Glass shelves on the wall: ideas of designers and application in the interior

Shelves are a simple furniture structure that is convenient for its openness, most often has a small size and is endowed with a responsible function - storing items. Designers have developed a large number of models that, in addition to their direct purpose, are designed to complement the interior. A special place among this type of furniture is occupied by glass shelves on the wall, the practicality and decorativeness of which many have liked.

Glass shelves are a practical piece of furniture, while looking elegant and weightless

Glass shelves in the interior: technologies that contribute to aesthetics and durability

Glass has been used as a material for making furniture for a long time, and its scope is constantly expanding. Such popularity is provided primarily by special physical, technical and aesthetic qualities - strength and varieties of decorative processing methods.

For the manufacture of shelves, triplex, tempered, reinforced and ordinary glass are used.

One of the types of furniture, where glass acts as a material, are shelves... In the interior (the photo clearly demonstrates this), they not only perform the function of decoration, but also serve as a storage place for various items.

Several types of glass are used for the manufacture of glass shelves:

1. Tempered. It is made by heating ordinary glass to 700 ° C and gradually cooling it under a stream of cold air.
2. Triplex. Two (or more) sheets of glass are glued together with a special film.
3. Reinforced. Glass reinforced with metal mesh.
4. Normal (windowed).

As you can see in the photo, glass shelves on the walls in the interior have different shapes and colors. The listed characteristics in each specific case correspond to the general design style. The presence of decorative processing and the ability to make models of shelves of an original shape from glass are important positive qualities of this material.Modern technologies of decorative processing allow obtaining the following types of glass:

Wall shelves made of glass can be of different shapes and colors

• transparent;
• matte;
• tinted;
• frosted;
• corrugated.

By bending, the glass can be given an interesting shape: the sheet is heated to plasticity, then the desired configuration is created. After cooling, the shape is retained. Environmental friendliness, resistance to temperature extremes and moisture make glass an increasingly popular material.

Types of shelf supports for glass shelves

A very important aspect of interior decoration with glass shelves is their correct hanging. Here it is necessary to provide for the dimensions, weight shelves, estimated load and type of fittings. The shelves can be hung in several ways:

• using holders for glass shelves;
• using brackets;
• by means of an aluminum profile;
• using wooden planks.

A quick and convenient way to fix glass shelves - using a wooden strip

The holders are recommended for narrow shelves with light loads. They have two parts: elements for fixing to the wall and parts that directly hold the shelf. There are a lot of types of such accessories - when choosing, you should pay special attention to those parts that will be attached to the wall. Some types are problematic to attach to concrete surfaces.

Important! Holders of this type are suitable for shelves that are no more than 25 cm wide. shelves exceeds 75 cm, two units will not be enough. In this case, the step between the holders should not be more than 45-50 cm.

If the shelf is wide and you intend to store items of significant weight on it, it is better to use brackets for fixing to the wall. Such a support can support large horizontal surfaces. Brackets for glass shelves on the wall can be made of metal and plastic. Holes must be prepared in the glass for attaching to the bracket.

A convenient and inexpensive type of fastening for glass shelves is a profile. It is made of lightweight aluminum. The holes for fixing to the wall in the right place must be made independently (this is completely simple), the glass is inserted into the groove. This type of attachment is also recommended for narrow shelves.

For fixing narrow glass shelves, you can use an aluminum profile

You can fix the shelves with wooden battens. They are pre-cut grooves corresponding to the thickness of the shelf. The slats are attached to the wall by means of fittings, glass is inserted into them. This method is convenient to use when installing shelves between cabinets, in niches, etc.

The Importance of Design of Glass Shelf Mounts

The mounting method also significantly affects the aesthetics of the hinged glass shelves. If a thin transparent glass surface is fixed on coarse holders, then decorativeness will not work - a place will simply be organized for storing certain items.

