Decorating With Clear Furniture: Return of a Classic

Design trends come and go as our taste change and evolve. However, there are the classics that either never go out of style or keep coming back again and again. Decorative glass and acrylic furniture are one of them. In this post, we look at what makes this classic so popular and how you can implement it in your home.

Glass and, by extension, acrylic have been used in home applications for a long time. The versatility, durability and visual appeal of these materials are what make them so popular among designers. You can use these materials in common applications for light fixtures, decorative vases and lamps to less obvious ones like tables, chairs, art and stairs.

Why add glass furniture to your home

Whether you go with glass or acrylic furniture and accessories, there are many great reasons to add them to your decor.

Reflect light

Clear and colored materials like glass and acrylic are better at reflecting light. The transparency allows natural and artificial light to bounce around the room, adding brightness to any space. Incorporating seethrough furniture is a great option if you are dealing with small spaces and limited light sources.

Create an illusion of space

By allowing the light to easily pass through and bounce around, furniture made out of transparent materials creates an illusion of space. It doesn’t block the view, nor does it come across as heavy and obtrusive, which makes the room seem more spacious and bright.

Add a touch of luxury

There is something about glass that makes it seem luxurious and decadent. Pairing it with metals and other hard materials like wood and stone is a great way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your space. Looking for a bit more of a vintage feel? Go for textured glass panes, stained glass windows or colorful acrylic light fixtures.

Tips for adding glass to your decor

Decorative glass brings light and color into any space and can make even the most spartan areas look warm and inviting. In addition to its aesthetic value, decorative glass also adds texture, pattern and an element of surprise that makes it stand out from more traditional home décor options. Here is how to incorporate it into your home.

• Start by incorporating glass vases, bowls and lamps into your decor to test how they look and whether they fit your home’s style. These smaller items are a great way to introduce transparent finishing into your home.
• When choosing furniture, look for thicker glass with metal or wooden frames or bases. Gold and black are excellent choices that pair nicely with glass to create a sophisticated and luxurious look. Wood is also a great pairing that adds creativity to any glass top.
• Glass table tops, shelves and door panels are also great options for incorporating this trend into your decor if you’re not ready for larger pieces.
• Opt for frosted, textured or colored glass to add texture and color to your room.
• Choose pieces that fit in your space and match the style of your home.

Disadvantages of choosing glass furniture

Glass and acrylic require continuous care, as it shows fingerprints and can leave streaks from cleaning products or scratches from tools if they are not used correctly. Dust is another thing that becomes easily visible on transparent surfaces.

Glass can also be risky since it doesn't hide what's under or behind it. Keep that in mind when choosing glass furniture and deciding where you'll pace it. In addition, glass can feel cold and impersonal. Combining it with other finishes and textures adds softness and comfort to any interior.

Cleaning and care of glass furniture

When dealing with glass furniture, it is important to avoid creating scratches, so they don't break that transparent effect. Use a table cloth or placemats to prevent scratching and chipping in large, commonly used glass pieces such as kitchen or dining room tables.

Use glass cleaner and a soft cloth to clean your furniture and prevent streaking. Remember to clean up any spills to avoid water marks or discolorations. Transparent pieces work best when they are clean and polished.

Glass furniture in Planner 5D

If you want to implement glass in your interior design but need help figuring out where to start, head to Planner 5D. Our catalog offers many choices of glass furniture and decor. Try it today and see how this new trend fits into your home.