Laminated glass is one of the most popular products on the market—and for good reason. With its superior strength, variety of thicknesses and layers, and endless decorative options, laminated glass is the perfect choice for safety-first and decorative uses in all kinds of commercial and domestic applications.

That said, laminated safety glass isn’t for everyone. To help you decide whether this type of glass product is best for your project, we’ve put together a short guide. Read on as we explain what is laminated glass and some of the key features, including when to use it and how it differs from toughened glass.

How is laminated glass made?

Laminated glass is made by adhering two or more regular sheets of glass with a flexible PVB (polyvinyl butyl) interlayer. This is achieved by a heating and bonding process that conjoins the different layers to form a single glass sheet.

The main benefit of this type of glass is its strength. It is widely used for safety and security purposes, to the point where you’ll often hear it referred to as “laminated safety glass”. Because of the VB layers bonded to the glass, if the glass is somehow broken, it will still hold in place. As an added bonus, the PVB interlayer makes the glass hard to breach, even when broken.

At our glass processing plant in Portsmouth, we create laminated glass sheets using either PVB or EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) as the interlayer. Our technicians heat and compress the layers with a specialist machine that bonds the glass to the PVB or EVA—like a sandwich that turns into a toastie.

The beauty of this process is that it works for a variety of glass thicknesses and layers. This means we can create laminated glass for all kinds of applications, from glass partition walls and balustrades to glass staircases and floors.

How does it differ from toughened glass?

Laminated and toughened glass are both popular choices for safety. Both can be cut, shaped, and drilled (prior to toughening) to suit all kinds of safety-first applications. But toughened glass is processed differently, and as such, it behaves differently when broken.

Toughened safety glass is heat-treated not only for strength, but to ensure that, if broken, the glass shatters into extremely small pieces. UK safety standards for toughened glass dictate that the glass should break into parts no more than 5mm wide. This ensures that the small parts do not cause serious injury, unlike large shards.

Laminated safety glass is just as robust as toughened glass. However, it does not have to undergo a “toughening” process in the manufacturing stage. Instead, the PVB interlayer bonds the glass together, holding the panel in place when broken and preventing serious injury.

Laminated and toughened glass can also be combined for a maximum-strength panel. At abc Glass, we do this by laminating the glass “sandwich” in the normal way, but also using toughened safety glass either side of the PVB.

Popular uses for laminated safety glass

The process of laminating glass has been widely used for safety applications ever since Henry Ford started adding it to Ford car windscreens in 1919. Nowadays, laminated windscreens are standard fitment for vehicles all over the world.

As for domestic or commercial design uses, laminated glass crops up in virtually every application where safety is a priority: balustrades for balconies, swimming pools, and staircases; glass flooring; glass stair treads; glass canopies; glass partition walls; and windows and security doors. This is a testament not only to the strength of this product, but also its versatility.

Decorative mesh glass

Laminating glass with coloured, fabric or mesh interlayers also offers designers a chance to get creative. Coloured glass (usually blue, green, or grey) is popular with colour added either by using coloured glass panels or by adding a tinted PVB layer. We often recommend the latter, as a coloured interlayer provides many more colour and tint options than a regular glass panel.

Designers can also use frosting or sandblasting for a decorative effect. This comes in the form of a sandblasted PVB interlayer, which creates a layer of privacy in spaces such as bathrooms, private offices, or hallways.

Taking the decorative laminated glass theme further, our technicians can also add decorative mesh or fabric interlayers to accommodate an almost unlimited range of striking effects. This can take the form of swirling patterns, geometric shapes, nature-like textures, and more. This relatively new product allows designers to use glass panels to striking effect. Wall cladding, shower screens and glass partitions are just a few of the possible applications for this exciting product.

If you’re thinking about using laminated safety glass for your next project, abc Glass can help. We specialise in cutting and shaping custom laminated glass panels to suit all kinds of spaces, from glass balconies and floors to glass doors and partition walls. We also offer a decorated laminated glass service, with many patterns and textures to choose from.

