Glass tables

Recently, glass furniture is gaining popularity. Transparent tables and chairs bring notes of elegance, lightness and grace to the interior. Even being large, glass products do not visually clutter up the space. Today, the leaders in sales among glass furniture are tables.

The advantages of glass tables include the following:

• Practicality. Glassware is easy to clean.
• Hygiene. The material is resistant to moisture, temperature extremes, pollution, therefore it is not susceptible to decay, mold and insects.
• Beauty and aesthetic appearance.
• The ability to visually enlarge the room.
• Strength and durability is achieved by hardening.
• Safety and reliability. Glass is an environmentally friendly material for humans, since it does not emit allergens and toxins.
• Versatility. Glass structures can be used in any interior: from the kitchen to the living room and office.

The main reasons that raise doubts when buying glass tables are the following:

• Fear of hitting the edges by yourself or children.
• Fear of breaking the countertop.
• Feeling cold.
• Hand marks on the glass.
• Some people do not like the clatter of dishes on the glass surface.

In fact, many of them can be solved quite simply. In order not to be afraid of hitting, you need to equip the corners and edges with silicone pads. Replace ordinary transparent glass with frosted or tinted glass to create comfort and warmth.

Glass tables can be classified according to several criteria.

Most often, the table is selected according to its functional use, which determines its design.

• Conventional stationary structures popular in any interior. Elite models look great in living rooms. Designer coffee tables made entirely of glass will fit into modern rooms. In children's rooms, preference is given to a modular system, so the desk is either collapsible or attached.
• Sliding tables usually equipped with elements that allow you to change location without much effort. The console version is widely used in living rooms, libraries, offices. The coffee table on wheels is very compact and popular over the years among different segments of the population.
• Folding structures can change their dimensions, both in height and width. They are convenient in small apartments, since they do not take up much space when folded. A sliding glass table is often used in the interior of a small kitchen. The sliding systems of the transformers are simple and allow you to increase the dining area if necessary. Manufacturers offer retractable mechanisms for lengthening the surface and lifting mechanisms for changing the height.

The main, most popular, shapes include rectangular and square, round and oval, triangular and other complex designs. The choice of geometry for the upper part largely depends on the size and capabilities of the room.

Various types of glass are used in the manufacture of tables.

• Tempered undergoes a processing process to increase strength. It is usually clear and colorless.
• Triplex - three-layer glass, between the layers of which a protective film is glued. It provides shockproof properties that prevent fragments from flying apart during impact.
• Matt and toned perform decorative functions.
• Lakobel obtained by adding a dye to molten glass, which guarantees the stability of the shades. As a result, the material has an opaque colored appearance.
• Reinforced are made by fusion of a thin metal mesh, thus providing increased product strength.

Usually tables are not completely glass, but combined. Therefore, they can be divided into groups according to the type of materials used for the underframe and legs.

Artificial rattan options are popular on verandas and loggias. A set is usually purchased that includes a table and chairs. A glass tabletop with a wicker frame looks natural and aesthetically pleasing.

A table on a metal frame with a glass surface is a classic option used in the kitchen, living room, dining room. Steel chrome elements fit perfectly into high-tech, techno, loft interiors. In addition, the metal base allows sliding mechanisms to be built in.

A combined decorative table can include various elements. Marble and forging with glass will add brutality and prestige to the interior. The Scandinavian style allows you to use solid wood or timber as a base and frame. The economical option is laminated chipboard.

In addition to the basic elements, the design of glass tables may include others.

• Double table top. Option with a shelf located at the bottom, when its dimensions coincide with the dimensions of the table surface. The illusion of doubling arises.
• A desktop for a PC can have many shelves and compartments for storing small accessories.
• Single-legged coffee tables are often equipped with an additional base for stability.
• Backlight.
• Decorative fittings.

The shape of the table is determined by the geometry of the table top.

• Rectangular the option is considered the most practical. Such tables can be placed anywhere: in the center, against the wall, in the corner. Models of this shape are especially good for long rooms. A rectangular narrow table can be installed along the wall by matching an extended sofa, chairs or a comfortable bench.
• Square a decorative glass table will fit well into the interior of the living room. In addition, it will look great in a compact kitchen.

• Round glass tables look impressive and stylish, however, this form is considered less practical. Typically, these models are placed in the center, so they need space. An oval table with a glass top can be used on loggias, verandas. However, it should be noted that it is better to use models with three or four legs, since the product on one support is unstable.

• Other complex forms. Modern technologies make it possible to embody the most daring design ideas, so glass tables can be of various shapes, non-standard and unusual. Triangular, star-like, in the form of a waterfall - you can fantasize within the limits of your own income, since the cost of individual orders is high.

The length, width or diameter of the table usually depends on the function of use.

