The use of glass blocks in the interior and features of the installation of the material. Dimensions of decorative glass blocks Glass blocks in the interior
Modern glass blocks allow you to build both functional and decorative designs. The glass block partition in the room transmits and diffuses sunlight well, giving the interior lightness and airiness, but at the same time providing the necessary privacy. The material is durable, water and fire resistant, high heat and sound insulation, safety and does not require additional finishing. A wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors, degrees of transparency and textures will satisfy any requests and tastes. The wall for zoning the living room-bedroom can be completely lined with blocks or other materials with glass windows and inserts.
Partitions made of glass blocks in the room:
▪ 01
Partitions with windows and glass block inserts:
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Studio apartments of square, rectangular and corner layouts
Glass blocks in the interior (design)
In Soviet times, glass blocks were not often used to decorate rooms and facades of buildings.
Yes, 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 windows made of glass blocks of various shapes and all 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 the design of the room
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, then you can purchase an LED glass block with internal inserts or with stained glass pictures.
Since the glass block itself is hollow, you can put various decorative things in it, for example, stars, seashells, dried flowers, and just photos. Although it is more appropriate to use such decorative glass blocks only as an insert into a wall or ceiling.
By using glass blocks for design, you get a lot of advantages:
1. A window made of glass blocks transmits and refracts light, unlike drywall and brick partitions.
Thus, the glass blocks in the interior look like large lampshades, which makes the room spectacular.
glass block window
There are transparent glass blocks that let in daylight, but the "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 for decorating windows in bathrooms. 3. Glass blocks in the interior are convenient, because they can be built into absolutely any surface. For example, illuminated glass blocks can be used as a great decoration for partitions, walls, windows, floors and even furniture.
About the rest no less interesting features glass blocks with a photo can be found in more detail in the article on our website "Glass blocks in an apartment - sizes and prices".
What can be made from glass blocks?
You can make walls, partitions from glass blocks, or use transparent glass blocks to create window structures.
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.
Illuminated glass blocks to create walls
Glass blocks are decoration for the wall
A wall of glass blocks will allow enough sunlight to pass through.
Moreover, corrugated glass wall blocks will protect from prying eyes. And also such wall blocks do not look heavy, which visually simplifies the entire space.
It's 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 transparent or colored glass blocks, and two thirds of drywall sheets.
A wall of illuminated glass blocks can be used to separate zones in an apartment, for example, a bedroom from a living room or a kitchen-dining room from a working 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 build a partition of any width and height.
In this case, the top of the partition can be curly, for example, stepped, pyramidal, or uniform.
Read more about this in the article on our website "Glass blocks for partitions".
Usually, glass blocks are used to create partitions in the bathroom, where they are most harmonious. After all, glass is not afraid of moisture, and the blocks are not completely translucent, which allows you to create a so-called.
n. "intimate zone".
Read more about this in the article on our website "Glass blocks in the bathroom".
Designers advise, like walls, to build partitions only in certain styles, for example, urban, loft, high-tech, and in classic decor they will look ridiculous.
Decorative glass blocks to create a window
Bathroom with glass block wall
Inner glass block window
i.e. it is a window construction between rooms, which brings additional light, and is also a decoration for empty wall surfaces.
To create windows, an LED glass block is used, which will perfectly fit into such rooms that separate each other, such as a bathroom and a toilet or a shower room in a large bathroom, a living room and a corridor or a kitchen, a bedroom and a pantry.
Of course, glass blocks are also used for glazing window structures that go outside.
However, from such a window you will not admire beautiful view and ventilate the room with it will not work, because.
Glass blocks in the interior
to. such designs are usually produced deaf.
Decorated wall made of glass blocks - photos attached!
Glass blocks as inserts in the wall in the shower room
Glass blocks are also used as wall inserts. Often these blocks are "embedded" in the wall structure, and not through.
In another way, they are also called point glass blocks, which are used in fragments. But there should be few such glass blocks: one “brick” per sq. m. walls.
Colored glass blocks are used as an insert in wall structures and with internal photographic images, which give the premises brightness and originality.
Glass blocks to create stationary furniture
Glass block kitchen island
Glass blocks in the interior (photo) are a very convenient thing.
From them you can build a wide variety of structures. 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 can’t rearrange with 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 a bath.
This can be done in two ways: lay it out of glass blocks or just decorate with them.
Such options for the use of glass blocks in styles are appropriate: modern and minimalism.
In addition, glass blocks are placed under the steps of podiums and stairs, and they are also decorated with them. empty place near doorways. And sometimes in the kitchen, a working apron is covered with blocks of glass, or a false fireplace is laid out of them in the living room.
In a word, there is room for a designer soul to turn around!
Glass blocks in the interior: their price is different, but affordable even for a person with a modest income. Read more about this in the article on our website "Glass blocks in the apartment - sizes and prices."
