Many of us, when we hear the word “glass blocks,” recall Soviet buildings with bluish-green glass squares of glass that served as windows or partitions in various public buildings- from canteens to baths. In those days, it never occurred to anyone to use this building material as decoration. The use of glass blocks was due to the durability, affordability and obvious functionality of the products. Nowadays, this building and finishing material has undergone external changes and is used not only for its main purpose, but also to decorate the interior and facades of buildings. Over the past ten years, the use of glass blocks in residential design has been gaining popularity - modern designers offer options for constructing practical and aesthetic structures, using glass blocks locally as functional decor.
Glass blocks are wonderful soundproofing material, resistant to moisture and having good heat-saving properties. That is why it was so often used in utilitarian rooms for taking water procedures. And these days, glass blocks can most often be found in bathroom design projects, where partitions are created from translucent cubes, window openings are laid out and counters are installed.
The design of a glass block is simple - it is a hollow “brick” inside, the walls of which are 6-8 mm thick. The rarefied air inside the unit provides the product with high soundproofing properties and low thermal conductivity, which helps save room heat. As a result, industrial glass blocks are used both for the construction of load-bearing walls inside the building, and for cladding the external surfaces of buildings.
As a rule, glass blocks are produced square shape, but there are also products in the form of “bricks”, end (corner) blocks and even round shapes. As for colors, transparent, colorless glass blocks have an advantage, but Lately Tinted products are gaining popularity, with various decor inside (pebbles, shells and even herbariums), LED products look especially luxurious and modern. Glass blocks can be different sizes, but still the most popular option are standard forms: 19x19x8 cm and 24x24x8 cm.
Partitions, racks and more
One of the most popular options for using glass blocks in the interior is creating partitions in the bathroom. And there are several reasons for this popularity:
- glass blocks transmit up to 85% of sunlight, but at the same time create a barrier behind which you can privacy;
- excellent moisture-resistant properties;
- structural strength;
- relative cheapness of the material;
- ease of care;
- excellent soundproofing properties allow you to muffle the sound of pouring water;
- glass block partitions are able to retain heat, creating comfortable atmosphere for taking water procedures.
In order to create a safe and easy-to-use glass block partition, last row structures, products with a rounded shape are used. As a result, your opening, passage or niche in the partition will be ergonomic, safe and visually attractive.
Creation of semicircular partitions from glass blocks separating the shower space from common area, is most widespread in modern design projects. You get a bathroom space isolated from high humidity, but at the same time retain the presence of sunlight in the shower area.
Combining clear and tinted glass when constructing partitions in bathrooms allows you to create not only functional protection of the room from moisture, but also decorate the interior and introduce an element of originality.
Products of different sizes and colors will help to bring originality to the construction of glass block partitions. In front of you original combination transparent rectangular glass elements with square emerald blocks with a grooved surface.
When creating glass block partitions from colored glass, the main thing is not to overdo it with brightness and maintain harmony in the use of color solutions.
Partially laying out one of the walls of the bathroom with glass blocks will allow you to maintain the privacy of the room, but at the same time create the possibility of using light coming from the adjacent space. As a result, you may not use it during the day artificial lighting while visiting the bathroom.
Most often, glass blocks are used for construction window openings in utilitarian rooms - bathrooms and toilets. This is a logical choice because the result is a window that lets in almost as much light as double glazed windows, but also creates privacy without the need for curtains or blinds. Most often, glass block windows can be found in private urban homes or suburban households.
The use of glass blocks for window decoration allows you to create both panoramic monolithic window openings and entire compositions from small sections with a translucent composition.
The use of glass blocks of different sizes and shapes allows you to build not just window openings, but real decorative interior elements that can raise the level of unique design to unprecedented heights.
Creating a glass block window in the bathroom allows you to use the resulting surface as a base. For example, when placing one or two sinks near such a window, you can hang mirrors and even small shelves directly on the glass structure.
Panoramic bathroom windows made of glass blocks can be used to attach various auxiliary elements. In the shower space, these can be handrails or small shelves or mirrors.
