Glass tables

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

The advantages of glass tables include the following:

• Practicality. Glass products are easy to maintain.
• Hygiene. The material is resistant to moisture, temperature extremes, dirt, therefore not susceptible to rotting, the occurrence of 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 safe material for humans, because it does not emit allergens and toxins.
• Versatility. Glass designs can be used in any interior: from the kitchen to the living room and office.

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

• Fear of hitting the edges of themselves or children.
• Fear of breaking the tabletop.
• Feeling cold.
• Handprints remaining on the glass.
• Some do not like the sound of dishes on the glass surface.

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

Tables of glass can be classified according to several criteria.

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

• Conventional fixed structures popular in all interiors. Elite models look great in living rooms. Designer coffee tables completely made of glass will fit into the rooms of modern style. In children's rooms, preference is given to a modular system, so the desk is either collapsible or added.
• Mobile tables usually equipped with elements that allow you to change the location effortlessly. The console version is widely used in living rooms, libraries, offices. The coffee table on wheels is very compact and popular for many years among different segments of the population.
• Folding structures can change their size, both in height and in width. They are convenient in small apartments, because in the folded version does not take up much space. A sliding glass table is often used in the interior of a small kitchen. Transformer extension systems are simple and allow you to increase the dining area if necessary. Manufacturers offer sliding mechanisms for lengthening the surface and lifting - to change the height.

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

By production of tables various types of glass are used.

• Tempered undergoes processing 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 anti-shock properties that prevent fragments from scattering during an impact.
• Matt and toned perform decorative functions.
• Lakobel is obtained by adding a dye to the molten glass, which guarantees the durability of shades. As a result, the material has an opaque color appearance.
• Armored made by melting a thin metal mesh, thus providing increased strength of the product.

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

On the verandas and loggias are popular options from artificial rattan.Usually purchased kit, which includes a table and chairs. The glass table top in a wicker frame looks natural and aesthetically pleasing.

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

The combined decorative table can include various elements. Marble and forging with glass will bring brutality and prestige into the interior. The Scandinavian style allows you to use an array of wood or timber as the base and frame. Economivariant - chipboard.

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

• Double worktop. The variant with a shelf located below, when its dimensions coincide with the dimensions of the table surface. There is an illusion of doubling.
• Desktop PC can have many shelves and compartments for storing small accessories.
• Coffee tables on one leg are often equipped with an additional base,necessary for sustainability.
• Backlight.
• Decorative accessories.

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

• Rectangular option is considered the most practical. These tables can be placed anywhere: in the center, against the wall, in the corner. Models of a similar form for long rooms are especially good. A rectangular narrow table can be installed along the wall, picking up to it an elongated sofa, chairs or a comfortable stool.
• Square decorative glass table fits well into the interior of the living room. In addition, it will look good in a compact kitchen.

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

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

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

• Dining 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 to the size of the frame, as they are usually made to order. Standardly, their dimensions do not exceed one meter.

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

The thickness of the tabletop 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 fragile material into a sufficiently durable, reliable and safe.

Tempered silicate glass tables have the following characteristics:

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

Popular material is considered triplex, representing a three-layer glass with a protective film as an interlayer. Due to this, security is ensured, since when broken, the fragments do not fly away.

Interesting method of obtaining material Lacobel. In fact, it is a method of dyeing, a feature of which is the addition of a dye to hot liquid glass. Experts claim 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.

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

Acryl is a polymeric plastic material with low thermal conductivity. The main difference of acrylic glass from organic, the best wear resistance and lightness. Products do not fade, are not deformed.

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 tabletop will protect the wearer from shocks and the product from chipping.

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

From the bent silicate material, producing not only tables, but also chairs. As a rule, in their manufacture using a thick protective coating. To strengthen the strength, any of the described options are additionally reinforced with a metal grid.

Choosing the color of the table, you should proceed from the general concept of the room. Usually black, white and transparent - classic options.

Modern styles, such as Art Deco and Avant-garde, use the entire color palette: red and yellow, purple and bright orange, harmoniously blend or defiantly accentuate attention in a monochrome interior.

Modest pastel shades characteristic of Provence. The beige or lilac color of the tabletop in the frame of gold-plated, copper or brass elements will look sophisticated and elegant.