It is better to hang narrow transparent and frosted glass shelves on the hardware that protrudes minimally in the vertical plane. Holders, in which metal elements are additionally covered with glass, give a special lightness to glass structures. Fasteners for glass shelves should be selected based on the style of the room. If there are forged items in the room, massive metal brackets with monograms look quite appropriate. In domestic premises, these can be plastic console types.

The aluminum profile is suitable for the implementation of a design idea, which involves making the shelf almost weightless. Wooden fixtures are harmonious in rooms where wood is the dominant material.On the walls lined with clapboard, wooden slats can merge with the wall, thereby helping to attract attention only to the objects located on the shelf.

The method of fixing the shelves should not only be reliable, but also look good.

Special care must be taken when selecting fixings for colored glass shelves. It should become a style addition. The main requirements to be followed when choosing a fixture for glass shelves:

• avoid protrusion of fasteners against the background of the general structure (with the exception of decorative brackets and wooden slats);
• choose fasteners, the material of which will retain aesthetics in the conditions of the room where they will be used;
• be sure to follow the general style of the room.

Only if the above recommendations are fulfilled, the glass shelf will complement the interior, and not just function as an additional work surface.

Decoration of any interior: shelves for flowers on the wall

The glass is not affected by fungus, does not swell from moisture and is easy to clean. That is why this material is used to make flower shelves. The minimum glass thickness should not be less than 6 mm if you plan to place pots with a volume of 1 liter or more. Flower shelves can be either "single", that is, designed for one pot, or long or consisting of several tiers. For flower shelves, clear glass is often used. It transmits light as much as possible and allows you to focus on the plant. With the help of glass shelves, you can create true vertical and horizontal wall greenhouses indoors.

If flower pots will be placed on the shelf, then its thickness should be at least 6 mm

Photos of flower shelves presented on the Internet demonstrate both ideas of various shapes and methods of placement. The room is beautifully decorated with triangular shelves, hung in the corner in several tiers. Shelves fixed in an asymmetrical order on a free wall can become an original design solution. The rounded shape of one of the sides, dark glass and the same color of the mount will create an interesting composition.

With the help of glass shelves attached to the window frames, you can not only provide comfortable conditions for flowers, but also create the effect of a "room garden". It is better to install flowering plants on such shelves - then the chance to achieve more decorative design increases. The structures can be arranged in a zigzag manner, have surface bends, protruding parts. The combination of glass and fresh greenery with multi-colored buds, if properly designed, will decorate an interior made in any style.

Useful advice! When hanging glass flower shelves, special attention should be paid to wall mounting. It can weaken from constant load.

Glass shelves in the living room: how not to overload the interior

The living room is a special room. An atmosphere of comfortable solemnity should reign in it, where everything is subordinated to a certain style, carefully selected and is in its place. Despite the wide variety of glass shelves for the living room, they must be selected with care and visualized correctly. Pictures of shelves in catalogs most often show a fragment of a room. In the general interior, a particular model may look completely different.

In the living room on glass shelves you can place a minibar and glasses

Some mistakes made when decorating a living room with glass shelves:

1. Oversaturation. A large amount of glass brings "office" into the room.
2. Diverse lighting in different parts of the room hinder liberation, the creation of a trusting atmosphere.
3. Numerous shelves lined with souvenirs are overkill, testifying to the lack of taste of the owner.

If the walls of the living room have a deep shade, it is recommended to complement the interior with transparent or frosted glass. It is advisable to arrange a separate area of ​​the living room with shelves. Monotonous models hung in several places "cheapen" the interior. If you use different types of shelves in the same room, it is necessary to divide the room into zones and maintain the design features of each of them.

Dark glass will be expressive on matte, pastel walls. Colored glass on the wall of the same shade can become a creative design solution. The apparent "suspension" of objects placed on such shelves visually frees up space. Dark objects with clear outlines, located on transparent shelves against a light background of walls, also have the effect of weightlessness.

It is not recommended to overload glass shelves in the living room with a large number of items.

Shelves for flowers are also appropriate in the living room. Photos of interiors of various styles offer a wide variety of ways to design such hinged glass supports for plants, ranging from simple rectangular shapes to curly structures that envelop the wall protrusions.

