It depends on what you put behind the glass : ) Rhoda

Glass would look nice if you store nice looking things there such as a tureen, ice bucket, decorative trays standing on their edge (you can purchase acrylic stands) pitchers, tea pots, silver hollow ware (if you don't mind having to polish them because they aren't tucked away in flannel bags), crystal or attractive glass bowls or vases.

Depending on how you entertain, you might want to find a place for a tea cart. Some people use it as their bar. Others use it to serve tea.

Or just get a furniture piece for the living room and put your tea set on that and carry it into the living room if that is where you will serve tea.

Very important these days is electricity.

If you are going to have a length of counter under your built-ins, will it be used as a buffet server?

If so, do you use electric warming plates or electric slow-cookers, that sort of thing?

If so, please figure out plenty of electric sockets that are unobtrusive or else you will have extension cords all over the place.

Also, think about something for the counter that can take some spills.

Maybe be a nice stone, or if you are doing wood, then glass over the wood.

And your floor plan is where? With what cabinetry, with what table..........etc?