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 worktop enhances elegance.

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

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 tinting, various types of spraying are used, figure sawing, the use of airbrushing, satin finishing, and photo printing options.

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

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

Products with decorating in space stylistics are popular, where frosted glass and transparent, colored and tinted vary. Such models are easily combined with lighting and chrome legs.

Unusual glossy colored elements are popular in modern cafes and small restaurants.

In reception centers of respectable, in the offices of ministers and directors, a lacquered table of precious wood with a table top made of thick armored glass with a dark tint will occupy an honorable place.

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

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

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

• Traditional classic requires, together with glass, to use fine wood, carved stone and forging. For example, products with a gilded bronze edging are characteristic of rococo.
• Gothic Suitable black countertop. Wooden chairs will succinctly fit into the dining areas or cabinets of classic style.

• Very "love" glassware hi-tech and techno. Typical options have a chrome underframe and glass top. Additional decorative elements are usually made of aluminum, lighting is actively used.The table can be supplemented with plexiglass chairs on a metal frame.

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

• Veranda in style provence decorate the table with a matte surface and forged legs. Chairs in elegant style imply similar backrests and soft upholstery.

• Aged or roughly treated wood suitable for glass furniture country music. In addition, it will succinctly fit into a rustic style woven underframe. Italian designers skillfully combine glass with leather.

• Modern directions avant-garde, art deco, pop art Widely used glass bright shades of varying degrees of blackout in the frame of gold, bronze and copper elements. Fans of these styles decorate worktops with photo printing 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 is famous for its glassblowing masters from 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 are fascinating plastic facets and the play of light. The cost of products is high, but it is justified by an exclusive quality.

There are more affordable brands on the market, for example, Calligaris and Cattelan. They are known for sliding, folding and bar tables, which are characterized by high-quality execution and a variety of design ideas.

China is one of the largest producers of glass, including sheet. In the lists of buyers the United States, India, Russia and the Middle East. Western European furniture makers use Chinese glass in large quantities. Manufacturers from China have reduced the price of glass tables to a minimum with a fairly normal level of quality.

Turkish glass has been popular all over the world since ancient times. In the modern market, Turkey is the main supplier of patterned glass, and faceted mirrors are characterized by a special filigree treatment. 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 should follow the advice of experts, so that later you will not be disappointed.

• 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 ground, 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.
• Underframe should have a high degree of stability. Professionals are advised to choose models with fixed legs, because the design with them is more reliable.

• The thickness of the table is selected depending on the conditions of use. Furniture under the TV and any other, suggesting the placement of heavy objectsmust have a tabletop not less than 10 mm thick. 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 bedrooms or desktops in the office are made of glass over 8-9 mm.
• For small apartments should consider options for tables, transformers.
• It is advisable when choosing a dining table to consider options that will accommodate all family members.
• Gloss is not for everyone. It is more practical to use matte coatings, since handprints, stains and other contaminants are less visible.

Rules for the care of glass furniture are simple. If you perform them regularly and operate the products with care, then the service life will be long.

Primary requirements.

• Clean the glass regularly with any window cleaner.
• Use special wipes. For example, for autoglasses.
• Polishing should be carried out at least once every six months for prevention.
• Under the plates it is better to put a stand or mats made of bamboo.
• Dropping metal devices on a glass countertop is contraindicated.
• When cracks appear, the table must be repaired, since they can “spread out” over the entire surface.

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

When serving, you should use different coasters and individual rugs, which avoids scratches and noise.

All fixtures, corners and edges of glass furniture should be thoroughly polished and closed with special protective covers. This will protect the owners from damage, and products from chipping and cracking.

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

Scratches on 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 of clear glass. They visually make the surrounding space easier. Opaque tables are more solid, which allows to achieve in an atmosphere of solemnity.

The universality 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 method of making the underframe and chairs.

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

• Having covered it with a decorative napkin and arranging shells, sea pebbles, products from pearl beads, we get a marine design.
• Flower or fruit composition will give a rustic flavor.
• Hand-made velvet napkins embroidered in gold, figurines of mythical animals - and the table will become an element of the eastern interior.

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