For any questions about our laminated safety glass products, as well as pricing and delivery, please get in touch via phone or email.

With springtime officially here, many of us are already spending quality time in the garden. If you’re looking to jazz up your outdoor space, why not look beyond the usual garden design options (furniture, fire pits etc.) and invest in a garden mirror?

There are several great reasons to install garden mirrors, as this article will lay out. But tread carefully – with glass, some safety and practical considerations must also be followed. We hope you find some use in our quick summary of the benefits of garden mirrors and the practicalities to bear in mind.

Why put a mirror in your garden?

The main reason to install a garden mirror is to make an impact – whether perspective-wise or as a design statement. Most obviously, a garden mirror creates an obvious focal point to your outdoor space. It can help shift the perspective by making the garden look bigger and flooding the space with light. Take flower beds – by putting a large mirror on a wall behind the bedding, you can in one stroke “double” the amount of plants and flowers in your garden.

This doubling up is a similar trick to one used indoors by interior designers, usually to make a small room appear twice the size or to increase brightness in a space. Likewise, outdoors mirrors tend to work best in smaller spaces such as shaded courtyards or compact gardens.

If your garden is saddled with large bland walls, a mirror can offer an instant remedy. For example, you can instantly transform any gloomy corner by using a mirror to reflect planting and colour from another part of the garden, a mirror. It helps to go big – full-height mirrors applied to a garden wall can create the illusion of a “secret garden” behind the wall.

With any garden mirror, the framed vs unframed debate has no definitive answer. It all depends on your preferences. Generally, frameless glass lends itself to a “modern” style garden, especially when hung as a wall-mounted garden mirror. By contrast, framed mirrors lend more naturally to traditional garden stylings – but it is by no means a hard rule.

A few practical tips and safety advice for using garden mirrors

When using glass in the garden, certain rules must be followed that do not apply indoors. The first relates to direct sunlight: Do not place your garden mirror in direct sun. Reflected light and heat may present a fire hazard, particularly in summer.

Also be mindful of any children playing near the glass. A stray cricket ball, rock, or arrow can potentially crack or even shatter a garden mirror. At abc Glass, we can produce toughened garden mirror glass in our on-site toughening furnace, but inferior products may not stand up to abuse. As a rule, therefore, it is best to keep mirrors away from children’s play areas.

It’s not just children that can affect the placement of garden mirrors. Birds are another potential accident waiting to happen. Refrain from placing mirrors high up in your garden, as this may interrupt the flight path of our avian friends.

How abc Glass can help you

If you want to get creative with garden mirrors, you are in the right place. abc Glass can produce virtually any shape of unframed mirrored glass to suit your exact dimensions. While we do not sell garden mirrors “off the peg”, our experts can easily craft mirrored glass for use in a garden. We specialise in both machine and hand-cut techniques, as this video showcases.

We can also help you fashion upcycled garden mirrors from old windows or picture frames with a made to measure mirror – call it a “bring your own frame” service!

We also offer antique-style mirror glass with a neat and safe polished edge. Its surface boasts a lovely warm, distressed effect that creates a beautiful reflection at night when your garden lights are turned on.

For questions about abc Glass’s glass processing services for garden mirrors, please reach out via the contact page. Our experts will help you figure out what kind of service and product is best for you project. We can produce framed or frameless mirrored glass to any specifications from scratch, as well as work to a frame that you already have.

Sandblasted (or frosted) glass is one of the most reliably popular glass types in the commercial design realm. It offers commercial interior designers the chance to get creative and make a real impact through glass, whether in a hotel, office, spa, retail spaces, or any other public venue.

In this article, we’ll list some of the many artistic and creative touches made possible by sandblasted glass panels. Whether you’re looking to convey a message with a frosted glass sign or add a layer of privacy to a glass-enclosed space, sandblasting offers a stylish and cost-effective solution.