Photo gallery of interiors with glass block walls and partitions
Glass blocks are not only a wonderful decorative element, but also quite a functional material.
It can be applied to decorate the bathroom, kitchen, living room and bedroom, folding functional partition and even used as an additional sound and heat impervious layer.
From the past to the present
People who made the times of the USSR probably remember the glass blocks for partitions, which could often be seen in the entrances.
Translucent walls made of flat slabs perfectly decorated the interior and served as a solid wall. Today, many designers have decided to return such useful material, but in a different form.
Pictured are decorative glass blocks
Why are glass blocks good?
- They have a variety of colors and textures, which allows them to be used in the most different interiors: from the bathroom to the cabinets.
- Glass blocks in the interior are highly durable and able to withstand significant loads.
This allows them to be used to build decorative walls and partitions. In addition, they are quite simple to replace without dismantling the entire wall.
- The material is highly soundproof and perfectly retains heat. In addition, they are waterproof and quite fire resistant: they can withstand almost an hour with direct exposure to fire.
- The installation of wall blocks can be carried out independently, without inviting the master. When working with them, neither paint nor plaster is required, in addition, it is convenient for them to give an unusual shape.
- A variety of glass blocks plays into the hands of designers: glossy and matte, transparent and opaque, plain and with pictures, smooth and embossed.
By combining a variety of options, you can create whole pictures or visually correct the shortcomings of the room.
Scope of glass blocks
You can build a wall of glass blocks or lay out a wall with them in any part of the house, giving the interior lightness and airiness.
Partitions in the bathroom made of glass blocks will allow you to separate the bathing area, separating the shower part, and in the kitchen - dividing the room into a place for cooking and a dining room.
Note!
Reflected in the glass, sunlight will fill the room with comfort and spring mood, and drops of water will beautifully settle on it.
Small glass blocks can be placed on the wall above the stove or near the sink, hiding the walls from moisture and heat.
The latter option can be used in any room if the walls are too thin to let in cold and sounds.
Lay out a panel or a simple pattern from them a centimeter from the wall and enjoy the warmth and silence.
Glass blocks in the interior of the apartment: 85 photo ideas
If the room is too large, it can be easily divided into several parts using translucent walls. Refracting, reflecting or transmitting light, they will give the room an unusual look and make it more functional, dividing, for example, a nursery into a play area and a sleeping area.
Pictured are glass block partitions
Unusual use of glass blocks
In addition to the above methods, you can use decorative glass blocks in a more curious way, making them an arch between the corridor and the rooms.
Using light, reflective parts, you can easily turn the dark, narrow hallway to a bright and joyful place, and the exit to the main part of the apartment - to an intriguing portal.
In addition to the standard arch, you can build an unusual relief wall that will complement the interior and decorate it, adding a twist to the overall look.
Block partition
But a simple wall and an arch is far from all that can be thought of from this amazing material.
An interesting feature will be glass block furniture: a bathroom screen, a washbasin console, a bar counter or a niche in the dining room. And although it will be impossible to move such “furniture”, it will please you, even standing in one place.
They can also lay out a ladder, a false fireplace, door and window openings, interior windows and much more.
In the photo glass blocks for partitions
Do it yourself
For those who decide to use this unusual material in the interior, there is great news: the installation of glass blocks is not difficult and is quite accessible to everyone.
You do not need any special equipment or skills - just simple accuracy and patience, as well as some materials that can be found in any hardware store, will suffice.
You will need:
- glass blocks of the right size;
- special glue or glue for tiles.
You can use other solutions, but it is better to use moisture-resistant and refractory mixtures;
- mounting crosses, suitable in size;
- reinforced stainless bars for a stronger grip;
- level;
- grout for seams;
- transparent silicone sealant;
- rubber mallet.
In the photo, laying glass blocks with your own hands
Before starting work
The first step is to determine the dimensions of glass blocks, mounting crosses and rods using the example of masonry walls. Standard sizes of glass blocks are 19cm x19cm x8cm or 24cm x24cm x12cm.
Thanks to the standard dimensions, building a wall is much easier and more convenient. Mounting crosses are also divided by size: 2, 5, 10 and 16 mm. For the wall fit the smallest - 2 mm. It is better to take rods with a diameter of 4-6 mm.
Note!
Before starting installation, the floor on which the wall will stand must be thoroughly cleaned of dirt and dust so that debris does not get into the adhesive solution.
It is worth preparing all the materials in advance and stocking up on time: you will need to wait for the glue to completely harden.
Measure 1 centimeter from the wall in advance and draw a line - the entire wall that you build with your own hands will pass along it.
Glass blocks in the wall
Please note that glass blocks usually come with a protective film that protects their wide sides from adhesive and damage.
