Acrylic or Glass Shower Screens: Which is Best?

Posted by KLG Glass on 21/11/2023 with 0 Comment

Does your bathroom feel small, cramped and dark? This is common when it comes to bathrooms. Usually the smallest room in the house, they are spaces driven by function first then aesthetics.

In fact, it is so common that we recently shared a post stuffed full of suggestions on how to make your tiny bathroom feel bigger and brighter.

One popular choice for opening up bathroom space is using a clear shower screen. Unlike shower curtains that severe your space into shrunken sections, a clear screen lets natural light flow throughout the whole bathroom. Combined with the clear sight lines it gives across the space, it maximises the sense of space as much as possible.

When you factor in how much easier it is to clean a screen than a curtain, plus the increased durability of a hard screen, picking a clear screen is a no-lose situation.

But choosing a screen isn’t the end of your decision. You need to choose between an acrylic shower screen or a glass one – though they might sound interchangeable (a shower screen is a shower screen after all) there are quite a few differences that each material brings.

To help you make an informed decision about which screen material is best for your bathroom, we’ve put together another shower screen post. We’ll cover maintenance, durability, cost, safety and even sustainability of each material to help you find the right shower screen for you.

Is an acrylic or a glass shower screen better?

Looks

When it comes to how your shower screen looks, glass shower screens are always going to be the best option.

The smooth, unblemished surface will always create a higher-quality appearance than acrylic which can have warping or visual distortions even from day one.

Also, a glass screen gives you the freedom to personalise your design. Sandblasting or etching on your shower screen can help you tailor your screen to meet any bathroom design, whether that’s by repeating a pattern seen elsewhere in the room or just adding a bit more style to the scene itself.

Best of all, glass screens keep their aesthetic appeal a lot longer. Even if your bathroom is recently decorated with sparkling taps and flawless grouting, scratches on your shower screen can make the whole room look tired or old. Scratches can even be mistaken for soap scum or dirt very easily and this will quickly drag down the look of your bathroom even further.

Safety

Another benefit of a toughened or tempered glass shower screen is its strength. It’s very unlikely to break in the first place. If it does, it will do so in a safe way – shattering to smooth crumbs so you don’t need to worry about cuts or scrapes.

This said safety is one area where acrylic shower screens have the advantage. They are a lot hard to break, and will usually crack before they snap so you can replace them before they become a real safety issue.

Glass shower screens are also heavier than acrylic screens, which can affect their safety, especially if the fittings start to fail.

Maintenance

When it comes to cleaning and maintaining your shower screen, glass screens are an easier choice than acrylic.

When cleaning acrylic screens, you should only ever use mild soap, water and a soft cloth or sponge. Acrylic is quite soft, which means anything abrasive – both in terms of surfaces or liquid cleaners – can easily scratch it.

In comparison tempered glass has a tough durable surface that stands up to harsh cleaning chemicals without warping or scratching. If you swipe water off the surface with a squeegee after every use, you’ll only need to give your screen an occasional rub with glass cleaner to keep it looking its best indefinitely.

Durability

Overall, glass shower enclosures and screens tend to be more durable than acrylic screens, though this is a nuanced answer.

As we mentioned above, it is almost impossible to break an acrylic shower screen. This could suggest that a glass shower screen is less durable, but this is only half the story. They might not break completely, but acrylic panels are a lot more likely to get scratched, damaged or warped and need replacing earlier than a glass screen.

Acrylic can also turn slightly yellow when exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods. While you can treat acrylic to slow this process down, glass is naturally UVB resistant so you don’t have to worry about it ever taking on an odd yellow tinge.

Sustainability

Glass is one of – if not the most – sustainable materials currently in use. Glass can be infinitely recycled so it never needs to end up as a waste product. And even if you don’t recycle it, glass is made of naturally occurring elements so it won’t break down into microplastics like acrylic does.

Thanks to its robustness, a glass shower screen is also likely to last longer than a plastic one. Combine this with the fact it can then so easily and endlessly be turned into something new, and glass clearly wins out as the more environmentally friendly option.

Cost

If you’re on a very tight budget, then an acrylic screen may be your only option. As they are weaker, less attractive and have such a shorter lifespan, acrylic shower screens tend to be a lot cheaper to purchase than glass ones.

Of course, in many ways, this is a false economy as the shorter lifespan of an acrylic screen just means it needs replacing sooner than a glass one. Acrylic is also easier to damage which can shorten its lifespan even further.

In the short term, an acrylic screen can feel like a cheaper option. In the long term though, glass wins out.

A shower screen to suit your bathroom

When it comes to picking the right shower screen for your home it’s always a subjective choice – and this includes choosing between acrylic and glass. It’s all about what appeals most to you.

But for us the answer will always be glass. Glass panels can upgrade any shower area and open up small bathrooms, adding style and function that survives for years.

Here at KLG, we’re committed to providing excellent quality glass products, quickly and at great prices. So if you’d like a bespoke glass screen that shows your bathroom at its best advantage, contact us today.

How To Decorate Your Windows Without Damaging Them

Posted by KLG Glass on 25/10/2023 with 0 Comment

The DIY-filled days of spring and summer may be fading into memories, but in autumn and winter, a whole new set of decorating habits begins. Between the draped cobwebs and dancing ghouls of Halloween, and the trailing tinsel and twinkling fairy lights of Christmas, at some point this season you are probably going to give your home a holiday makeover.

Of course, when it comes to these decorations you’re looking for temporary options. Short-term additions that will create a festive feel to suit the season. Even if you replace your spooky selection with a Christmas one, those decorations will be taken down in only a few weeks.

Temporary decorations can be difficult. You don’t want any holes, marks or dents to be left on display all year until your boxes come back out of the loft and you decorate again.

And nowhere is more important to avoid damaging than your windows. Unlike wooden doors or walls, you can’t smear some putty or splash a new coat of paint onto glass panes.