• Dinner. According to the rules, one person sitting at the table should be given a distance of about 60 centimeters. The dining table should accommodate all family members. Based on these two criteria, its dimensions are calculated. For example, for a family of 4-6 people, the standard width of a rectangular table is 90 cm, and the length is from 150 cm. A round table with a diameter of 110 cm can accommodate no more than four people, with an increase in size to 130 cm, six will sit down.

• Magazine. Small tables are not limited by size, as they are usually made to order. As a standard, their dimensions do not exceed one meter.

• Workers. Standard sizes range from 65 to 90 cm wide and 90 to 150 cm long. The height of the working area is regulated by standards and is selected depending on height and age.

The thickness of the worktop depends on the type of glass. Hardened, as a rule, from 6 mm, triplex - from 8 mm. On average, a quality product reaches 10-12 mm.

Modern technologies make it possible to turn glass from a fragile material into a sufficiently strong, reliable and safe one.

Tempered silicate glass tables have the following characteristics:

• Impact resistance - withstands a load of more than 100 kg.
• Heat resistance - resistance to heating up to 300 degrees Celsius.

Popular material is considered triplex, which is a three-layer glass with a protective film as an interlayer. This ensures safety, since fragments do not fly away when broken.

An interesting method of obtaining material Lacobel... In fact, this is a dyeing method, the peculiarity of which is the addition of a dye to hot liquid glass. Experts assure that this improves color fastness, while you can get unusual colors. The material obtained by this method is opaque.

For the manufacture of transparent tables, there are analogues that are widely used by manufacturers. For example, plastic glass, in particular its varieties plexiglass and acrylic.

Plexiglass surfaces have a soft structure, therefore they are quickly scratched, covered with chips and bald spots from hot objects. But their cost is available to anyone.

Acrylic is a polymeric plastic material with low thermal conductivity. The main difference between acrylic glass and organic glass is better wear resistance and lightness. Products do not fade or deform.

Silicone It is widely used when working with glass and performs mainly protective functions. If the design of the table involves any closing elements, then limiters are installed from it. The silicone frame of the frameless table top will protect the owner from impacts and the product from chips.

Another option for decorative material is satin glass... It is obtained by chemical etching of a smooth surface with special compounds of substances. Designers love such glass for its satin texture, users - for its resistance to mechanical stress, lack of prints.

Manufacturing not only tables, but also chairs from bent silicate material. As a rule, a thick protective coating is used in their manufacture. Any of the options described is additionally reinforced with a metal mesh to enhance strength.

When choosing the color of the table, one should proceed from the general concept of the room. Usually black, white and transparent are the classic options.

Modern styles, such as art deco and avant-garde, use the entire color palette: red and yellow, purple and bright orange, harmoniously combined or defiantly accentuate attention in a monochrome interior.

Modest pastel shades are typical for Provence. The beige or lilac color of the countertop, framed with gilded, copper or brass elements, will look sophisticated and sophisticated.

A massive coffee table with a frame and legs made of wenge wood will give the living room a respectable look. The brown color of the tempered tinted glass top will accentuate the elegance.

When choosing a material for a glass tabletop, it should be borne in mind that matte always looks a little greenish, since this is due to the peculiarities of production. If the goal is to reduce the level of transparency, then it is better to choose a toned one.

The latest technologies allow not only to make glass durable and reliable, but also increase the options for finishing products.

In addition to the already described and widely used methods of matting and toning, various types of spraying, figured cutting, the use of airbrushing, satin finishing, options with photo printing are used.

Avant-garde artists decorate tables with stained-glass windows or crash elements with the effect of broken glass.

Manufacturers offer original tables made of crystal, crocodile leather or eco-leather.

Products with decoration in a space style are popular, where frosted glass and transparent, colored and tinted glass vary. These models are easily combined with lighting and chrome legs.

Fancy colored elements with gloss are popular in modern cafes and small restaurants.

In the reception rooms of respectable institutions, in the offices of ministers and directors, a lacquered table made of valuable wood with a table top made of thick armored glass with dark tint will take pride of place.

In the interior of the Scandinavian style with elements of castle architecture, glass tables with forged legs or a log base will look great.

In addition to well-known styles, designers create unique creative tables that cannot be clearly attributed to any of them.

The choice of a glass table depends on the overall style of the interior.

• Traditional classic requires, together with glass, the use of valuable wood, carved stone and forging. For example, items with gilded bronze edging are typical of Rococo.
• Gothic the black color of the countertop is suitable. Wooden chairs will fit neatly into dining areas or classic-style cabinets.

• They "love" glass products very much hi-tech and techno... Typical options have a chrome base and glass top. Additional decorative elements are usually made of aluminum, backlighting is actively used. The table can be supplemented with chairs made of plexiglass on a metal frame.