It should be removed only after the adhesive solution has completely dried. If there is no film, it is recommended to make it yourself using adhesive tape.
When choosing an adhesive, give preference to the adhesive of the same brand as the glass blocks.
This will make the installation process easier and faster, and will also have a positive effect on the quality of the result.
Glass blocks in the bathroom
Let's get started
Before starting laying, do not forget to wrap each glass block in a film on the flat sides so as not to spoil them. appearance.
You need to start by laying out the first layer of blocks. Check the evenness of the surface with a level and correct if necessary. Insert mounting crosses between the seams to make the glass block partitions even and beautiful, and continue laying the second layer. Also check its level and put the third layer. Stop.
Now it will be necessary to leave the masonry for a while so that the glue has time to harden properly. Check the setting time on the packaging: usually an hour is enough, but some mixtures take longer.
Glass block partitions
Before moving above the third layer, it is worth strengthening the partition.
Take a reinforced rod and carefully place it on the crosses, being careful that it does not come into contact with the glass blocks - this will avoid rust. Recheck the evenness of the wall and continue laying.
This is the laying of glass blocks with your own hands.
Having reached the very top, leave it for the night, and preferably for a day, and why cut off all the extra corners and grout the seams. After complete drying of the solutions, you can carry out wet cleaning and remove the protective film from the blocks.
Illuminated glass blocks
Even though the glassblock adhesive cures fairly quickly, within a couple of hours, it is best to leave it on overnight.
Thus, he will have time to firmly grab the blocks, and the wall will become much stronger.
Glass blocks in the interior video:
About 30–40 years ago they “decorated” with clumsy glass blocks window openings school gyms, where they honestly carried out their service: to the extent of their transparency, they let in light and withstood a direct hit by the ball.
Glass blocks in the interior of the apartment: original ideas for your home
Time has gone forward, new technologies have come, and glass blocks have changed with them. They still let in sunlight and can protect against ball impacts, but the variety of shapes and shades has greatly expanded the scope of this building material.
Material Features
The variety of shapes and colors, coupled with the lighting characteristics of this material, are complemented by such important properties as:
- strength;
- incombustibility;
- moisture resistance;
- heat and sound insulation.
Important factors when choosing a material are also the ease of maintenance and the relative cheapness of glass "bricks".
The combination of the above qualities attracted close attention of architects and designers to glass blocks.
The updated material began to be actively used in the construction and decoration of cottages, apartments, offices ... Of course, it is not possible to build a load-bearing wall of glass blocks, but any other partitions are quite suitable for this material. Glass blocks in the interior of the apartment can also be used to fill window openings and as an element of decor.
Scope of glass blocks
Most often, glass blocks are used in the design of the bathroom, where they decorate windows, enclose areas of showers or hide piping.
Glass squares of blocks echo squares ceramic tiles, and the presence of inserts of a different shade or texture in a homogeneous wall of glass blocks gives the interior a unique individuality.
Another direction in the use of the material is panoramic windows, which looks especially good when creating verandas in country houses.
Another original solution for a cottage - a stairwell fencing, and both the space under the stairs and the walls of the stairwell can be finished with blocks. The material is also suitable when creating a pool bowl ...
However, glass blocks are also used in small apartments.
The material is especially relevant for redevelopment internal walls: by decorating the corridor with glass blocks, you can give it an elegant look and let in natural light, or by combining the room and the kitchen into a single space, using a wall of blocks, you can zoning the space.
And you can also support the glass wall by using glass blocks to decorate the bar counter.
The breadth of the assortment allows you to buy glass blocks that are suitable for your style of the room.
Properly selected glass blocks will give the interior lightness and add sunlight to the room.
Glass blocks in the interior: application
When it comes to glass block, we sometimes recall the nostalgia of obsolete porches of old houses, public canteens, hospitals and baths of the Soviet era.
Today, glass blocks in decoration are not uncommon, but they are already showing themselves in a new quality and in modern style, gaining its popularity in the industry of decoration and interior design, as they say, everything new is a well-forgotten old.
In a modern apartment, glass blocks have found application in the interior design of a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom (shower), as well as for zoning rooms indoors, in the form of walls and partitions, giving the interior of a room in an apartment a fabulous atmosphere and additional comfort.
In this article, we want to tell in detail the areas of application, installation and installation technology, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of glass blocks, supplementing and commenting on the material with photo and video recommendations, where you can pick up some interesting fresh ideas and solutions for interior design and zoning your apartment.
The use of glass blocks in the interior of the apartment
The idea of using glass blocks in the interior was born not so long ago, although they have been used as a building material for half a century.
Today, interior designers do not miss any even the smallest opportunity to translate fresh ideas into their projects, one example of this is the use of such material in a living room.