Accidentally scratch or chip your window pane and the surface is permanently scarred. Even worse it will be weakened, reducing the lifespan of your windows considerably. Either way, it will set you on a short path to replacing your window which, in the case of a replacement double-glazed window unit, can be expensive.

But fear of damage shouldn’t stop you from adding a dash of holiday fun to your windows. We’ve already explored damage-free window decoration ideas for Christmas, so in this post we’re broadening our focus to methods that could be used for Halloween, Christmas or any other time of year. Read on to find out 5 methods you can use to decorate your windows temporarily, without worrying about what will happen when the decorations come down.

5 Ways to Decorate Your Windows Without Damaging Them

Specialist Window Decorations

The easiest way to temporarily decorate your window is to find a set of cute ‘window clings’. These are specifically designed to be used on windows and are made of a material that creates its own adhesive force – usually static electricity or a ‘gummy’ sticky surface.

The benefit of window clings is that they only lightly grip the surface of the glass. This means they won’t damage or mark the surface, but should still stay put until you remove them. They’re also adjustable, so if you decide you want to shift them around you can. As they create their own adhesive force you can even reuse them.

Best of all, because the whole surface of the design is connected directly to the glass, they’ll look almost as good through the window as they do from the inside. They aren’t particularly costly either!

The downside is that you have limited design options to choose from. They are very popular so you will find plenty of shapes, colours and designs on offer – particularly during peak seasons like Halloween or Christmas. However, you won’t have complete creative freedom with your decorations and some people may find this limiting.

Glue dots

Self-adhesive glue dots or sticky dots are another great option for temporarily decorating your windows.

They are designed to leave no residue on the surface after they’re removed. Even on glass.

Another benefit is that they are quite small and transparent, so they won’t interfere with the look of your decorations. They’re not quite as good as ‘clings’ for that double-sided look, but they’re still good – you’ll probably not even notice it from a distance.

The main downside of sticky dots is how weak they are. They won’t grip glass as well as they do with rougher surfaces so they might drop heavier decorations. The glue will degrade over time too, so you won’t be able to reuse them or rely on them long-term.

They’re fine for paper decorations or anything lightweight but don’t use them to hold up anything fragile.

Depending on the brand, they may leave a little residue behind too, though this should be easy to clean off.

CommandTM Hooks/Strips

Much like glue dots, CommandTM strips are made to be easily removable if you decide you want to take your decorations down. They are also designed to work on all surfaces including glass, and are available in a variety of sizes – this gives you the freedom to use heavier decorations safely.

Using them on windows isn’t straightforward though. You will need to make sure to buy the correct type, as not all CommandTM strips can withstand direct sunlight. They may also struggle with dampness, so if you tend to get condensation on your windows that might be an issue (though you should stop condensation whenever possible anyway!).

However, get the relevant type of strips and you’ll have plenty of freedom to hang any decorative items you want, without worrying about weight restrictions. They’re great for winding garlands, fairy lights and other string-based decorations.

Suction Cups

Suction cups make a fantastic choice for decorating your windows. They are usually reasonably priced and are reusable so even more cost-effective. This also means they’re adjustable so you can reposition them as many times as you want – great for people who like to fiddle with their arrangements till they’re perfect.

Suction cups are also available in a range of sizes so you can find some that are suitable, whatever size you’re decorations are. They’re also versatile because you can add various attachments to them such as hooks, hoops or line to hold your decorations.

This makes them equally good for winding garlands on or dangling 3D decorations from. This range of size options means you can even use them to hang heavier items too.

One of the main drawbacks of suction cups is that they are quite big and bulky which can affect the look of your decorations. Even smaller ones will stick out slightly, and they won’t work particularly well with small or flat decorations.

Make Use of the Window Frame

Don’t want to touch the surface of your windows at all? You can still decorate by hanging your decorations from the window frame instead.

While we wouldn’t recommend hammering nails into the frame itself, small pins could be used in the brickwork around them. Even better, CommandTM strips will create a much stronger bond on brickwork than glass but will be just as easy to remove so they won’t cause damage there either.

The window sill is a safe, secure setting for any bigger, heavier or more delicate decorative items

Finally, if you want to use dangling decorations like a curtain of fairy lights, a garland or even a lightweight wreath, you can always attach them to your curtain rail or pole and artfully trail them down.

What shouldn’t you use to decorate your windows?

If you want to make sure your decorations don’t make a permanent mark on your glass, make sure to stay away from blue tack, sellotape and glue. Although you will be able to remove them, all three are likely to leave some kind of residue that will be difficult to clean off.

You should never a strong adhesive like super glue or Gorilla GlueTM. These aren’t strong enough to make a permanent decoration on your window, but it is also impossible to completely clear the residue off at a later date when you remove the decorations.

How do you stick something to a window without damaging it?

If you’re looking to decorate your windows without damaging them there are a number of options open to you, it’s just a case of finding the one that works best for you.

But if the worst does happen and your windows do end up getting damaged, you don’t need to worry about replacing your whole window and frame. Here at KLG Glass, we can make bespoke double-glazing units to fit inside an existing frame to help you keep waste (and costs) to a minimum. Speak to us today to find out more.

Person using a tool to cut a large pane of glass

Glass Cutting: Everything You Need To Know

Posted by KLG Glass on 18/09/2023 with 0 Comment

Glass is a flexible, attractive and versatile material that has many uses around your home. From providing insulation with double glazing to helping your spaces feel bigger and brighter using mirrors, and even adding an eye-catching design touch in a glass splashback, glass can be found in a variety of places around your home.

As a material, people often take it for granted and don’t tend to think too deeply about it. And even if people consider aftercare like how to clean glass or how to replace it, they will rarely think about preparing it. Or how to cut it.

In this blog post, we’ll look at one of the underappreciated aspects of using glass – cutting it. We’ll answer all the most commonly asked questions on the subject, such as what tools you need and what types of glass stand up to cutting – and which don’t.

We’ll share all the important information you need to know if you’re deciding whether to enlist the help of a professional glass cutting service or to attempt the process yourself, to help you decide which is a more realistic option for you.