Useful advice! When equipping a living room, it should be borne in mind that flowers on glass shelves decorate the interior of such a room to a greater extent than plants on window sills.

Practicality and reasonable minimalism: glass shelves in the bathroom

It is almost impossible to avoid high humidity and water ingress on the bathroom surfaces. It is for this reason that glass is used as a material for decorating a bathroom: it does not warp, does not lose its aesthetics, and does not absorb moisture. Therefore, wiping is sufficient to dry the surface.

Glass shelves are not afraid of high humidity, so they are the best solution for the bathroom

The glass shelves shown in the photo occupy a corner position in the bathroom, they are hung under the mirror, in niches. These are usually narrow structures that do not impede free movement around the room and the use of hygiene items and means. Wide shelves are recommended to be installed in niches where they take up unclaimed space.

Related article:

Corner shelves: how to save space without losing functionality

Materials, varieties and design features. Corner shelves in the living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and hallway. Self-assembly.

The angular arrangement of the shelves can be considered quite rational, but such an arrangement requires compliance with certain safety conditions:

• hanging glass shelves above the bathroom is 120 cm from the floor;
• the shelf above the bathroom should not protrude more than 10 cm above the corner side of the bathroom;
• it is better to raise shelves hung in a free corner (not above the bathroom) above the floor by a distance of 70-80 cm (the average knee level).

Given the slippery surfaces, the above precautions will help keep your bathroom as safe as possible.

Chrome metal is best for fixing bathroom shelves.

When choosing a glass shelf for a bathroom, you should pay special attention to fixings. Better if they are made of chromed metal. Unprotected metal surfaces are subject to active corrosion and significantly spoil the appearance of the shelves. Rational use of plastic shelf supports. A humid environment does not affect its integrity and aesthetics.

Useful advice! When buying bathroom shelves, it is better to choose frosted glass or material with a visual splash effect. On such a surface, the traces of drops are almost invisible.

For multimedia devices only: glass TV shelf

Modern flat-panel TVs are wall-mounted. At the same time, the owners, who care about coziness and comfort, create a favorable interior, decorate the wall, model the composition.Quite often, glass wall shelves are used as interior elements.

The TV body is black in most cases. Glossy surfaces of dark glass shelves work well with it. Their length can either correspond to the width of the TV, or be more or less. Rectangular narrow shelves of regular shape are in harmony with the strict lines of the case.

The TV shelf must be made of thick and durable glass

If you plan to put other devices on the shelf under the TV, it is better to choose thick glass and strong holders as the material. Before hanging such a shelf, it is imperative to determine where the device is connected to the power supply and hide the cords as much as possible. Otherwise, the design will lose its decorative effect. The glass shelf on the wall for the TV can also be made of transparent glass. This option is appropriate if furniture made of other materials, for example, wood, is used to decorate the composition as a whole.

In order for the glass TV shelf to fulfill its decorative and functional purpose, you should not overload it with unnecessary items: all kinds of vases, souvenirs and just random things.

Contrary to popular belief: glass bookshelf

Traditionally, books are kept on shelves. It is convenient, each copy is available, you can read the author and the title on the spine. Shelves can be either separate or combined into racks. Such constructions are more often made of wood; family libraries are tenderly kept on them.

In everyday life, there are always a small number of books that are often used. For example, at work, reading before bed, to get smart thoughts. To store such everyday literature, you can hang glass bookshelves on the wall. They will become an interesting piece of furniture. They are especially relevant for small rooms, since visually they practically do not take up space.

Books can be placed on original glass shelves

The shelf looks much more interesting if the books are arranged vertically on it. Stacked in piles, they evoke the feeling of a temporary stay. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a structure that allows the books to be in a stable position. Photos of glass book shelves posted on the Internet offer several solutions to this problem. The shelf is complemented by a small edge on one side, which becomes a support for books. Glass bending also gives great opportunities. The structure can have a curved shape with smooth flat surfaces, on which, due to the bulges, the stable position of the books will be ensured.