But it’s not only in bathrooms that glass block windows can be found. This one brings originality and practicality. inexpensive material into the living room space. In this case glass products are used not only for their functional qualities, but also in the form decorative element.
When converting former industrial premises The use of glass blocks is often seen in living spaces, as a nod to the times when these glass products were used solely for their functional qualities. Here is a design project for a spacious kitchen with high ceilings and windows made of glass blocks.
Another example of arranging a glass block window in modern premises kitchen-dining room
Even in the interior of the hallway, the use of glass block windows looks organic. Modern and unique.
Windows and partitions made of glass blocks can hardly surprise anyone. But the use of this durable, but at the same time translucent building material as a basis for flooring can bring originality to any interior design. This is exactly the way to design an office with a seating area. The glass roof, complete with a glass block floor, made the room completely airy, bright, and light.
A semi-circular bar counter made of translucent glass blocks? Easily! The design will look especially impressive if you add lighting to the structure - color or monochrome.
Small glass block inserts in the walls - unique opportunity bringing originality to the interior of the room. The room is filled with light, glare plays on the surfaces, but at the same time the walls do not lose their strength and wear-resistant qualities.
Unusual uses of glass blocks can be found even in sleeping area. Windows made of this material can protect your space from prying eyes, but at the same time fill the room with muted sunlight.
If you still associate this material with unpresentable glass squares from the recent past, it’s time to get to know it better. The scope of application of modern glass blocks is almost unlimited, design solutions practical, beautiful and original, and you can do the installation of glass blocks yourself even without special construction skills.
Features and technical characteristics of glass blocks
Modern glass blocks are a hollow material that is formed from two glass plates 6-9 mm thick, hermetically connected by pressing. Currently, they are produced on automatic lines, which guarantees consistency quality composition glass melt and seam tightness. Glass block can be transparent, matte, colored or corrugated. Based on their light-optical properties, they are divided into translucent, light-scattering and light-directing. The thickness of the tiles is 7.5-10 cm, weight is within 4.3 kg. In addition to standard square and rectangular blocks, triangular, corner, round and half-shaped elements are produced. There are also decorative glass blocks. They are presented in a wide range of colors and textures, which allows them to be used in different styles interior
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any other material, double-glazed windows have their pros and cons. This, in turn, affects the ability to use them for certain purposes.
Advantages.
Moisture resistance.
Light transmittance.
Soundproofing.
Fire safety.
Frost resistance.
Easy to care for.
Does not require additional finishing.
Flaws.
The wall remains intact. It is impossible to drive a nail or screw a screw into it, as well as install an electrical wiring or sewage system inside.
Glass blocks are not processed. They cannot be sawed to the required size. All measurements must be calculated in advance.
In a room where the window opening is glazed with glass blocks, it is necessary to additional systems ventilation.
Glass blocks in the interior (hallway)
Options for using glass blocks in the interior
Not so long ago, glass blocks came back into fashion and began to be widely used in interior design. With their help you can bring to life the most daring and original ideas, it is beneficial to play with light. Glass blocks in the interior of an apartment photo are used to create walls, partitions, windows, furniture and much more.
Glass block wall
When remodeling apartments, it is often necessary to remove or move some walls. This helps you plan your space and create convenient option location of rooms. Glass wall – original and interesting solution. Visually it lightens the space. There is only one drawback to this option. The glass block itself looks cold and does not contribute to creating comfort. Therefore, it is often combined with other materials, for example, plasterboard, or multi-colored elements are used. This combination allows you to make the interior more interesting.
This type of decor is especially popular in corridors, lobbies and other darkened rooms, where a wall made of glass block will not only be a functional element, but also an additional source of light. Glass blocks will look gorgeous if the interior of the apartment has the opportunity to lay out a wall that is rounded like in the photo.