How hard is it to cut glass?

The first question most people ask about cutting glass is how hard it is. Unfortunately, the answer is not particularly specific- it really does depend on a number of factors.

With the right cutting tools, the right thickness of glass, and a steady hand, cutting glass is quite a straightforward task. It’s a delicate job but definitely doable by most people.

However, many different factors can increase the difficulty level. The type of glass, its thickness and the size of the glass pane will all make a difference.

The main issue with glass is that you usually only get one attempt. If your glass shatters or breaks or if you chip or scratch the surface, the glass is permanently damaged and often unusable.

We’d advise reading this whole article before you decide whether to try cutting your own glass. If it seems too risky, then enlisting a professional is an obvious alternative with a guaranteed great result.

What is the best tool for cutting glass?

The easiest way to cut glass safely and without breaking it is to use a glass cutter tool. These usually have two or three parts:

the cutting wheel which will score a deep cut into the surface of the glass,
the handle which you use to move the cutting wheel,
sometimes, cutters have an in-built reservoir that adds oil to the surface of the glass to ease the cutting process.

Though this may sound like a simple setup (and it is), glass cutters are the quickest, easiest and most reliable way to cut glass. You can buy them at a range of price points too so they don’t have to be a major investment. We wouldn’t recommend trying to cut glass without one.

What type of glass cannot be cut?

Toughened, tempered and laminated glass are all difficult (if not impossible) to cut. These types of glass are all treated to increase their strength – in fact, they are up to 5 times stronger than untreated or standard glass.

The strengthening process also alters the structure of the glass, which means it breaks differently. For example, treated glass is harder to break because a higher pressure is compressed within it. To cut it, you need to disrupt this distribution and that will shatter the glass completely or weaken it so much it is no longer usable.

For this reason, it is better to have toughened glass or laminated glass cut to meet your exact requirements before it undergoes strengthening. So if you; ‘re ordering treated glass in a bespoke size, make sure to get accurate measurements before you order – and triple-check them too!

If you do desperately need to alter the size, contact a glass-cutting professional rather than attempt it yourself.

Can glass be cut into any shape?

It is possible to get standard glass cut into any shape. This includes shapes with straight edges, such as squares and triangles, and curved shapes such as waves or circles.

In fact, choosing shaped glass can help you add decorative detail to windows, doors and mirrors.

It is a lot easier to cut glass with a straight cut or edge using a guide. Look into cutting tools and guides if you’re planning a more detailed or difficult shape.

And, if you are looking for something particularly intricate or decorative then consider asking a professional glass cutter to cut it for you to ensure a clean cut that doesn’t damage the glass.

What thickness of glass can a glass cutter cut?

The easiest glass thickness to cut yourself is around 4mm. Glass thinner than this is more fragile and likely to break easily, while thicker glass will be much harder to score. If you are looking to cut 8mm thick glass (or thicker) you will struggle without the help of an industry-standard glass cutter. Again, it is better to enlist the help of a glazier.

However, any glass thicknesses around 4mm should be possible to do yourself, as long as you have the right tools, follow the right steps and are patient and steady with the process.

Is there a machine to cut glass?

When it comes to glass cutters, most professionals will do it using a specialist glass-cutting machine. This allows them to cut glass accurately without damaging it. These may be fully automatic, running from computer programming, or require some human input. Either way, the machine will make sure that the pressure is always perfect to protect the glass from being broken or scratched.

The ability to completely control pressure means that glass-cutting machines are also able to cut through thicker glass.

These machines use a variety of methods to cut panes of glass including diamond cut, water-cut and laser cut.

While glass machines are incredibly precise, efficient and reliable they are also expensive. They’re certainly not a worthwhile investment for most people.

Can I cut glass at home?

If you’re cutting small or cheap panes of glass it is definitely possible to cut your glass at home. It is best to make sure you have spare glass in case you need more than one attempt, and a good idea to test your skills on scrap glass before you attempt your final job too. With the right tools and a careful hand, you can get a great result with glass cut at home.

However, if you’re looking to cut large, thick or expensive panes of glass it is always best to get your glass cut professionally instead. Here at KLG, we will cut glass to any shape or size at competitive prices, so you don’t have to worry about carrying out a tricky task or wasting any resources.

6 creative ways to boost the look of your home using sandblasted glass

Posted by KLG Glass on 18/08/2023 with 0 Comment

When it comes to glass, most people think of it as a functional material rather than a decorative one. Beyond the beauty of antique-stained glass and the beautiful colours it casts across a floor, people tend to choose glass for its practical properties rather than its visual ones.

But there is another way to add a design flourish to your home when you use glass. Sandblasting (or frosting) glass is a great way to turn a functional choice into a design-led one. It can add an unusual or even unique appeal to your home using an everyday item that might otherwise feel plain or dull.

In fact, a sandblast glass design is one of the most simple-but-effective ways to add a splash of creativity to your home.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the creative ways you can use sandblasted glass to add a flourish to your interiors. We’ll look at options for every room from your general living space through to your bathroom and even kitchen.

But, as sandblasting can be a confusing term, we’ll start by explaining exactly what sandblasting is and how it’s carried out.

What is sandblasted glass?

Sandblasted glass is a decorative type of glass that uses two different textures or appearances on its surface to create a design.

The term ‘sandblasting’ refers to how the look is created. An abrasive material (originally sand) is ‘blasted’ as the surface of the glass. When it hits the glass it corrodes the surface, turning it milky white and reducing its transparency. This look is also known as ‘frosted glass’.

For more information on how sandblasting glass works take a look at our deep-dive blog post.

A common misconception about this type of glass is that a whole pane has to have the same appearance. But actually, you can use this method to create shapes or patterns on the surface by leaving some of the glass clear, some white.

Using this type of glass opens up a whole world of design possibilities, letting you add interest and turn a functional object into a design feature.

