Glass is commonly used for many types of furniture including tables, desks, cabinets and shelves. While there are some amazing benefits to glass, there are drawbacks to this material that are important to consider too. Is glass furniture a good choice for your home? This post delves into some of the pros and cons to help you decide.
The Pros
Glass is transparent
Glass is see-through and can help to make a room feel more spacious as a result. If you want to make a tiny dining room feel less cramped, consider a glass table to make the room feel more open. Similarly, a glass bedside table could make a small bedroom feel less claustrophobic.
Glass reflects light
Want to brighten up a room? Glass furniture can reflect sunlight and artificial light to bring a sparkle to a room. Placing a glass cabinet opposite a window may even have the effect of a mirror, helping to illuminate the room from both sides.
Glass is easy to clean spillages off
Glass is a very easy material to wipe spillages off compared to some materials. This is a common reason as to why glass dining tables are so popular – using a wet cloth, you can quickly wipe this surface clean after eating to get rid of any food or liquid debris.
Glass is environmentally friendly
If you’re eco-conscious, glass can be a good choice. It’s one of the most easy-to-recycle materials. Just be wary of glass that also contains polymers as this is typically not recyclable.
The Cons
Glass can be fragile
One of the biggest concerns people have with glass furniture is its fragility. While a lot of glass furniture is made from toughened glass that is actually quite hard to break, there is still a risk of it cracking while moving it. Placing heavy items on may also cause it to shatter.
Glass can be a safety concern
When glass breaks, it can become dangerous. If you have clumsy young kids or pets, this could be a hazard to consider. Just be wary that some types of glass are safer than others.
Glass can be relatively expensive
While there are more expensive materials than glass, most glass furniture is still relatively high priced compared to wooden furniture or acrylic furniture. High-end crystal furniture is particularly pricey.
Glass can smudge
Although glass is easy to clean spillages of, small finger marks and streaks can be left behind that can be difficult to remove. Under certain light, some types of glass furniture may never look clean unless you take the time to painstakingly buff them (check out this guide on how to clean glass furniture).
Time to reflect
Glass can be a good choice for small and gloomy rooms because it can create the illusion of extra space and reflect light. It is a good choice for environmentalists because it is recyclable, and it is relatively easy to clean – providing you’re not too worried about small smudges.
You may however want to avoid glass furniture if you’re looking for something on a tight budget. Those with young kids and pets should also weigh up the drawbacks of glass – it can be fragile and unsafe, and you may constantly be cleaning stick fingerprints and paw prints off of it.