Different types of Glass Used in Interior Designing Industry

Glass has been the universally used material in the construction and interior design industry since ages. It is used for diverse potence in the exteriors and the interiors of a building. Be it the partitions, window panes, cabinet insets, flooring, etc. glass can add elegance and sophistication to any space. Here are the different types of glass that can be used in interior designing based on their characteristics.

Read on and get an insider look at the several characteristics of glass.

1. Clear Glass

Clear glass is the most used glass in the design industry. It is completely transparent and allows maximum light to pass through it. Since it is made by floating molten glass on a bed of molten metal, it is also known as float glass. It is used in window panes, doors, partitions, table tops, cabinet shutters, bathroom shower partitions etc.

2. Lacquered Glass

This glass is used to make wardrobe shutters, kitchen cabinet shutters, etc. because of its opaque nature. It is made by baking a coat of coloured lacquer onto one side of clear glass. This lacquer is permanent, scratch-proof and moisture-proof, and thus is perfect for use in damp areas like kitchens and bathrooms. This glass gives a stylish, sleek, high-gloss aesthetic to any space and this makes it well suited to modern interior themes.

3. Reflective Glass

Reflective glass has a mirror like metallic, shiny coating making it the perfect choice for places where privacy is of paramount importance, as one cannot see through to the other side. This coating also reflects heat and thus prevents its transmission and regulates the temperature of the interiors.

4. Tinted or Coloured Glass

Tinted glass is made by adding an extra layer of metal oxide that gives the glass a tint based on the metal used. For example, tints of cobalt make the glass yellow, whereas ferrous pigments make it green. The tinted surface prevents the transmission of heat by controlling the intensity of sunlight, UV rays and keeps the inside of the space cooler. This glass is available in popular colours like blue, green, bronze, brown, grey etc.

5. Acoustic Glass

 Acoustic glass is used to reduce noise levels as this is made by taking two layers of glass and separating them with air or with a layer of insulation material. This glass is used in homes that are in noisy surroundings, or in recording studios or home theatres.

6. Textured Glass

The textured glass is made by letting molten glass pass through rollers with embossed pattern imprinted on them. As the glass cools, it gets the texture or pattern of the rollers. Textured glass is thus used for decorative purposes also like that on dividers and room partitions, bathroom shower cubicles, framed glass windows, doors, and ventilators.

7. Laminated Glass

Laminated glass uses two layers of clear glass and a layer of poly vinyl butyral (PVB) sandwiched in between them. The high heat and pressure which is applied to bond the layers, makes the glass very strong and safe. It is used in automobile windshields, glass floorings etc.

8. Stained Glass

This glass is highly decorative and is hand-crafted by setting tiny bits of coloured glass in a lead framework. The pieces of coloured glass are put together to form intricate patterns or designs. It is typically used in lamp shades, door, and window panels, and as inlays in exquisite furniture. 

9. Frosted Glass

 This glass uses a clear glass which is sandblasted or etched to create a frost on its surface. This glass provides privacy, but also allows most of the light to filter through. It is used on front doors and in bathroom showers, bathroom windows, and is also very commonly used in offices and commercial spaces.

10. Toughened Glass

Toughened glass during manufacturing, undergoes thermal treatment due to which it is strong enough to withstand a bullet attack. It is at least four times stronger than ordinary glass and is used for special protection. It is used in frameless doors, glass balustrades and long glass partitions.

11. Bevelled Glass

Bevelled glass is made of clear glass sheets with a bevel on their edges to give it a framed look. It is a decorative type of glass which can be used as inset panels for doors and cabinets. These days, it is widely used for wall décor as well.