How to use sandblasted glass to add to the look of your home

1. Turn your internal doors into a design feature

If you struggle with dark rooms, glazed internal doors are always a smart choice. They’ll help you increase light flow even when doors are shut, helping your home feel brighter and even bigger.
But a brighter space isn’t the only benefit glazed doors can bring. Sandblasting can add an intricate design to the glass so your doors closely match the design of your room.

You can echo a specific pattern from your soft furnishings or feature wallpaper, or go for something more abstract that just brings a little more visual interest to your door design.

Stripes and geometric shapes sit perfectly in modern or minimalist designs, following the crisp lines that dominate these aesthetics, while floral patterns sit wonderfully in rustic interiors.

2. Make your home feel bigger and brighter without sacrificing privacy using glass partitions and room dividers

With a free flow of light and sightlines that make even small spaces feel airy, it’s easy to see why open-plan living is such a popular concept. But there is a price to pay for such spacious interior spaces, and that is privacy.

This is where frosted and translucent glass partitions come in. They can help you pull back some privacy by obscuring sightlines while still letting light flow.

As well as being a practical compromise to a completely open space, a bespoke sandblasted glass room divider can make it a design contribution too.

3. Add a unique twist to your kitchen splashbacks

A coloured, patterned or printed glass splashback can be a beautiful focal point in any kitchen. But another way to up its visual appeal is to use decorative sandblasted glass.

Again a great way to echo other patterns you’ve chosen, but in a more subtle and soft way if you want to make them too eye-catching. Especially if you don’t want attention drawn immediately to areas that tend to get dirty easily.

Of course, another benefit of a sandblast, semi-transparent surface is that the texture will help disguise dirt or streaks. This is particularly important in a splashback, which is impossible to keep clean all the time.

In fact, it’s a brilliant way to make a glass splashback a more forgiving kitchen choice.

4. Enhance your home’s kerb appeal

First impressions count, particularly when it comes to your home. Visitors and even passers-by will make unintentional judgements about your house, and even you, without even passing through the door and it’s important to make them positive.

Important, but not exactly easy. Finding unusual or attractive design choices for the exterior of your home can be difficult – especially without a large front garden.

Adding frosted glass on your front door or even installing sidelights or a small glass porch can help you turn a dull door into a grand entrance. It will even improve the look of your hallway by flooding it with natural light – fantastic for a room that can easily feel dark, narrow or cramped.

As sandblasting on glass doesn’t affect its stability, you don’t have to worry about it limiting the security or safety of your door either. In fact, it may actually improve it – obscuring the contents of your home will make potential intruders less likely to target your home.

5. Create a bathroom design statement with a frosted shower screen

When it comes to a room as small as a bathroom, every decision you make impacts the design. And while a novelty shower curtain might be cute at first, even something so small can start to grate when it clashes with a carefully crafted interior.

A sandblasted glass shower screen is understated enough to stand the tests of time, but also gives you space to show your design skills. Popular bathroom themes like botanical or nautical looks are easy to capture using sandblasting, while subtle abstract patterns can slip seamlessly into period properties or contemporary styles.

Best of all, glass is a perfect material match to the intense humidity of a bathroom. It’s easy to maintain and clean and it won’t rot, warp or grow mould. It will hold up to most harsh cleaning chemicals and still last for years.

6. Add some creative sparkle to your mirrors

Don’t rely on a fancy frame that’s difficult to clean and sucks up space to increase the visual appeal of your mirrors. A sandblasted border can help you add an extra design element while still keeping your mirror sleek and understated.

In small spaces like bathrooms and hallways, a mirror will help increase natural light and even make your room feel bigger. With sandblasting, you can make sure your mirror is tailored to the look of your room without having to take up precious space with a clunky frame or creating a feeling of clutter.

Sandblasting can also help diffuse lights, so if you choose to backlight your mirror it can help soften harsh edges and make a warmer glow.

Glass is often relegated to being a purely practical choice, but there are plenty of decorative choices you can make too. Sandblasted glass is a fully flexible choice, with plenty of functional benefits as well as practical ones.

Here at KLG Glass, we can include bespoke sandblasting with almost all of our glass products. So if you want glass that reflects your personality, contact us today to discuss your design plans.

Glass display cabiner with a wooden back and frame with in-built down lights.

How to pick the perfect glass display cabinet

Posted by KLG Glass on 10/07/2023 with 0 Comment

Glass display cabinets are a wonderful way to display items and show your belongings at their best. They’re also a versatile piece of furniture. Secure enough for commercial use, safe enough for home use and visually flexible enough to fit into any design scheme.

However, as with all furniture choices, if you pick the wrong glass cabinet your whole design scheme can get thrown off. And make the wrong choice around glass types, or what locks, lighting and shelves to use and you can even impact the security and safety of the items you’re displaying.

Picking the right display cabinet is essential. Luckily, there are only a few decisions you need to make to find the case you need, and this blog post is here to help you make them. We’ll cover the size of your cabinet, how to tailor it to suit your interior and look at how the lighting and security you pick will impact your items.

So whether you’re looking for a display case to showcase your achievements, a cabinet to show your products at their best angle or a curio cabinet to protect a carefully curated collection, here are some tips to help you find the perfect glass display cabinet for your home.

Size and space

Buying a bespoke glass cabinet opens up a world of size possibilities – don’t waste the opportunity by randomly guessing what you need.

First off, measure the space the cabinet will sit in. If you’re looking to fill a specific nook or alcove, then a custom cabinet means you can get an exact fit. Take the time to get accurate measurements and make sure to double-check them.

You also need to consider the size of the overall room you’ll be putting your cabinet in. When you put a large cabinet in a small room, it can feel imposing and shrink the size of the room so it feels cramped and cluttered. As with all furniture, you need to find an item that suits the space it’s going into.

With this type of cabinet, you can go a bit bigger than standard as one of the advantages of glass cabinets is their transparency. They keep sightlines clear which continues the flow of rooms and creates a sense of space. However, you still want a cabinet that is proportionate to the room – anything too big can still dwarf the space.

