Written by Administrator | 06 August 2008

The utilisation of Glass blocks in interior design will be guaranteed to give any space a unique and stylish feel.Glass blocks can be used to maximise the impression of space and create an airy, open feel in the most cosy of areas by allowing natural light to flood in bathing the roomwith a warming and natural light source. This also gives a modern and impressionistic vibe in the most unlikely of places and will transform a dull, familiar space by rejuvenating and lightening the mood.

The greatest and most obvious property and asset of glass is its transparency. When considering a room you use in the morning for example the use of glass in east facing scenarios allows natural sunlight to illuminate the space and sweep through the room creating warmth. This has the added advantage of potentially reducing lighting requirements and costs during periods when you can use an eco-friendly natural resource as an alternative to artificial light sources.

The use of coloured glass in order to subtly complement the colour schemes will revolutionise the way your space appears without feeling overbearing and can allow the use of bold colours in small spaces without feeling constrictive and claustrophobic in the same way those vast expanses of paint, papering or hangings can. Mosaic and complementary colours can be used as expression of yourindividual artistic side and give the opportunity to customise any space using a medium that is inherently more subtle and delicate.

Another consideration when designing with this medium is the use of coloured glass to cast colour onto white or palewalls being aware that as the light changes through the day the colours through the glass playing on the walls will subtly alter giving different feel and moods to different times of day giving an ambient lighting effect. This is worth bearing in mind when considering the effect of colour spectrums meshing in any situation or placement.

One of the inherent properties of glass are its fantastic insulation and heat retention abilities which should be borne in mind and can be used as a way of lowering heating costs as a practical consideration in the design of any space. Yet again another green property that sets glass apart in an age increasingly concerned with environmental concerns.

Thus far the focus has been on the myriad spectrum of hues and shades available. Understandably when incorporating anything into a design this may be the first consideration; however another factor is size and shape.Like any design element there is no proscribed need to use uniform sized glass blocks, the use of mismatched sizing can create a more surreal or rustic effect depending on the placement and arrangement. The space used for the glass blocks is another shape to play with artistically and can be customised in a multitude of ways.

Remember with glass compared to other wall design opportunities and space creation techniques you can work in three dimensions not just one; giving limitless possibilities and potential for the use of glass blocks in any design space.

By: Sarah Malter