• Style loft assumes a minimum of detail. Moreover, the glass tabletop can lie on a stone base, or be located on legs made of pipes.

• Veranda style provence will decorate a table with a matte surface and wrought iron legs. The sleek styling features similar backrests and soft seat upholstery.

• Aged or roughly finished wood is suitable for glass furniture country... In addition, the wicker underframe will laconically fit into the rustic style. Italian designers skillfully combine glass with leather.

• Modern directions avant-garde, art deco, pop art glass of bright shades of varying degrees of darkening is widely used in the frame of gold, bronze and copper elements. Fans of these styles decorate countertops with photo prints and images obtained for triplex.

• Oriental the style combines glass with a metal base in the form of birds and animals, both real and mythical.

Italy has been famous for its master glassmakers since ancient times. Now the most famous Italian manufacturers Fiam and Tonelli produce tables and chairs made of extra-class glass. Some models are unique, they fascinate with the plasticity of the edges and the play of light. The cost of the products is high, but it is justified by the exclusive quality.

There are more affordable brands on the market, such as Calligaris and Cattelan. They are known for extendable, folding and bar tables, which are characterized by high quality workmanship and a variety of design ideas.

China is one of the largest producers of glass, including sheet glass. US, India, Russia, and the Middle East are on the buyer's lists. Western European furniture makers use Chinese glass in large quantities. Manufacturers from China have kept the price of glass tables to a minimum at a fairly normal level of quality.

Turkish glass has been popular all over the world for a long time. In the modern market, Turkey is the main supplier of patterned glass, and faceted mirrors are characterized by a special filigree processing. The country imports not only raw materials, but also glass products to the Middle East and the European market. Separate coffee, tea and coffee tables, as well as sets with chairs from Turkey are in the middle of the price range of similar products.

In Russia, the production of glass furniture is just beginning to develop. However, over the past 10 years, the quality has reached a certain level. When buying standard models of glass tables, you can already focus on the Russian market.

When buying a glass table, you must follow the advice of experts so as not to be disappointed later.

• Safety is one of the main criteria. At the time of purchase, it is important to evaluate the appearance in order to exclude chips, internal bubbles and voids, cracks. The edges must be sanded, embedded in the frame or covered with an insulating silicone layer. It is better to give preference to products made of reinforced and tempered glass or triplex.
• The underframe must have a high degree of stability. Professionals advise choosing models with non-removable legs, since the design with them is more reliable.

• The thickness of the table is selected depending on the conditions of use. TV furniture and any other furniture that requires heavy objects to be placed on it must have a table top with a thickness of at least 10 mm. Coffee and decorative tables for the living room or in the hall are equipped with a glass surface from 6 to 8 mm. Consoles for the bedroom or work tables in the office are made of glass over 8-9 mm.
• For small apartments, you should consider options for transforming tables.
• When choosing a dining table, it is advisable to consider options that will accommodate all family members.
• Gloss isn't for everyone. It is more practical to use matte finishes as handprints, streaks and other dirt are less noticeable on them.

The rules for caring for glass furniture are simple. If they are performed regularly and the products are operated with care, the service life will be long.

Primary requirements.

• Wipe the glass regularly with any window cleaner.
• Use special napkins. For example, for auto glass.
• Polishing should be carried out at least once every six months for prophylaxis.
• It is better to put bamboo coasters or rugs under the plates.
• Dropping metal appliances on a glass tabletop is contraindicated.
• If cracks appear, the table must be returned for repair, as they can "creep" over the entire surface.

If the glass table is located in a brightly lit area, for example, near a window, then get ready for constant rubbing of the table top, since all stains and streaks will be clearly visible.

When serving, use different coasters and custom rugs to avoid scratches and noise.

All fixings, corners and edges of glass furniture must be carefully sanded and covered with special protective covers. This will save the owners from damage, and the products from chips and cracks.

If the slightest cracks appear on the glass, immediately contact the workshops for removal.

Scratches on the plexiglass can be sanded with fine sandpaper.

Glass is a spectacular material that reflects light depending on the processing. Airiness, weightlessness is inherent in models made of transparent glass. They visually make the surrounding space lighter. Opaque tables are more solid, which allows you to achieve a solemn atmosphere.

The versatility of glass is absolute, since there is not a single style in the interior in which it could not be used. Styles define the material and how the underframe and chairs are made.

With a standard table with a glass top and shelf underneath, you can easily change the style.

• Covering it with a decorative napkin and arranging seashells, sea stones, products from "pearl" beads, we get a marine design.
• A floral or fruity composition will add a rustic flavor.
• Handmade velvet napkins embroidered in gold, figurines of mythical animals - and the table will turn into an element of the oriental interior.

Glass tables for the kitchen: 59 elegant examples, see the following video