The final size to consider when picking your cabinet is what you want to keep inside it. If you’re planning to house a specific item or collection, you obviously need a suitably-sized cabinet. This includes thinking about how many shelves you want, and how far apart they should be.

The perfect material

Glass cabinets should always be made with toughened or laminated glass. Otherwise, you’ll sacrifice the safety and security of your home – not to mention the contents of your cabinet.

This is because toughened glass is up to 5x stronger than standard glass and is able to withstand harder impacts. And toughened or tempered glass will also crumble into smaller pieces if it does break, rather than sharp or jagged shards.

However, depending on your budget there are other options you can explore to improve your cabinet. For example, low-iron glass will give the clearest view of your cabinet without a green cast, but it does come at a cost.

Similarly, using glass with UV protection will help keep your important items safe from harmful UV rays but comes at a much higher price point.

If you are looking to seriously cut the costs of a display cabinet, you could also explore options for acrylic cabinets. These will offer some of the benefits of glass display cabinets, such as increasing light flow and giving 360° views, but they are much lower quality.

Aesthetic appeal

When it comes to furniture, looks are always important – glass display cases are no different. Though one of the benefits of glass cabinets is that they keep their contents as the focal point, you can still make a couple of choices around the look of a glass case that will help it suit different surroundings.

For example, the exposed edges of a UV-bonded glass case could be too harsh in a warm, cottagey living space. However, a case with glass sides and a wood frame sits much more comfortably in homely surroundings.

Similarly, if you’re looking for a minimalist or modern look, a brushed aluminium or steel frame nicely matches the clean lines of contemporary styles.

These decisions are always a matter of personal taste and are dependent on your existing interior design. But it’s important to consider all your options and make sure your cabinet suits its surroundings as well as any items it houses.

Lighting options

If you invest in a glass display cabinet, you want to make sure the contents always look their best. This means carefully positioned lighting to showcase its contents.

Decide whether you want the flexibility of lights outside the cabinet or the control of integrated lighting. What about the specific, directed light of spotlights or more diffused, consistent beams from a strip light? Consider the size and shape of items and where shadows will be cast – do you need additional lights to compensate?

Even the choice between a warm or cool-toned bulb is going to have a big impact on the look of your displayed items.

Spend time thinking it all through BEFORE purchasing your cabinet, and you’ll have a lot more flexibility in your options. Leave these decisions until after your cabinet arrives and you might not be able to implement the best option.

Added security features

Items kept in glass display cabinets tend to have a high value – be that sentimental or monetary.

When it comes to storing your prized possessions, it is sensible to explore additional security options. Obviously, the type of glass you choose will impact security, as will the thickness. Another

easy way to up the security that your display glass cabinet provides is with locks.

It is possible to get separate surface locks that you can fit onto your cabinets after purchase. These are available at a range of price points but start relatively cheap and are a good option if you change the use of your cabinet in the future.

However, if you know that you want that added peace of mind from day one, in-built locks are often the best choice. They are of higher quality, last longer and look less obtrusive than locks added after the fact.

As with all furniture, you should always make a carefully considered choice when you’re picking out a glass display cabinet. They have an important job to perform – showcasing their contents at their best – and choosing a case that is too big for the room, incorrectly lit or made of the wrong materials is likely to hinder that job.

If you’ve decided on the exact specifications for your custom glass display case, speak to us today to turn your dream design into a reality.

5 ways a glass balustrade can improve the look of your home

Posted by KLG Glass on 20/06/2023 with 0 Comment

There are plenty of practical reasons to pick a glass balustrade. However, the decisions we make about our home furnishings are often driven by more than logic.

When picking out something to add to our home, we often think about the visual impact first. Does it match the style of its surroundings? Is it in keeping with the theme of the house? And, most importantly, do you like how it looks?

These are much more subjective factors. No one can tell you what your home should look like (or what it shouldn’t). But when it comes to glass balustrades or bannisters, they have interior design benefits that help them fit in with a whole range of styles.

If you’re convinced of the practicality of a glass balustrade, but not so sure they match up aesthetically, here are a couple of design benefits you can expect when you pick them.

Improve the flow of natural light

One of the biggest benefits of using glazing is always the way it lets sunlight shine in. Whether you’re talking about doors, shower screens or bannisters, turning parts of your home transparent means that the whole room or space will be lighter.

With glass balustrades, this is particularly important. Hallways often have limited light sources, with windows few and far between. Anything you can do to increase the natural light in these spaces will make a big difference, and a glass balustrade can help share uninterrupted light between upstairs and downstairs.

This shared light is equally beneficial for staircases that are located inside rooms as well.

Increase sense of space

The transparency of glass doesn’t just increase the light in a room either. The uninterrupted sightlines will make a space feel much bigger as well as brighter.

This is obviously a great benefit for narrow or angular hallways, as it can stop staircases from feeling like they severe the space. Instead, it can create a sense of flow, helping upstairs and downstairs come together.

It can have an even bigger impact on staircases or landings inside actual rooms. Even though stairs aren’t exactly usable design space, glass balustrades can break down the barrier between the staircase and the room helping it feel like there is more distance from wall to wall.

While this doesn’t give more space to put furniture in, it still creates more space in the room, helping it feel bigger and more open plan.

Flexible with other materials

Thanks to its lack of colour and its smooth, sleek texture, glass is incredibly flexible from a visual point of view. While you may automatically picture a glass bannister with a metal handrail, frame and fixtures, you don’t actually have to limit your designs to suit steel.

Though sleek, smooth steel or aluminium make a beautiful complement to a glass balustrade, glass can also make an attractive contrast with natural materials like wood. From the drama of dark hardwood to the gentler tones of softwood like pine, glass can look just as stunning against wood as it can with metal.

Even better the smooth, clean surface of glass makes a perfect counterpoint to the textured grain of wood. Both materials can make a stunning design statement in themselves.

Support a modern, minimalist look

Team a glass bannister with a wooden frame and it can look perfectly at home at home anywhere – even in a period property or cottagey aesthetic. but when it comes to a cutting-edge contemporary home, you’ll struggle to beat a glass bannister to match your design.

