Great Material: Glass Block Grows Up
See how designers are using the humble glass block for privacy, pattern and light
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating... More »
When glass block had its last heyday, the Rubik's Cube was all the rage, Madonna was sporting fingerless gloves, and Apple was better known as a fruit than as an empire. But don't hold '80s design missteps against this versatile workhorse. Updated shapes and textures, coupled with inventive use, give glass block new life in the decorating world.
More: Translucent Surfaces: A Canvas for Light and Shadow
More: Translucent Surfaces: A Canvas for Light and Shadow
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| Strategic illumination makes these recycled-glass-block walls sparkle. They also help to preserve privacy without sacrificing sunlight. |
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Staggered glass-block windows, which play off the checkerboard wall pattern, underscore the airy, peaceful feel of this space.
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| It would have been easy to install a square grid of glass blocks (also known as glass bricks) in this bathroom and call it a day. Instead, a more inspired pattern becomes a pretty focal point. |
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| A grid of offset blocks picks up the horizontal pattern of the stone tile in this space. |
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Glass blocks in different shapes and textures create a window that shines like a diamond.
| The block grid in this streamlined kitchen calls to mind a Japanese shoji screen. Light filters in, yet the opaque glass keeps the exterior view from breaking the serene lines of the space. |
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| This was a "wow" moment for me. Glass-block pavers in the ground form a skylight during the day and a glowing focal point at night. What an inspired idea! |
by CNW PRODUCTION
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At first glance, these ribbed blocks look like minimalist wall art. This is glass block at its best: It pulls light into the space and helps to drive the décor in an absolutely fresh way.
| I love this clever take on front-door sidelights. The peekaboo inserts give the entry a little tongue-in-cheek flourish. |
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A grid of glass blocks, embedded deeply in the wall, lends geometric appeal.
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A glass-block skylight provides more visual interest than a plain sheet of glass would.
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| Seen from the exterior, the glass-block wall of this modern structure reinforces the strong horizontal and vertical planes. |
| I haven't seen glass blocks used much for exterior walls, but I'm a big fan of the way these frame the patio. They're opaque enough to define the space, yet sheer enough to preserve the nature views. More window inspiration: Frame the View with Divided-Light Windows Stained-Glass for Every Style |
Ideabook published on Dec. 7, 2011.
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:) Rhoda
http://innovatebuildingsolutions.com/products/glass-block/colored-frosted-glass-blocks
I'd be curious what others think of the colored units - they really seem to be picking up steam for us!