What is sandblasting?

Sandblasting involves adding a “frosted finish” to a standard, toughened, or fire-resistant glass panel. The process works by firing sand particles at the surface of the glass to roughen the surface, creating an opaque frosted finish. The more passes made using the sandblaster, the more frosted the glass becomes. By masking off areas of the glass it is possible to create patterns, add logos or text to the glass, giving a wide range of design possibilities.

Next, the sandblasted glass is treated with ClearShield, a special polymeric coating. This helps protect the frosted glass from finger marks and dirt. As a rule, we always recommend a ClearShield coating. Unlike frosted window films, which consist of a self-adhesive film applied to the glass, sandblasting is permanent, weather proof and will not wear.

As you’d expect, the transparency of sandblasted glass varies widely depending on how it’s processed. When looking through a lightly frosted panels, it should still be possible to see through the glass and make out colours and shapes. At the other end other scale, a strongly sandblasted panel effectively blocks out any view through the glass, with only bright light visible.

For commercial use, there are three main types of frosted glass:

Frosted glass signs – Ideal for corporate or commercial spaces where a company logo or branding must be displayed. Instead of fully sandblasting the glass, our technicians mask off parts of the glass to allow lettering and graphics to be permanently etched into the panel – otherwise known as partial sandblasting.

Patterned sandblasted glass – This adds a decorative touch to otherwise-boring glass office partitions and balustrades. Using patterns or motifs, we can customize your frosted glass to suit the mood or function of the space. Again, this is achieved by masking off the glass during the sandblasting process, leaving a striking frosted glass pattern.

Fully sandblasted glass – A belt-and-braces option for spaces that demand privacy, such as meeting rooms, but also require a good amount of light. Full sandblasting is also advised for glass floors and stairs, as it provides modesty while allowing light to penetrate below.

Frosted glass is just one example of the combination of human craft and technological wizardry that we use every day in our Portsmouth glass processing HQ. If you have any questions about our glass frosting service, or indeed any other glass processing service or glass products, please contact us

Have you taken a close look at a clear glass panel recently? Probably not. After all, standard clear glass is a perfectly good option for most interior design applications. However, for those seeking perfection, an even clearer type of glass awaits: low iron glass.

Low iron glass is the clearest type of glass available to designers. But what exactly is the difference between standard clear glass and low iron glass? As politicians are fond of saying, let us be crystal clear…

Low iron glass vs. standard glass – what’s the difference?

Put simply, low iron glass is another way of saying “ultra-clear glass.” As the name suggests, it has a much lower iron content than standard glass, which carries a slight green tint. This contrast is best seen when comparing the two types of glass side by side – a subtle difference, but an important one, as we’ll explain in a bit.

To create ultra-clear glass sheets, technicians use a few scientific tricks. The key is to use a glass formula containing an extremely low iron content, combined with a ferric oxide content of just 0.01%. This results in a beautifully clear, neutral-coloured glass with clearer edges and more natural light able to pass through.

Much more minimalism

Low iron glass is a popular chose for designers seeking a highly minimalist look. With its pure, ultra-clear glass sheen, the glass is perfect for all manner of domestic and commercial applications. A prime example is back painted glass – by using crystal clear glass instead of the standard version, the painted colour shows off its true tone and character without interference from the slight green tint of iron.

Frameless shower enclosures are another space suited to low iron glass. The greater transparency helps show off your chosen tiles or feature wall with an unaffected view. The same goes for many other products we’ve highlighted in this blog recently: glass table tops, glass shelves, glass floors and stairs, glass balustrades, glass partitions, and interior glass doors.

As a bonus, low iron glass can be toughened and laminated in exactly the same way as standard glass. This offers the best of both worlds: the peace of mind of EN 14449 “safety glass” combined with a luxury, minimalist appeal.