Minimalist decor is all about clean lines and an unfussy design – and you won’t get cleaner or sleeker than glass. Pair it with a metal frame to create contrast, or go frameless for ultimate minimalism.

As we mentioned before, picking glass will also help you create a sense of space and increase light which are both key parts of a contemporary interior aesthetic.

Add a decorative flourish

Find the right balustrade and you can even create a decorative focal point with your glass bannister itself.

Rather than plumping for clear glass, pick out pattered, frosted or obscured sandblasted glass. This type of glass is just as robust, strong and easy to maintain as standard glass but the treated glass will add its own visual texture too.

You can even choose to have your own design added to the glass. Here at KLG, we can create patterned glass that matches the design of fabric, wallpaper or even tiles. So if you have a feature wall that’s papered in a distinctive style, we can help you echo that look elsewhere being tied to colour choices.

Sandblasted glass adds its own visual appeal but it will slightly obscure sightlines. However, it still maintains 97% light transmission so it will still help your rooms feel bigger and brighter.

Lift your staircase with a glass bannister

If you want to refresh your stairs with a staircase that shares natural light and helps your hallway feel bigger, then a glass balustrade is a wonderful option.

Here at KLG we make bespoke balustrades to fit any size or style of home. Speak to us today to find out more.

Glass Display Cabinets: Everything You Need to Know

Posted by KLG Glass on 25/05/2023 with 0 Comment

Glass display cabinets are the ultimate in functional storage. If you want somewhere to store your prized possessions or products that keep them safe and show them to their very best advantage, a glass display cabinet is a dream choice.

But they aren’t always a common choice, because not many people know about them. This can make them hard to judge and buy – how do you if the case is worth the cost, or whether it is secure enough to hold valuables or if it will keep your treasures looking lovely?

We’ve put together this post to shed some light on the facts about glass display cases. We’ll answer commonly asked questions, and explore the practical choices you need to make if you want to pick out the perfect glass case.

What are glass display cases made of?

While, unsurprisingly, glass cabinets are made of glass, they aren’t necessarily made of the same material you see in other spots around your house – including cabinet doors.

This is partly because the glass in display cabinets usually provides its own structural support. Even in cases with aluminium or wooden frames and joins, the majority of the structure’s weight will be held by the glass. And, in UV-bonded glass display cases, it is only glass that supports that weight.

However, you also need glass that will show (and keep your items) at their best and this means a specialist product selection. A UV light-resistant finish will help limit the damage that sunlight does to the content.

Other specialist glass features can also be chosen.

Does cabinet glass need to be tempered?

One glass feature you should always look out for when buying a glass display cabinet is tempered glass. Tempered glass has been treated at high temperatures to make it stronger – in fact, it is around 5x stronger than standard glass.

This strength is vital for display cabinets, as it increases both security and safety. Whether you intended to or not, it’s common to accidentally leave extra weight on the top of glass cabinets. Standard glass isn’t able to withstand this, even for short periods.

However, tempered glass is more than up to the job. Obviously, there are still limits,

Another option to consider for display cabinets is laminated glass, which is impressively secure. This type of glass has a layer of film sandwiched in the centre. This helps the glass holds its shape even when it’s broken.

Why is low iron glass used in display cabinets?

As well as having the strength to keep your valuable or prized possessions safe, you want to make sure they look their best on display. Low-iron glass can help with this.

Have you ever looked through a pane of glass and noticed a slight green colour cast onto the other side? This is down to the iron that is part of standard glass. Low iron glass reduces this content, creating glass that is much clearer and gives no green tints for the content of your display cabinet.

What are the advantages of glass display cabinets?

The biggest benefit of glass display cases is how beautifully they display their contents. Whether in a high-end retail store, a carefully curated collection or housing a person’s most treasured possessions, they always showcase items at their best.

Glass-topped cases will give the most complete view of an item possible, while the glass sides will maximise the light that reaches the items so they can be seen clearly. They are also flexible, giving you plenty of options to rearrange their contents to direct attention to your favoured pieces.

Best of all, glass display cabinets are easy to clean. They may need a regular wipe down with a standard glass cleaner and soft cloth, to remove any finger marks but their large, smooth, surface area makes this a quick job. You won’t need to work up a sweat scrubbing. Nor will you need to start shifting around your cabinet contents to clean the inside either.

Do glass cabinets keep dust out?

While glass display cases can’t claim to stay dust-free, they will seriously restrict the amount of dust that gets onto your items. Having solid sides in every direction reduces the movement of dust, so they are a lot easier to maintain than a set of open shelves.

This makes them a fantastic choice for displaying items of value, items that aren’t touched very often or anything fragile. With display cases, you don’t have to worry about cleaning your items as regularly and risking damage to them.

What are the drawbacks of glass display cabinets?

Perhaps the biggest drawback of glass display cabinets is their cost.

When picking out a glass display cabinet, it is foolish to sacrifice quality to keep costs down. This type of furniture is designed to deliver on style while showing your prized possessions or products in their best light.

Choosing low-cost options like acrylic, cheaper glass or inferior build quality will take away from the look of the items you are displaying. It can even impact the safety of the cabinet.

If you’re going to effort of displaying your items in a fully transparent case, then it is clear you want them to look their best and be as visually accessible as possible. The only way to do this is with a high-quality glass case, which will ensure your prized possessions have the best lighting and visibility from every angle.

Are glass display cabinets worth it?

If you’re looking for a stylish solution to showcase your collectables or display your products at their best, then a bespoke glass display cabinet is a fantastic option. Whether you’re looking for a corner glass display cabinet to keep in your home or an impressive addition to your retail space, we have a range of options and styles to choose from.

Is a glass splashback a good idea?

Posted by KLG Glass on 14/04/2023 with 0 Comment

Choosing the best type of kitchen splashback is a difficult decision. You need one that combines aesthetic appeal with design flexibility to match your kitchen. You need a wipe-clean surface that can hold up to the ravages of your kitchen and hold its good looks without endless maintenance.