Partitions
Partitions of varying complexity, width and height made of glass blocks are often installed in the bathroom. Glass here looks most harmonious, goes well with tiles, is not afraid of moisture, is not affected by fungus and is easy to clean. Frosted glass blocks allow you not only to zone space and organize so-called intimate areas, but also to create practical shower cabins the right size and forms from glass blocks according to the photo. A small partition can advantageously divide the kitchen into working and dining areas, and living room for the bedroom and living room.
Window
This method of connecting external and internal space through transparent or frosted glass blocks in the best possible way Suitable for baths and swimming pools. A glass panel in the form of a window is used as a decorative element. If desired, it can be decorated with light curtains. Glass blocks in this form are laid not only in the bathroom. Original windows can separate the living room or kitchen with a corridor. When glass blocks are used as windows, the openings usually take on the most incredible shapes.
Floors
The strength of the material allows the use of glass blocks with a rough texture as flooring. Backlighting is usually placed under such transparent areas, and the effect is impressive.
You should not lay glass blocks on the floor in a bathroom or hallway, as their surface can become dangerously slippery.
Furniture
Modern glass “bricks” are convenient and practical material for creating furniture structures. In kitchens, they are used to construct islands or bar counters. In the bathroom, you can build a console under the sink, and a narrow wall made of glass blocks can smoothly transform into a small functional table. Glass furniture it looks impressive and original, but rearrangement will be difficult.
Separate decorative elements
When decorating the walls of rooms, glass blocks are often placed point by point. Recessed into the wall, they do not let light through, but reflect it very beautifully. One tile is placed on an approximate area of 1 m2. The options for using the material are limited only by the designer’s imagination. Glass tiles draw up kitchen apron, frame door and window openings, mirrors. They are used to make risers for stairs, podiums and even false fireplaces. The shower cabin made of glass blocks looks interesting, photo as proof.
Glass blocks in various interior styles.
When developing the design of a room, it is important to take into account that glass blocks must fit harmoniously into the style of the room and create a single composition with it. Special attention you need to pay attention to the color and texture of the building material, choose the right shape and method of constructing the structures. Transparent or monotonous glass block looks most harmoniously in modern styles, urban, loft or hi-tech. The decorative effect of Baroque or Art Deco can be emphasized by multi-colored tiles as an addition to the main material. Stained glass will fit best into an art nouveau interior; they will also be appropriate in oriental stylizations and modern classic interior. The material is practically not used in interiors designed in country, rustic or retro styles.
Installation of glass blocks
Having mastered the theory, you can safely begin practice. Installation of any glass block element can be done in one of two ways:
on the frame;
for glue or mortar.
Regardless of the chosen method, before you begin installation, you need to take into account a number of features of working with the material.
The floor on which the glass blocks will be laid must be perfectly flat and clean.
total area the walls should not exceed 15 m2, otherwise the blocks in the lower rows may crack due to their heavy weight.
Any wall made of decorative glass block cannot be used as a load-bearing wall.
The protective film of frosted glass blocks is removed only after filling the seams.
Technique "On the frame"
This installation technology is quite simple. Sometimes it is called dry. The glass block is fixed to special modular systems. This method allows you to quickly lay out the perfect smooth walls without plumb lines or level. Typically, frames are made of plastic or wood, but aluminum and polyurethane are also found. Each block has its own cell; its size is selected depending on the dimensions of the glass block. The frame is attached to the wall with screws and is also fixed to the floor and ceiling. The blocks are secured in the cells using special rubber gaskets. This installation method does not require special skills, but is used only for creating decorative or interior partitions where good sound insulation is not needed.
For glue or mortar.
This technique is more complex, time-consuming and will require certain knowledge. The material is fixed with a special glue for glass blocks. Reinforcement is performed at the installation site. Two rods of of stainless steel parallel to each other. The width between them should be less than the depth of the glass block. Vertical reinforcement is performed in steps equal to the width of the block. For better sealing, insulating tape is attached to the base of the frame. The place where the blocks are joined is marked on it using spacer crosses. After laying each row, the structure is strengthened; two reinforcing rods are laid parallel and sunk into the solution.