As a premium product, ultra-clear glass comes in at a higher price point than standard clear glass. The manufacturing process is more complex and expensive, as it requires meticulous removal of most of the iron content from every glass sheet. If you’re thinking about ordering low iron glass for your next project, make sure to weigh the cost factor against your desired level of luxury and minimalism.

At abc Glass, we are always happy to field questions about our ultra-clear glass products. If you have any questions over cost, lead time, or the manufacturing process itself, please reach out to our team via phone or email. Our experts will guide you through the process of using low iron glass in a domestic or commercial setting, ensuring that you get value for money.

Are you looking to freshen up your interior with just a single piece of furniture? If so, glass table tops are an ingeniously simple way to add sparkle to a living room, dining room, or bedroom. And with bespoke sizes, shapes, and finishes on offer, abc Glass’s glass table tops service is the smartest route to a sleek, stylish, and robust piece of furniture.

Why should I invest in a glass table top?

The first and most obvious benefit of a glass table top is resilience. As a material, toughened glass offers an extremely high level of protection against impact damage and scratches. It is also stain-resistant – no more frantic cleaning up after spilt wine or food.

Aside from preventing scratches and stains, glass table tops offer a hygienic surface that is quick and easy to clean. This is good news if, like us, your awareness of surface hygiene has been sharpened as a result of Covid-19. For glass table tops, simply wipe down the surface with a microfibre cloth and the occasional spray of glass cleaner.

Looks are important, too. By their nature, glass table tops are remarkably thin – this means a sleek, modern appearance that trumps any wood or marble counter. As for the exact thickness, we recommend 12mm for small glass tables (by “small” we mean glass coffee tables and glass side tables up to 1000x1000mm.) Larger glass tables, such as dining tables, are best manufactured in a thickness between 15mm and 19mm.

And there’s more: Glass table tops can be tinted to protect against UV damage – handy for tables near a window that basks in plenty of sunlight throughout the day.

What is a table top protector?

A table top protector is a simple sheet of toughened glass, usually 4-6mm in thickness. It sits directly on top of a table or cabinet top to protect the surface from impact damage, scratches, and liquid spills. Just like a regular glass table top, glass protectors can be tinted to offer protection against harmful UV rays.

The material of your table doesn’t matter: Whether made from wood, marble, or another delicate material, any table or cabinet can be fortified with a glass table top protector. The glass sheet offers the exact same advantages of a regular glass table top – attractive, easy to clean, and resilient.

Another word on size – the thinnest glass table top protector, at 4mm, is only offered for glass sheets up to 1000x1000mm in size. For anything larger, the thickness can go up to 6mm.

Does abc Glass offer bespoke sizes, shapes, and finishes?

Of course! Our technicians specialize in precise cutting and shaping of glass to meet virtually any dimensions. For glass table tops and glass protectors, we use advanced CNC and waterjet technology to cut and shape a glass sheet. We can also add holes and cut-outs to accommodate fixings. As standard, the edges of the glass are polished to result in a neat, safe, and attractive finish. We offer square and radius corners, as well as an optional beveled edge.

As for the glass table top options, we offer four styles:

Standard clear – our basic, most commonly-used glass sheet
Ultra-clear – a low-iron glass that gives an exceptionally clear appearance without the slight green tint found in standard clear glass
Grey tinted – perfect for glass table top protectors, as UV rays are blocked out
Frosted – a classic sandblasted effect

What abc provides (and what we don’t provide…)

We offer brand new and replacement glass table tops and glass table/cabinet top protectors. For table tops, we only supply the bespoke glass top piece; we do not supply other table fixtures such as the legs, feet, or skirt.

If a glass table top or protector sounds up your street, get in touch with abc Glass. We offer 25+ years of experience in producing high-quality glass sheets for tables and table top protectors. Our friendly staff will be happy to answer any questions about glass table tops, or indeed any of our glass products.