It’s important to get the right material. In many cases, that material is glass. If you’re wondering whether that includes your kitchen, here are the questions you might need answering to show why glass is a great choice above other materials.

What glass is best for a splashback?

When it comes to a kitchen splashback, you need to use toughened glass. Standard, non-toughened glass can be fragile, prone to cracking, chipping and even shattering. Toughened glass (or tempered glass) is treated to make it strong and durable enough to withstand the stresses of your kitchen.

Toughened glass can easily take the knocks, catches and scratches that are an inevitable part of cooking. It is still lightweight enough to fix easily in place and stay secure, and obviously has all the good looks you’d expect of glass.

Can a glass splashback crack from heat?

Another benefit of toughened glass is that it won’t crack in the heat of your kitchen. Even if you have a gas hob, where the flames are mere inches from the wall, a glass kitchen splashback is heat resistant enough to endure.

The important thing is to make sure there is enough space between the hob and the glass splashback. If your hob is fitted too close to the splashback you risk shortening the life of your splashback as the rapid change when the heat from your stovetop starts then stops, will weaken it.

What size should a glass splashback be?

Any kitchen splashback should be at least the same width as your hob. This will protect your walls against any food splatters your cooking splashes out, and will also give your kitchen walls a balanced look.

However toughened glass is so strong, you can also choose a much larger size, the whole length of your work surface for example. This can be great visually if you go for a bright, bold colour and will also protect an even wider space from food splashes.

One brilliant thing about glass splashbacks is that they come in any size. Here at KLG Glass, our glass cutting service means that you can buy a beautiful and bespoke splashback that is the perfect size for your kitchen – whatever size that might be.

How thick should a glass splashback be?

On average a glass splashback should be 6mm thick. This makes the glass strong enough to stay resistant to heat, scratches and bumps while also being thin and lightweight enough to be fixed to the wall without needing too much effort or extra fixings.

If you prefer, it is possible to get thick glass splashbacks of around 8mm. However, the downside of thicker glass is that your kitchen splashback is heavier. It will need more secure fixings and you may be limited on how large you can make it without reinforcing your walls.

6mm glass splashbacks do offer the perfect combination of convenience, appearance and strength which is why this is the thickness we always recommend.

How long will a glass kitchen splashback last?

Glass splashbacks are so strong and durable, they will last for over a decade – potentially two.

Unlike tiled splashbacks that might chip or come loose, or acrylic kitchen splashbacks that could scratch or weaken, glass will take many years to weaken enough that it needs replacing.

It is more likely you will want to swap out your splashback for aesthetic reasons before practical ones. Though, an added benefit of glass splashbacks is that they will look just as good as the day they were installed for most of their life too. They are so easy to clean and maintain, you won’t need to worry about them looking old or tatty either.

Are glass splashback still in fashion?

The wonderful flexibility of glass kitchen splashbacks means they will never go out of style. Whether bright, bold primary colours or subtle earth tones are popular, you can match your kitchen splashback to the latest trend when you pick a glass one.

And if you need any more glass splashback design inspiration, check out our post to see just how flexible these kitchen splashbacks can be.

Are glass splashbacks worth it?

At the end of the day, the only person who can decide if glass is the right splashback material for your kitchen is you. Compared to other splashback materials, glass has plenty to recommend it, but if you need to know more you can always contact our team with any questions you still have.

How to make small bathroom look bigger

Posted by KLG Glass on 31/03/2023 with 0 Comment

The bathroom is almost always the smallest room in the house. In most homes, it’s the room you spend the least time in, so it makes sense to sacrifice space here and share it with bedrooms, kitchens or even hallways instead.

However, there is a difference between being a little short on space and having a dark tiny room sucks all the enjoyment out of bathing. No one wants to get clean in a cramped space, however short the time you spend in there.

Luckily they are plenty of ways to make a small bathroom feel bigger without having to knock walls down to find more actual space. In this post, we’ll look at ways you can make a small bathroom feel bigger, from small design choices to bigger lifestyle-affecting changes.

First off, here are some general rules to remember when decorating a small bathroom.

How can I make my small bathroom look bigger without a window?

One of the best ways to make any small space feel bigger is to maximise the amount of natural light in it but that is pretty difficult if you have no windows to start with. And even if this is the case, you still need to fill the space with light and minimise the shadows. Use strategically-placed wall lights instead of one strong overhead light. It will increase the light available in the room but also avoid unflattering shadows shrinking your small bathroom back down.

What flooring is good for small bathrooms?

Tiles are always an excellent choice when it comes to bathroom floors. Being waterproof they can stand up to constant splashes and spills and they are robust enough to withstand the heavy traffic of such an often-used room. Make sure you get an anti-slip set and you’ve got an ideal floor for any bathroom.

With small bathrooms, it’s a great idea to go for gloss tiles. The reflective surface, particularly of plain tiles, will help bounce light back around the room increasing the sense of space.

When you’re short on square footage, the floor also makes a fantastic focal point. Add a bright block of colour or vivid pattern such as a chequerboard design to an otherwise neutral room and you can add personality without worrying about stealing any space or light that is already limited.

How do you make a small bathroom feel luxurious?

Just because your bathroom is small doesn’t mean you can’t bring a touch of luxury to it. The best way to do that will, as with all rooms, depend on the overall interior design and what aesthetic you’re going for but certain choices will always upgrade the general look.

Picking matte taps for your bath and sink, especially more decorative bronze and brass ones will add a more unusual look and a dash of luxury. Picking mirrors with decorative frames can also add a flash of design

Another way to up the luxury of your bathroom is using soft furnishings like towels, bath mats and blinds. A mountain of big fluffy towels, a large deep-pile bath mat and similar simple additions will give your bathroom that luxurious edge without taking up any precious space.

6 tips to make a cramped bathroom feel bigger

While the above suggestions can work for any interior design scheme, some specific suggestions depend on your choices. Bear the following tips in mind when designing your small bathroom and pick out the ones that work for you.