Laying glass blocks
Glass blocks as a construction and finishing material were used back in Soviet times, but after passing through decades and undergoing significant changes, glass brick in a new image is back to perform decorative functions. IN modern construction This material has found wide application due to its unique properties and vibrant variety.
Classification of glass blocks
Glass blocks are two glass half-blocks welded together. Hollow inside. They are distinguished by a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, which can be found in the catalog with photos. New production technologies make it possible to produce frosted and colored glass blocks, corrugated and with inserts, which will transform the interior of any room.
- Forms. Available in brick shapes, rectangular, half, hexagonal and corner. The last two are original, the first are the most popular.
- Color spectrum glass blocks in the interior:
- colorless (from 70% to 90% transparency), colored (from 50% to 70% transparency);
- matte (transparency less than 50%), transparent (transparent, light-directing, light-diffusing);
- relief surface (drop, wave, cubes) and smooth;
- with internal inserts and decorated in style stained glass(after looking at the photo, you can choose options with various decorative fillings);
- Painting technique performed in two various technologies. They paint the inner surface before soldering the halves or add color when melting the glass. This indicator affects the ability to transmit light.
- Application area. The three main types are decorative, interior and industrial. A shower room with elements of any kind will be original and unique.
Thanks to your technical specifications glass bricks have a number of advantages that allow them to be used in the most different directions, and a wall made of glass blocks, made by hand as structural element will delight not only with beauty, but also with practicality.
Advantages
- They are characterized by increased fire resistance. Withstands high temperatures.
- They are durable, have excellent heat-saving, energy-saving and sound-proofing qualities.
- Moisture-resistant, therefore suitable for showers and swimming pools.
- Glass blocks in the interior do not require plastering, painting, or lining with other materials.
- They have no contraindications for use in residential premises and comply with all hygiene standards.
- Installing glass blocks is easy to do yourself.
Glass blocks and interior
For a long time there was an unequivocal attitude towards them - boring, unremarkable material, it emanates a chill, its place is in clinics and catering establishments. Then complete oblivion. Now they seem to have burst into our home as something new, original. Glass blocks in the interior make the room light and spacious. In construction they are widely used as finishing material for registration individual elements, kitchens, bathrooms, installation of partitions in residential premises. Glass blocks in the interior of the apartment create a unique atmosphere of comfort, as evidenced by numerous photos.
IN one-room apartment original solution will partition for zoning space from glass blocks. If we assume that there is still a sleeping area by the window, then the living room has lost natural light, but thanks to the partition made of glass blocks, there is enough light in the apartment, and the bedroom is hidden from prying eyes.
Glass blocks in bathroom and a shower is in demand decorative material. On the one hand, they are light-proof and at the same time transmit part of the scattering light. Thanks to glass blocks as a partition, the shower room will visually increase in size, and by covering the toilet area with such material, you will add originality to the overall style with your own hands.
Advice! Before buying blocks, check out the room design options in the photo and choose the most suitable one, so as not to introduce dissonance into the overall picture with a bright element.
Glass blocks, by analogy with bricks, are laid on a regular mortar of sand and cement. However, we should not forget that this material is made of glass and must be handled carefully, even carefully. To avoid complications when laying glass blocks, it is better to adhere to simple recommendations that experts have developed over decades of practical work.
Protective film on the surface of glass blocks
Initially, glass blocks are covered with a transparent protective film.
It is necessary in order glass surface was not damaged during transportation and installation. The film protects glass blocks from chips, small possible impacts and scratches. Particularly relevant protective film for glass blocks with a matte surface, where every defect will be noticeable.
Craftsmen who do not have sufficient experience often remove the protective film before installation, and thus make a mistake. Experts advise removing it after all the work is completely completed. Otherwise, glass blocks can be easily damaged.
This advice should not be ignored. What can happen with a small scratch? It would seem that there is nothing wrong. However, any scratch in itself is an unpleasant phenomenon, and in addition to this, over time, dirt in the form of tiny particles will accumulate in it and very quickly the glass blocks will lose their “marketable appearance.”