In interior design, a lack of space can prove as big a challenge as a tight budget. However, unlike the latter, there are several creative ways to get around a shortage of square feet – the easiest of which is to install a few well-placed mirrors.

As well as expanding the sense of space, mirrors dramatically increase the light levels in a room. And even in this age of phone cameras and selfies, bathroom and bedroom mirrors remain the only serious way to check your appearance.

While home retailers and furniture stores are great places to find “off the peg” mirrors, bespoke options are worth considering. At abc Glass, we specialise in cutting mirrors to size for a made-to-measure design.

So, where to start? With dozens of different mirror styles on the market, it helps to know what kind of mirrors work best in what spaces. In this blog, we’ll run through some of the most effective ways to use mirrors to increase light and space.

Large wall mirrors

Sometimes the simplest option works best. Large wall mirrors are a quick and cost-effective way to make a living room or bedroom seem bigger and brighter. Requiring no installation, they can be simply hung or lent against a wall, serving as a statement piece of furniture.

By adding a frame, you can tailor the mirror to the style of any room. In a period bathroom, for example, an ornate mirror frame is the perfect counterpart to a traditional bathtub with Edwardian-style brass or chrome taps. There’s no better way to boost the authenticity of the room’s style while adding extra space and light.

Splashbacks

No two splashbacks are exactly alike – especially when mirrored. A bespoke mirrored splashback can add depth and light to your bathroom or kitchen. This is in stark contrast to frosted glass splashbacks or wall tiles, which, although great to look at, lack the multi-purpose benefits of a mirror.

What’s more, mirrored splashbacks are often cheaper and simpler to install than wall tiles. In bathrooms, they can be used against a bath panel to reflect the floor tiles and create the sensation of more space. Another trick is to install them around a bathtub on multiple walls.

Wall cladding

Wall cladding instantly “doubles” the size of a room, no matter how small the space. Cloakrooms are the classic example, with half-tiled, half-mirrored walls proving a popular style in contemporary homes. But you can also apply wall cladding to awkward areas like alcoves and hallways to create the illusion of a long corridor.

If possible, consider cladding two walls or more – nothing beats the radical feeling of space with multiple reflections.

Mirrored doors

Like any glass product that can be cut and shaped, mirrors offer incredible versatility for designers. Take our bespoke mirror service – we can create a customized mirror to fit almost any door, wardrobe, cabinet, or vanity unit in your home.

What better way to add space and light in the bedroom than adding mirrors to a fitted wardrobe door? Just like with a floor-to-ceiling mirrored wall, you’ll be able to instantly check your appearance in its full head-to-toe glory. Mirrored doors are also a great option for vanity units in bathrooms and dressing rooms. Even shower doors can be kitted out with a mirror to squeeze more space from a small bathroom.

Courtyard gardens

It’s not just interiors where mirrors can transform a space. If you’re proud of your garden and want to add a whole new perspective, why not prop a large mirror against a tree, fence, or bench? Another trick is to place mirrored panels on the ground against your borders – this will capture the best of your flowers and plants, making them seem fuller and more lush.

Antique and silver effects

Clear mirrored glass is just one of several options available to designers. Softer, warmer finishes are often more welcome than the sharpness of a standard mirror. We specialise in both modern silver mirrors and antique effect mirrors, which our technicians can cut to virtually any shape or size. This includes cut outs for sockets, handles, and light fittings, depending on your requirements.

To learn more about abc Glass’ made-to-measure mirrors service, feel free to chat with one of our experts. You can contact us via phone or email – we’re always happy to offer advice and tips relating to our glass products and services.

What makes laminated glass such a popular choice for commercial and domestic spaces? Put simply, it comes down to two core features: safety and style.

In this article, we explore what makes laminated glass so robust, and why designers and architects trust it for a wide range of safety applications. We’ll also look at how to add a decorative touch to laminated glass to ensure your interior or exterior space excels on a stylistic level.