Don’t be afraid of colour

It is a commonly known rule of interior design that light colours are great for increasing space. This is true, but has bred an army of stark, white bathrooms that feel clinical rather calming.

Pale pastels make a softer alternative to a sharp white, as do creams and off-whites. These will help create a more tranquil, comfortable feeling bathroom while still keeping your sense of space.

Natural materials like wood, stone and marble can also help soften an otherwise harsh white palette.

Pick a frameless clear glass shower screen

A glass shower screen is an obvious choice when you’re sick of a damp clingy shower curtain sticking to your skin, but did you know they can make your tiny bathroom feel bigger and brighter too?

A shower curtain creates a obscure barrier in your bathroom, blocking light and shrinking the space. Even when it’s open, its a bright flash of colour that draws the eye, and disects the room, sectioning it into many small spaces rather than one flowing one.

Use a clear glass panel instead, and your sightlines will remain uninterrupted. This will help your bathroom look like a single larger space that includes your bath and shower space rather than separating them off. A frameless glass shower door is best to removed all the lines and barriers.

Get smart with storage

Storage is often overlooked in bathrooms, particularly when you’re already struggling for space.

Using wall-hung units and cabinets is an easy way to free up more floor space without sacrificing all-important bathroom furniture and storage space. Using wall space over your sink for cupboards or shelves is a particularly great way to save space.

Plump for bigger tiles

This one might feel counterintuitive but using bigger wall tiles in a smaller bathroom can increase the sense of space. Small tiles don’t immediately equal a squashed space feeling but you don’t have to default to tiny tiles either.

Large format tiles play with the proportions of the room and create large clear expanses of space. It will look cleaner and clearer too, while lots of small floor or wall tiles can create a sense of clutter that shrinks your small bathroom even more.

Make the most of your natural light with mirrors

Adding bathroom mirrors to your small bathroom is one of those clever design tricks that has many practical benefits.

Firstly, the reflected images help the room feel bigger, almost twice the size. A mirror will also reflect light effectively around the space, helping even a tiny space feel brighter – and thus bigger.

The bigger the mirror the better as well. Lots of tiny mirrors will just create clutter, and break the room up. Go for large mirrors – or even a mirrored wall – to get the most benefits from this classic design hack.

Ditch the tub

This is a contentious one because some people just prefer can’t live without with a freestanding bath. It’s non-negotiable. But if you can bear to be without, then replacing your bath with a floor-level shower will increase the feel of size in the room by a lot more than it saves in floor space.

Combine it with a clear glass shower door and you will increase the sense of flow in the room. This will feel like you’ve added a lot more square footage than you actually have.

Custom glass items for your home

Whether you’re looking for a bespoke mirror to make the most of your light, or a clear glass shower screen to break down the barriers, we’ve got glass products to help make your small bathroom feel bigger.

Clear glass balustrade with branch decorations underneath

5 practical reasons to pick a glass balustrade for your home

Posted by KLG Glass on 24/03/2023 with 0 Comment

If you’re looking to buy bannisters or balustrades for your home, you’ll probably think of using wood first. If you’re looking for something to use outside, you might think of using metal too. But what about glass?

People often pick glass balustrades to suit a specific design idea or concept. However, they bring a wide range of practical advantages too. Here are 5 practical benefits of glass balustrades that show why they’re such a smart choice.

Stylish

This first reason is pretty obvious. Glass balustrades have a simple but sleek, stylish aesthetic appeal. They bring their own design edge to any home, turning a simple staircase into a focal point.

They are also incredibly versatile, thanks to their range of framing options and glass decoration. Frameless glass balustrades create a clean, minimalist look while the soft contrast of chrome and glass carries a modern but elegant feel. Even the choice between frosted or patterned glass will help tailor your rails to your interior design.

Simple to install

As they come in fewer, larger pieces, the process to install glass balustrades can be a lot easier than with a wood or metal bannister. This is a major benefit – even when you have your balustrade installed by a professional. As the job is quicker to carry out, it causes less disruption and costs less in labour time.

If the measurements for your glass railings are done correctly, you are unlikely to encounter any issues to slow the process down, so you can start enjoying the sleek look of your glass balustrade immediately.

Durable (and safe)

Don’t be fooled into thinking that glass is a delicate or fragile option when it comes to balustrade material.

In reality, glass ages slowly and is very strong. This gives glass balustrades excellent durability even when exposed to the elements on outdoor decking areas or balconies. And as long as you pick toughened glass or tempered safety glass, a glass balustrade is also an incredibly safe option.

It is a lot harder to damage a glass balustrade than one made of other materials. The surfaces of tempered glass and laminated glass are incredibly strong so it’s hard to scratch or damage accidentally unlike wood or metal.

Even better, unlike metal or wood balustrades you don’t need to worry about refinishing a glass railing during its lifetime. With other materials, regular maintenance with paint, varnish or wax is needed to keep them looking their best – and at their strongest. With glass, once your balustrades are installed you only need to worry about keeping them clean.

Easy to clean

Another major advantage that comes with the sleek, smooth surface of glass panels is how easy they are to clean. Grab some glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth and you’ll be able quickly and easily wipe your glass free of smears or dirt without having to delve into any deep crevices or corners.

This is particularly important for railings and balustrades. Internally these tend to be used in high-traffic areas, touched by many hands every day while external railings are obviously exposed to the elements.

In either case, grime can build up quickly so having a simple-to-clean surface is a definite bonus.

Stops chills (while still letting natural light flow)

Glass balustrades make a fantastic choice for a balcony or decking area because the glass creates a solid surface. This helps prevent drafts or chills from whipping around decking areas and protects against strong winds at heights.

Of course, the transparent nature of glass balustrades means that natural light will still flow freely so to let you enjoy sun spots on warm days.

If you want to embrace these practical benefits in your home, KLG Glass offer high-quality, made-to-measure glass balustrades in bespoke designs. Browse our range to find out more.

Year: 2023