If the glass blocks do not have a protective film (and this happens quite often), you can seal their surface with ordinary tape. This will ensure that nothing unpleasant happens during the installation process.
Cement mortar for laying glass blocks
An ideal solution for laying glass blocks should not contain large grains of sand or foreign impurities.
Again, glass blocks are very easy to scratch when laying, and a solution that contains coarse sand is essentially an analogue of sandpaper.
If during work the solution gets on the front surface of the block, do not scrape it off with tools. There's no point in waiting for it to dry either. Best to wash it off warm water ordinary soft cloth.
Metal rods for laying glass blocks
Professionals advise
Always reinforce glass block construction.
Especially if the structure is supposed to be massive. For example, a wall. The best decision– special metal rods, which can be purchased at almost any construction supermarket. The rods must be selected with a cross-section of five millimeters. And they are installed both horizontally and vertically.
Phased construction
Any massive glass block structure should be built in stages. It is recommended to lay no more than three rows per day. Otherwise, if this rule is not followed, the wall may turn out to be uneven, and in some cases, the lower blocks may even crack under the weight of the upper rows.
The fact is that, unlike, for example, brick, glass blocks adhere worse to cement mortar. Therefore, the structure can “move” under its own weight.
Spacer crosses when laying glass blocks
Mounting crosses significantly speed up the laying of glass blocks
and ensure strictly the same distance between the blocks - a wall made of glass blocks will turn out perfectly smooth and neat. They are made of plastic, are inexpensive, and can be purchased at any hardware store.
Seams in glass block construction
Immediately after erecting a structure made of glass blocks (and most likely beforehand), you need to think about seams and joints. Regular gray seams from ordinary cement-sand mortar They don’t look very attractive, it’s best to purchase special grout for joints. The range of grouts for joints today is huge. There is a choice among manufacturers, color scheme and by price.
Grouts are sold in the form of dry mixtures. You just need to add a certain amount of water to the mixture (see instructions on the package) and mix the contents thoroughly.
But it’s even better to lay glass blocks on colored cement. It can be purchased at the same construction supermarkets. Such cement will cost a little more than ordinary cement, but the result is worth it. Or you can simply purchase special pigments that can be used to easily color a regular gray solution.
Wooden modules for glass blocks
Sometimes, in order not to bother with the solution and in principle it is enough labor-intensive process When laying glass blocks, you can use special modules. They are something like wooden lattice, each of the cells of which is designed for a glass block.
The process of “constructing” the structure is very simple. You need to insert glass blocks into the cells and secure everything with a gasket. The benefits are obvious - simplicity, convenience, ideal appearance. In addition, such a structure can be moved from place to place if the need arises.
We build and repair ourselves
Finishing the facade of a wooden house
Of course, on my own wooden house has an aesthetic appearance. It’s as if the natural color and material it has merges with nature. This is what creates the feeling...
IN Soviet time Glass blocks were not often used to decorate premises and facades of buildings. And the choice was small - often the glass block was a structure made of uneven and cloudy glass. But today on the market there are a lot of glass wall blocks and glass block windows of various shapes and all the colors of the rainbow.
In our article you will learn what decorative glass blocks are and why glass blocks in the interior are a good design solution.
Glass block design
Glass blocks in room design
Interior experts, not without reason, believe that modern transparent glass blocks and colored glass blocks often give visual lightness and airiness to the room where they are installed.
If you like experiments, you can purchase an LED glass block with internal inserts or with stained glass pictures. Since the glass block itself is hollow, you can place various decorative things in it, for example, stars, seashells, dried flowers, and just photographs. Although it is more appropriate to use such decorative glass blocks only as an insertion structure into a wall or ceiling.
Decorative glass blocks
By using glass blocks for design, you get a lot of advantages:
1. A window made of glass blocks transmits and refracts light, unlike plasterboard and brick partitions. Thus, glass blocks in the interior look like large lampshades, which makes the room spectacular.
