When it comes to choosing structural materials for key areas in your home, there’s far more to glass than just ordinary windows.
In addition to looking great in any interior or exterior design scheme, toughened glass has many practical advantages – including the ability to allow a clear view through it and enhance the flow of natural light, all while providing a durable barrier. There are many ways to use glass partitions and other glass elements throughout a property, but here are some of the best ways to use glass balustrades both inside and outside a home or business.
Glass staircases
As balustrades are typically used for safety, installed where there is a change in floor height to prevent tripping and falling from a height, it makes sense that arguably the most popular use for glass balustrades is to replace traditional stair balusters.
Upgrading boring wooden spindles to glass balustrades – either frameless or with a handrail – can completely refresh the staircase and landing area. They can also be fitted anywhere there is a stepped floor or mezzanine.
The glass barriers keep raised areas safe while making them feel more open, thanks to the light flowing through the glass. This vastly improves otherwise dark and narrow staircases, turning them into an impressive design feature.
Glass balconies
Even in urban areas where many properties have limited outside space, or none at all, glass balustrades can help to provide access to the outdoors with a glass balcony. Any modern luxury property without one is missing a trick.
Whether it’s a traditional balcony with a projecting platform, a rooftop terrace, or a ‘Juliet’ balconette, using glass for the balustrades minimises the separation between the interior and nature without compromising on safety.
Glass balustrades are the trendy choice for lining balconies and raised walkways because they cause the least visual obstruction, allowing people to simply enjoy the view with an enthralling sense of experiencing a wide open space.
Glass fencing
It’s less common to see glass balustrades used outside residences, as most people prefer to protect their privacy with opaque barriers around their property. However, the high-end aesthetic of glass balustrades is making this alternative option more fashionable.
While it may be impractical to surround your back garden with glass barriers, you can use them on top of low walls, which are often found in front of properties, to add more height to the barrier without blocking natural light from reaching your windows.
You can also use them to modernise your patio or decking area in your garden instead of the usual wooden railings. Solid glass balustrades are better windbreakers, without making the outdoor seating area feel closed off from the rest of the garden.
If you’re lucky enough to have a swimming pool or pond in your yard, installing glass barriers around them can help to keep pets and small children from wandering too close and falling in, without blocking the view from a distance.
Update your home with glass balustrades
Safe and durable with a clear and bright appearance – what’s not to like about glass balustrades? With a range of hardware and fitting types to choose from, you’re sure to find a stylish glass balustrade system that suits your property.
Whether you use them for your stairs, balcony, or garden deck, glass balustrades can dramatically upgrade the aesthetic of any of these areas, making your modernised home the envy of your family, friends, and neighbours.
Just be sure to check building regulations and safety standards before you get started on your modern home transformation!
Images courtesy of unsplash.com and pexels.com