Useful advice! Before buying a glass bookshelf for storing books, be sure to make sure it fits your purpose.

To brighten up the interior: lighting glass shelves

Glass has the unique ability to reflect and refract light. Therefore, one of the methods to achieve greater decorativeness of glass shelves is to highlight them. The most common modern lighting method is the use of an LED strip. The main positive characteristics of this type of lighting are:

• clean, bright light;
• low cost;
• economical energy consumption;
• ease of installation.

You can illuminate glass shelves using LED strip

On the photos proposed by the designers, there are shelves with backlighting in different shades. They create a composition that brings the feeling of a holiday, promotes the manifestation of positive emotions. The LED strip emitting white light will favorably illuminate the dishes placed on the shelf. The neon shelf and light music in the bathroom will create the perfect environment for relaxation.For ease of installation of the backlight, you can use an aluminum profile that has space for placing the tape as a fastening of the shelf to the wall.

Backlit shelves visually enlarge the room and decorate the interior. However, having chosen such a design, you need not overdo it. A large amount of light (and even different shades) can be annoying. Overly bright backlighting, which is most unacceptable if the shelf is at eye level, can also be a problem.

An interesting addition to the interior is the illuminated glass shelves made with spotlights. Most often, shelves located in niches and cabinets are decorated in this way. The vertically directed luminous flux draws attention to objects located on the glass and acts as a soft night lamp.

Lightening cabinet furniture: glass shelves in the cabinet

Glass is organically combined with other materials. In furniture catalogs, you can often see shelves with glass in wooden products. It can be used as a decoration, or it can be a surface that carries the main load. These options look light, stylish and modern.

Cabinets with glass shelves and a mirror on the back wall visually expand the space

Thick glass is used - from 10 mm. If wood with a preserved natural structure is used, the glass is preferable transparent or frosted. Dark glass is in harmony with gloss laminated wood materials. Such shelves are attached to the wall with wooden parts, which makes the shelves invisible. The glass is inserted into a groove in the wood.

Glass shelves are also used in the manufacture of cabinets. Depending on the purpose of this type of furniture, the thickness and color of the glass are selected. For the kitchen cabinet where the dishes are stored, it can be transparent, corrugated or patterned light glass with a thickness of 5-6 mm. Given the size of such a cabinet, it is easy to assume that with thicker shelves it will look rough.

For cabinets for other purposes, glass options with a greater thickness can be used. The color is chosen both identical to the base material of the cabinet, and contrasting. In this case, the glass shelves can also be illuminated. The safest option is LED strip.

A wooden cabinet or rack with glass shelves looks stylish and presentable

Useful advice! In order to avoid mechanical damage during use, the strip lighting in the cabinet should be placed on the underside of the glass shelves.

Light and interesting facade: shelves with glass doors

A special type of furniture is closed glass shelves on the wall. This furniture, in addition to the main ones, performs several more functions:

• protects objects located on it from dust penetration;
• creates a barrier to moisture exposure to the contents of the shelf;
• is a more compact (in comparison with open shelves) storage place.

Such models are often used in the kitchen and in the bathroom, where the humidity level is high enough and there is a threat of burning particles settling on the shelves and their contents. Shelves with glass doors on the wall can be purchased not only for rooms with special conditions. Many people prefer to keep books, souvenirs (especially if they have an unstable surface), photographs closed. The doors are made of non-thick glass 4-6 mm, often transparent, so that the contents can be seen. Sometimes frosted, colored glass with a pattern is used, depending on the requirements of the interior style.

Shelves with glass doors - ideal for kitchens and bathrooms

A rather important element of shelves with glass doors is fittings. It occupies an open position, therefore, it must be beautiful and have reliable functionality. The industry offers several hinge options.Almost all of them have a chrome surface, various shapes and sizes. Visible plastic inserts somewhat reduce the cost of the appearance of individual fastening structures. For wide shelves, it is better to prefer a sliding opening system. This makes using the doors comfortable and safe.

