Glass shelves add a touch of elegance to a space. The glass not only looks good on its own and increases the size of a space, but the light and objects in the area magnify the brilliance of the glass shelf. You don't have to stick with a simple glass sheet. There are several options available to customize them to suit any room in your home.
Lighting
Lighting, whether it is straight white light or colored bulbs, passes through the glass shelf leaving a delightful glow on the translucent material. To magnify the effect, you can use vases, crystal figurines, and even silver-toned framed pictures on the glass shelves. These can be added in pot lights from above or below the space depending on the look you are trying to achieve. Track lighting also works well in some spaces.
Tinted Glass
Glass shelving does not have to be the traditional clear color frequently seen in homes. Glass is now available with a light tint of color to add a delicate touch to the space. The glass can even be given a strong color that resembles stained glass for a more dramatic look.
Mirrors
Adding mirrors behind and above glass magnifies its effects on the space. It reflects the light and its surroundings to make a room look larger. In an inset shelf, the mirror can make the shelf appear deeper. One of the newest trends is to add a bold frame around the inset shelf to make it appear almost like a picture.
Alternative Material Accents
One of the best aspects of glass shelving is its ability to magnify the traits of other materials, so why not use that to the fullest advantage. Add a decorative wood edge around the front and sides of the shelf. Molded metal is available in a variety of finishes and gives the shelf a particularly modern look.
Etching And Pictures
Adding etching and pictures to glass shelves that are at a lower height add a touch of interest to the material and can eloquently accent the items on top of it. You can have a border etched around the front and two sides of the shelf, or you can have a picture etched into the center and add only a couple of candles to the top to highlight the artistry. A glass shelf can also hold pictures simply by sandwiching the images between two identical pieces of glass.
Shape, Size, And Cuts
The ability to cut glass into virtually any size or shape truly opens the doors of design. On an open wall, consider an oval type shelf with a flattened side instead of a traditional rectangular shape. If you would like to forgo a simple rounded edge or a frame for the shelf, consider having the edges beveled for a clean, geometrical look that is ideal for the modern, formal, and futuristic styles gaining popularity in American homes.
Glass shelves make a great accent for virtually any room in a home or business. Its flawless translucent qualities can be used with a variety of other materials and ideas to compliment the decor in a room. You can also add accents directly to the glass or have it cut in any shape to fit your design needs. A glass shelf doesn't have to be an invisible item in the room.