Glass block window
2. There are transparent glass blocks that allow daylight, but “photo image” does not. This is logical, why should strangers see what they are not allowed to see? This advantage of glass blocks made it possible to use them to decorate windows in bathrooms. 3. Glass blocks in the interior are convenient because they can be built into absolutely any surface. For example, backlit glass blocks can be used as a great decoration for partitions, walls, windows, floors and even furniture.What can be made from glass blocks?
You can make walls, partitions from glass blocks, or use transparent glass blocks to create window designs. In addition, you can use colored glass blocks to decorate walls or create stationary furniture from glass blocks and much more. But first things first.
Backlit glass blocks for creating walls
Glass blocks are a decoration for the wall
A wall made of glass blocks will allow sufficient sunlight to pass through. Moreover, corrugated glass wall blocks will protect you from intrusive glances. And also, such wall blocks do not look heavy, which visually simplifies the entire space.
It is no secret that glass is cold and looks “soulless”, which is why glass blocks resemble ice cubes. Designers advise: if you decide to build a huge wall, then it is better to combine glass blocks with some other material. For example, let one third of the wall be made of clear or colored glass blocks, and two thirds of plasterboard sheets.
A wall made of glass blocks with lighting can separate zones in an apartment, for example, a bedroom from a living room or in a kitchen a dining room from a work area.
Glass wall blocks for creating partitions
Glass block partition in the bathroom
Glass blocks are good because thanks to them you can quickly and beautifully erect a partition of any width and height. In this case, the top of the partition can be figured, for example, stepped, pyramidal, or uniform.
Typically, glass blocks are used to create partitions in the bathroom, where they are most harmonious. After all, glass is not afraid of humidity, and the blocks are not completely translucent, which allows you to create the so-called. " intimate area».
Designers advise, just like walls, to build partitions only in certain styles, for example, urban, loft, hi-tech, but they will look ridiculous in a classic decor.
Decorative glass blocks to create a window
Bathroom with glass block wall
An internal window is made of glass blocks, i.e. it is a window structure between rooms that brings additional light and also decorates empty wall surfaces.
To create windows, an LED glass block is used, which will fit perfectly into rooms that separate each other, such as a bathroom and a toilet or a shower room in large bathroom, living room and corridor or kitchen, bedroom and pantry.
Of course, glass blocks are also used for glazing window structures facing outside. However, from such a window you will not be able to admire the beautiful view and you will not be able to ventilate the room with its help, since such structures are usually made blind.
Decorated wall made of glass blocks - photos attached!
Glass blocks as inserts in the wall in the shower
Glass blocks are also used as wall inserts. Often these blocks are “recessed” into the wall structure, rather than through. In another way, they are also called dot glass blocks, which are used in fragments. But there should be few such glass blocks: one “brick” per square meter. m. walls.
Colored glass blocks are used as an insert into wall structures and with internal photographic images, which give the premises brightness and originality.
Glass blocks for creating stationary furniture
Glass block kitchen island
Glass blocks in the interior (photo) are very convenient thing. From them you can build the most various designs. For example, a fixed island in the kitchen, a bar counter, or in the bathroom - a beam under the washbasin.
Any furniture made of glass blocks looks impressive and solemn. There is only one drawback here - you cannot rearrange furniture made of glass blocks; but is it necessary?
Other options for using glass blocks - photo
Glass block bath screen
From glass blocks you can create a screen (space) for the bath. This can be done in two ways: lay it out of glass blocks or just decorate it with them.
The following styles of using glass blocks are appropriate: modern and minimalism.
In addition, glass blocks are placed under the steps of podiums and stairs, and they are also used to decorate empty space near doorways. And sometimes in the kitchen the work apron is covered with glass blocks, or in the living room they make a false fireplace out of them. In short, there is room for the designer’s soul to expand!
Glass blocks in the interior: their prices vary, but are affordable even for people with modest incomes. Read more about this in the article on our website “Glass blocks in an apartment - sizes and prices.”
Gallery of photos of interiors with walls and partitions made of glass blocks
Glass blocks make a stunning wall decoration Glass block wall in the bathroom Glass blocks create an "intimate zone" in the bathroom