Why is laminated glass used for safety applications?

You sometimes hear laminated sheets of glass referred to as “safety glass”. The safety aspect comes from the laminating process used to give the glass structural integrity. When a laminated panel breaks, the glass keeps its shape – whereas standard glass may shatter into hundreds of shards. All laminated glass sold in the UK must meet these requirements, labelled the EN 14449 safety standard.

To understand why laminating gives glass strength, look at its structure. Laminated sheets of glass consist of three or more bonded layers, the most important of which is a plastic inter-layer. This is usually made from polyvinyl butyl (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) layer. At abc Glass, we stock float glass in 4mm to 19mm sizes and this allows us to produce laminated glass in thicknesses to suit projects ranging from internal glazing to laminated glass floors.

What other benefits does laminated glass offer?

Aside from safety, laminated glass offers several key benefits for both domestic and commercial use. The first is protection from solar and UV rays – up to 99%, in fact, compared to just 65% for tempered glass. Second, laminated safety glass is better at blocking out noise, so much so that it’s used on professional recording studios.

Third, there’s the fire-proof aspect of glass when laminated. While not quite as high performing as fire rated glass (which uses a gel interlayer instead of plastic), laminated glass is nonetheless recommended by engineers as “effective… for architects and building occupants.” The fourth advantage is one that will hopefully never be needed: laminated glass is bullet-proof.

Last, but not least, is decorative laminated glass. Our glass technicians can create beautiful patterns of almost any texture and hue, all using modern digital printing methods. We can also add a sandblasted effect to your laminated glass, as well as custom back painting in any RAL colour.

What are the best uses for laminated safety glass?

Balustrades and balconies – We’ve supplied laminated safety glass panels for dozens of clients’ balconies and balustrades. Many opt for frosted or decorative glass for a touch of privacy. No matter the style, laminated glass ensures safety while you enjoy the views.
Internal glass balustrades – It’s not just balconies where laminated safety glass is needed. Internal balustrades, such as those used in staircases and landings, call for robust safety glass.
Glass floors and stairs – Designers can liven up the most mundane floor or staircase area with laminated glass. From spiral glass stair treads to glass balcony floors, glass can be used to bring a wow-facture – so long as you’re not scared of heights.
Interior glass partitions and doors – Last month we explored why glass office partitions are going nowhere after the pandemic ends. Laminated safety glass partitions and doors offer extraordinary strength as well as style – ideal for workspaces as well as the home.
Glass shelves and table tops – These sleek units are commonplace in shopping malls, hotels, and other luxury spaces. But with recent trends towards home bars, glass bathroom counters, and glass table tops, designers of home interiors are starting to jump on the bandwagon. Glass shelving and tops can also be produced from thick toughened safety glass.

To find out more about our laminated safety glass products, or to see how abc Glass can help with your next project, please contact us. Our friendly team is on hand to answer any questions about glass, laminated or otherwise.

The future of office working has never looked so uncertain. According to a recent survey by PWC, less than one in five executives predict a return to the pre-pandemic “five days a week” office schedule. For those who are returning to work, glass office partitions and screens could provide added protection.

This doesn’t mean, however, that offices are no longer important. In the same survey, 87% of employees say the office is “important for collaborating with team members and building relationships”. Most workers will still want to come into the office – just not as regularly as before.

The upshot is that designers and office managers need to think hard about how offices will look post-Covid. With fewer bums on seats (or office chairs), there is now an opportunity to re-imagine how space is used in the office.

One office design trend we can predict with confidence is glass partitions. In this article, we’ll explain why glass office partitions are here to stay, and how offices can best adapt to the “new normal”.

Moveable glass partitions

In the post-Covid office, flexibility is king. Companies that embrace moveable glass partitions will find it easier to re-zone their office space to suit new working patterns. These “walls-on-wheels” offer the same style and professional sheen of regular glass office partitions, while allowing you to shrink, expand, or modify your office space as you see fit.

