine durability with an aesthetic appeal that would make any pharaoh proud. Take a look at them and the rest of our range on our mesh laminate product page.

Minimalist aesthetics

If you're aiming for a minimal look, mesh-laminated glass can also come through – especially if you go for a fine, delicate mesh pattern. Use the glass in a frameless, "free-floating" application, such as a partition or balustrade, and that sense of minimal chic will only be amplified.

Other minimalistic applications for mesh-laminated glass include room dividers that provide partial privacy and glass doors.

As with industrial and luxury looks, it's all about what the mesh-laminated glass is working with. When aiming for minimal, you want to pair the glass with subtle finishes and colours.

And as for the glass itself, aluminium and stainless steel both have the ability to sink into the background while contributing to the atmosphere. 

At ToughGlaze, we have a number of mesh-laminated glass products that fit the minimalistic bill. These include:

• GM-09-AL-ALUMINIUM
• GM-06-SS-STAINLESS
• TGM-03-SS-STAINLESS

Explore these and the rest of our range on our mesh-laminated glass page.

Something else to consider: the luxury of privacy

Privacy isn't a style – but it is another common application for mesh-laminated glass. It's often used to create semi-transparent and semi-private partitions. These help split a space into zones without impeding the flow of natural light: the best of both worlds.

What should you look for in mesh-laminated glass?

When sourcing mesh-laminated glass for an interior design project, you should make sure you get it from a reputable, experienced and accredited supplier. Without these attributes, you may end up getting materials that need to be replaced, blowing a hole in your budget and creating avoidable delays.

Your supplier should be able to handle a wide variety of glass products and be happy to answer your questions. And they should be open about their product accreditations, whether that's the Kitemark seal or a BS EN standard.

But before you place your order, there are several things you should check before you press the big button marked "Pay". These include tolerances, lead times and any special project requirements you may have.

How is mesh-laminated glass made?

Mesh-laminated glass is created by sandwiching a metal mesh between two or more panes of glass (often toughened) and bonding them together using high heat and pressure.

A clear interlayer, often PVB or EVA, is then used to permanently seal the components. The result is a highly durable and decorative piece of safety glass that can be installed indoors or outdoors.

Are you looking for high-quality mesh-laminated glass? Get in touch with ToughGlaze today for a quick, competitive quote or explore our TG MI range today. We look forward to getting you the right materials for your project.