How to make an original glass shelf with your own hands

It is not technically difficult to make glass shelves for any room. There can be two ways:

• order all the necessary elements: glass (cut to size and process), shelf supports,
• consumable fasteners - then assemble the structure;
• do everything yourself, purchasing only fittings.

Let's dwell on the second option. Required tools:

• glass cutter;
• belt sander (grain 120 units);
• impact drill (for attaching the shelf to the wall).

To make a shelf with your own hands, you can use ready-made glass of the desired size

You can choose a design idea on the Internet in the photo: shelves for flowers, dishes, books, family heirlooms are presented in various versions.

First of all, on a sheet of glass, you need to mark the cut line with a marker, put a ruler (it will also serve as a stop), use a glass cutter to draw a smooth line with a confident movement. Then move the workpiece to the edge of the surface and by pressing break the glass along the cut line.

Important! This action should only be performed on a level surface.

Then, using a grinder, it is necessary to clean the ends of the future shelf. It is advisable to bring them to a round shape (except for the side that fits into the holder). During grinding, the glass must be moistened with water so that dust does not scatter. Next, you should fix the holders, separate the parts for mounting to the wall and directly for the shelf. The wall part must be connected using the dowels that come with the kit. Then the shelf must be inserted and clamped.

Fittings and fasteners for the glass shelf must be durable and of high quality

A limitation of the possibilities of making a glass shelf at home is that tempered glass cannot be used as a material. It can only be cut in a specially equipped workshop.

Cutting glass and mirrors: important subtleties of technology

Self-production of a glass shelf significantly reduces its cost. And yet, many people prefer to entrust the cutting and processing of glass or mirrors to a specialist. Making glass shelves to order, that is, directly cutting, can be done in the following ways:

1. Manual. Differs in an affordable price, roughness of the end surface, limitation of the types of cut lines.
2. Automatic cutting. A more expensive method is performed on a programmed machine. Differs in a flat cut surface, production of products of any configuration.
3. Laser cutting. Smooth cut, no gaps when joining, cutting of glass of almost any kind is carried out.

You can use a special knife to cut glass

If it becomes necessary to drill a hole in the glass (this is most often required by the shelves that are attached to the brackets), it is safer to contact the master. In this process, the progressive pressure on the drill is important. With a slight sharp movement, the shelf can be split - and then everything will have to start over. When processing the ends of the glass shelf yourself, it is necessary to monitor the shape of the roundness along the entire length: it should be the same. Irregularities, especially on thick glass, will manifest themselves visually and negatively affect the decorativeness of the shelf.

Glass shelves on the wall: how to ensure safety

Glass shelves take a special place in the interior. However, it would be wrong to claim that they are completely safe.Glass, even the most durable, is more fragile than other materials used to make furniture (the exception may be plastic, but it is less traumatic). A few simple but important tips will help to make the glass shelves as safe as possible:

The glass shelf must be of sufficient thickness and properly secured

1. When choosing a shelf, special attention should be paid to the type and thickness of the glass, so that a metal cup or ceramic jug that slips out of your hands does not violate the integrity of the surface.
2. Make sure the fastening is tight. With moderate pressure or impact from below, the shelf should not break out of the profile or shelf supports.
3. Place in a convenient location. With active use, the shelf should be accessible, stairs and stools are categorically unacceptable.
4. When hanging, be sure to check that the level is correct. Even a slight tilt can cause objects to fall off smooth surfaces.
5. Do not use shelves that have defects in the form of cracks and chips, even if they are hardly noticeable. Problems can be aggravated with a certain mechanical impact and lead to negative consequences.
6. When designing shelves with lighting, the priority should be the requirements for the organization of electrical safety.

Beautiful glass shelves, made by hand, made to order or purchased in stores, will bring aesthetic pleasure, decorate the interior and make it convenient to use the items stored on them. However, only if the shelves are correctly selected and hung.