Movable glass walls offer all kinds of options for office zoning. You can quickly create an impromptu interview room, or even a large conference area. Managers can assign small or large teams to “pop-up” meeting rooms, fostering teamwork and face-to-face communication.

When not in use, moveable glass walls can simply be stacked and put to one side. It really is that simple!

Frosted glass walls

Hot-desking, as well as subleasing of extra office space, are just two ways that companies can save money and find efficiencies post-pandemic. For the latter option, you’ll need an opaque divide between one group and another.

This is where frosted glass partitions come into their own. Sandblasted or frosted glass is a stylish way to achieve privacy in the office. Frosted glass walls are ideal for meeting rooms and other suitable spaces. You can even augment the frosted glass with lettering, graphics, and other patterns.

As a bonus, abc Glass can apply a RITEC ClearShield coating to your frosted glass office partitions. This will prevent any build-up of fingerprints, smudges, water marks on the glass surface.

Screens and full-height glass partitions

With scientists warning of several more years of social distancing, office managers need to be realistic. While open plan offices will remain popular, they are not easily adaptable to Covid safety rules.

There are two ways around this problem. The first is to install glass screens between workspaces. Clear, frameless glass screens made from toughened safety glass can ensure compliance with the 6ft rule without blocking light or sightlines.

The second trick is to use full-height glass partitions. These can be fixed or moveable – either way, the goal is to create a fool-proof barrier between desks and workspaces. What’s more, abc Glass can create cut-outs in the glass to allow for hinges, door handles, and fittings.

If you’re a designer or office manager needing glass office partitions, get in touch. Our expert team will happily answer any questions you may have about glass partitions for offices and guide you through our glass processing services.

Nothing turns heads quite like a beautiful, azure-blue swimming pool. Whether at home or on holiday, an outdoor pool offers the ideal place to rest, play, and even exercise.

But a swimming pool without a surrounding balustrade is not quite complete. Glass swimming pool fencing can to jazz up your pool space while adding a much-needed layer of safety. In this article, we’ll explain why glass is by far the best material for swimming pool fencing, and how designers can use glass fencing to bring out the very best in an outdoor space.

1. Safe and secure

When water is involved, safety must be the number-one priority. Glass swimming pool fencing provides a safe, robust border for your pool area. It greatly reduces the risk of injuries by preventing unsafe access to the water – especially from children.

Modern glass fencing consists of toughened or laminated glass panels fixed to the floor only or joined by patch fittings and newel posts. It’s no different to the safety-first design of glass balustrades, balconies, and staircases.

2. Uninterrupted views

Visibility is a key advantage of glass fencing over wood or metal alternatives. Crystal-clear glass panels offer uninterrupted views of your entire outdoor space. This is especially welcome around a swimming pool area: Why hide your shimmering, luxurious pool behind opaque barriers?

To achieve even fewer sight obstructions, designers can opt for frameless glass swimming pool fencing. This stripped-down look allows for a seamless glass fencing design, with no metal components to get in the way (except for at the base).

3. Multiple glass finishes

Modern glass processing techniques allow for all kinds of creative finishes and decorations. This allows for an added layer of privacy while enjoying the the outdoor pool. The most popular finishes are frosted or tinted glass panels, implemented as part of the glass laminating process.

Adventurous designers can opt for dozens of decorative glass patterns, from vibrant textures to cool veins. Back painted glass, meanwhile, comes with of hundreds of RAL colours to choose from.

4. Little-to-no upkeep

Maintenance is always a factor when selecting materials for a design project. Fortunately, glass swimming pool fencing fencing requires very little upkeep versus wood or metal. Glass is unaffected by wet conditions, is resilient against the elements, and requires no painting or protective coatings.

