Glass has come a long way since the early development of glass-making technology. What makes glass unique as a building material among others is its versatile characteristics. It opens endless possibilities in transforming spaces both aesthetically and functionally. As the technology and manufacture of glass continue to advance, its purpose and advantages now go beyond the common application of glazing in architecture to a significant and striking element in interior design. Today, technologies such as digital glass printing has gained popularity and became fundamental in engineering and architecture.
Simply incorporating glass in a building or structure does not make it instantly design-wise. Keep in mind that knowing the features of glass and its advantages and disadvantages should come first. This will enable you and your designers to figure out various creative ways to incorporate glass in the interior space. With that, here are a few benefits of glass in interior design.
Creates an Illusion of Space
Glass material works in the same way as mirrors. It creates an illusion of more space and allows outside features to be a part of the interior design composition. Glass has allowed designers to create and augment spaces that link the outdoors in. Floor to ceiling height glass windows, for example, allow for a smooth transition between interior and exterior spaces. The introduction of new glass technology also makes way for other creative uses as well like glass floors and glass roofs.
Visual Aesthetic
The amount of visual interest that a glass feature can add to a building is undoubtedly impressive. Glass has become popular not just among modern and contemporary themed houses but also in new creative architectural design ventures as well. Glass is also a common design feature in apartments, condo units, and penthouses. It evokes an impression of elegance and sophistication without excessive home décor.
Material and Design Wise
Another benefit of using glass in interior design aside from visual aesthetics, is its properties and resistance against environmental factors. Glass is weather resistant. It is an excellent heat insulator, and it can be modified into different forms, types, and can further be transformed and developed with new and advanced glass technology. Depending on the design concept, glass can provide an integrated solution to a design problem. It can link two different spaces together without the barrier of a wall. A certain type of glass can be a decorative element or can provide visual privacy to a space. While glass is most likely associated with glazing and structural aspects of the room, it doesn’t end there. Glass can also be used as a decorative statement. Whether you want to have a stylish glass partition wall or a small glass coffee table, it can transform the space and pull the overall visual appeal of the interior space harmoniously.
Evokes Openness
The use of glass in interior spaces has leveled up the quality and effectiveness of communal spaces such as workplaces, educational facilities, and commercial establishments. Surprisingly, research shows that interior glass doors have psychological benefits in the workplace that results to work productivity and industrial improvement. As walls are replaced with transparent glass, the space becomes more open and the employees are able to communicate smoothly and interact with each other effectively. Workplaces, as well as educational facilities constantly need to keep improving to adapt to changes. Advancements in work approaches and methodologies wouldn’t be so efficient without the integration of this truly exceptional interior design feature.
Let in more light
Ultimately, it’s not a good design without the inclusion of natural light. And one of the most obvious benefits of glass in interior design is its ability to allow natural light throughout the space. A well-lighted space improves our psychological well-being. It improves our productivity and focus and positively affects our mood. Commonly, an average building spends a significant amount of money on artificial lighting. While artificial lighting is also an integral part of interior space, it’s ideal to find an alternative especially during the daytime to lessen the cost of electricity. This is where the glazing solution comes in. Not only does glass light your interior spaces effectively but it also regulates the heat aided by thermal properties to keep the atmosphere cool and comfortable.
Much has been said about glass and its benefits but as innovations in glass-making and production continue to evolve, this brings out more excitement and unimaginable possibilities in the field of architectural design. The greatest contribution that glass brought to the field of design is its uniqueness in property and appearance that enables designers to modify spaces effectively without the obstruction of a wall. Whether used as a structural element or a design feature, glass indeed changed the landscape of design and will continue to do so.