Best of all, glass fencing panels are remarkably easy to clean. Just use a basic glass cleaner spray and cloth – no specialist products required. And for added protection and convenience, the glass can be coated with a water repellent coating that helps to keep it clean and free from water marks and calcium deposits.

5. Any size or specification

Glass balustrades aren’t an “off the shelf” solution for protecting a pool. Instead, glass panels can be cut and shaped to fit any kind of bespoke design. This flexibility allows manufacturers to supply glass fencing for all swimming pool dimensions. No matter your preferred height, length, or shape, there’s always an answer.

At abc Glass, for example, we use several CNC and waterjet cutting machines to produce made-to-measure class panels. This includes detailed cut-outs for any components that your design calls for.

Are you considering a glass fencing solution for a swimming pool? If so, abc Glass’s technicians will cater to your exact specifications with robust, stylish glass panels Check out our wide range of glass processing services, or contact us if you have any questions.

Glass has been around for thousands of years. But the way we use glass to enhance our homes, workplaces, and leisure areas has fluctuated along with tastes and fashions. In 2021, savvy designers will once again look to embrace glass for their latest projects. But what are the key glass design trends for the coming year?

At abc Glass, we learn about the latest glass trends simply by looking at our order book. 2021 is set to be a big year for several of our glass processing services, with products such as French doors and glass tabletops making a splash. Read on to see the five biggest glass design trends this year, according to our experts.

1. Glass design trends: Airy glass-door cabinets

If you’re blessed with a pretty crockery collection, why hide it behind opaque cabinet doors? Glass-door cabinets allow homeowners to show off all kinds of style-matched items, from bold coffee mugs to vintage plates. They also lend an airy and open feel to your kitchen, which if nothing else will encourage you to organise your crockery.

Glass-door kitchen larders are another 2021 trend to celebrate. You can fit a surprising amount of shelving in a stand-alone cupboard, whether as a traditional food pantry or an area to store pots and pans.

2. Bringing the outside in

So far, 2021 is proving a far cry from the “back to normal” that many hoped for. Indeed, millions of us of us will still be stuck in the house for months to come – which calls for a rethink of our indoor-outdoor balance. Designers are starting to embrace “biophilic design”, blending inside and out with glass partitions and sliding doors will be one of this years key glass trends.

“Clients continue to request spaces designed in a way that brings the outdoors in and often don’t want there to be a distinction between exterior and interior,” says designer Eilyn Jimenez. This approach that dramatically opens up kitchens, dining rooms, and living rooms, allowing more natural light to pour in. Speaking of which…

3. French doors for a statement entryway

With barn doors on the way out, French doors are being tipped to replace them and this will be another of 2021’s biggest glass trends. French doors are used as both interior doors and patio doors, boasting divided-glass panes from floor to ceiling. While this traditional style is rarely tinkered with, there are in fact many great glass door alternatives you can pick from. Read our guide to getting creative with glass door panels – you’ll soon know the best way to add some glass wow-factor to an entryway.

4. Glass-topped furniture and worktops

One reason for the recent resurgence in glass worktops is their easy-to-clean properties. Bacteria-free surfaces are a must in 2021 (for obvious reasons), and glass can be quickly rubbed down with a simple bacterial cleaner. Glass worktops and tabletops can also be customised with all manner of design effects, such as tinting and etching. With more of us working from home these days, traditional glass-top desks are expected to sell like hot cakes.

5. Audacious decorative glass patterns

Last month, we explored the benefits of decorative laminated glass. It’s a great way of livening up a domestic or commercial space, with a shatter-proof build for added peace of mind. We’ve noticed that designers are more willing these days to embrace bold and eye-catching decorations to inject some vibrancy and personality into a space. From sandblasting to back-painting, abc Glass provides all manner of services to put a colourful spin on any glass panel.

By now you’re hopefully sold on an ambitious glass overhaul for your home or commercial space with our look at 2021’s hottest glass design trends. To kick-start your 2021 interior design project, speak to one of our glass processing experts today.