Thanks to new technologies, glass blocks have found their second wind, corrugated, matte, colored, as well as glass blocks with inserts have appeared various forms and sizes that can transform any interior beyond recognition, give freshness, lightness and distinctive beauty.
Glass blocks in the bathroom.
Glass blocks in the interior of the apartment photo
Thanks to its tonic light insight, passing only particles of light and blurry color scheme, decorating the interior with a glass block of a bathroom, has now become very popular and fashionable.
On the other hand, this comfortable material for zoning and dividing space, creating an atmosphere of privacy and comfort, this method is especially suitable for dividing a shower or bathroom.
In addition, glass blocks are a very safe and smooth material, that is, it is impossible to get hurt on the edges. There can be no question of moisture resistance, since it is made entirely of glass.
In the kitchen. Along with a large number of options for colors, shapes and sizes, glass blocks are successfully combined in the interior space of any kitchen, even a very small one.
Above the sink, a glass block panel of three-dimensional dimensions will look great, and above gas stove mosaic of small squares.
In the interior of the bedroom. Interior designers do not stand still, use every opportunity and zest to realize their design ideas and fantasies.
Glass blocks in the bedroom not only harmonize with the overall interior of the room, scattering or refracting light, but also give a certain kind of soothing coolness and silence, having such characteristic properties as soundproofing.
In addition, such fire glass blocks are safe.
If you have a large kitchen, then this material can be considered as good option for zoning the room itself into the dining room and kitchen, while not depriving the adjacent space of light.
Glass blocks in the hallway. The entrance hall is considered one of the small and narrow rooms, the design of the hallway with frosted and corrugated glass blocks can visually increase the area of \u200b\u200bthe room, and inserts from colored blocks can complement the interior, making them like a decor element.
A great option in the apartment and the idea of creating a glass block arch instead of a door between the living room and the hallway.
In the interior of the living room and hall. Modern glass blocks allow you to give the interior of the living room and hall an unusual beautiful and cozy look, using multi-colored inserts.
In addition, some windows can be laid with matte views, while they will let in 50% of the light, and between the living room and the hallway, you can construct a partition with bends from transparent or corrugated glass blocks, which will naturally give the interior of the rooms an exquisite style.
Glass block walls and partitions
In order to rationally plan the space of an apartment, many owners take such radical steps as rebuilding non-load-bearing walls or erecting various kinds of partitions.
In some cases, depending on the material, this is advisable, for example, as for zoning a bathroom.
Commonly used materials for such structures are brick, wood, drywall sheets, aerated concrete blocks, glass and glass blocks. This article will focus on one of the most optimal and aesthetic material for such purposes as glass block.
The use of glass blocks in the interior as a wall and in partitions has its advantages:
- Excellent material for decorating walls and partitions.
The distinctive quality of glass blocks from similar materials is the presence of a variety of shapes, colors, textures and patterns.
- It has excellent light transmission and light scattering effect.
Before choosing a glass block, you should accurately determine their future purpose. That is, blocks with a glossy surface transmit light well (transparent), matte ones muffle, and glass blocks with a corrugated surface have good light-scattering effects.
- High strength.
Walls and partitions built from glass blocks are so strong that they can only be broken with a sledgehammer. But even if, for some reason, several blocks break, it will not be difficult to replace them with similar whole blocks.
- Thermal and soundproofing. Due to the internal sealed air space, glass block walls perfectly absorb noise, and also perfectly retain heat.
- Fire resistance.
They are considered one of the fire resistant materials as they can withstand direct fire for up to an hour without melting or cracking. Tellingly, the walls of glass blocks in a fire situation can serve as a reliable barrier against fire until the arrival of firefighters.
- Ecology.
Glass blocks are an environmentally friendly building and finishing material. In fact, they are made from pure natural raw materials (quartz sand processed into glass) that do not emit or accumulate toxins, odors and harmful substances.
- And a few more advantages of using glass blocks in the form of walls and partitions, that they do not need to be painted and plastered, and it is also convenient to give unusual shapes and curves to walls and partitions.
Technology of installation and laying of glass blocks
Installation and laying of such material is undemanding and quite simple, if you follow the technology and make a little effort, then with laying, for example, partitions small size, with your own hands you can handle in an hour.
For laying and mounting glass blocks, it is preferable to use a special glue, but if for some reason it is not at hand, you can use ordinary masonry mortars such as tile adhesive or, on the very edge of the cement-sand mortar, but taking into account that the composition does not there were large grains of sand.
The base before laying glass blocks should be cleaned of dirt and dust, if necessary, leveled.
You need to prepare mounting plastic crosses in advance ( standard sizes 2,5,10 and 16 mm), reinforced stainless steel or galvanized rods (4–6 mm in diameter) to reinforce the masonry, a rubber mallet, level, colored grout for joints and silicone sealant, preferably a transparent color.
The very first block (standard glass block dimensions 19x19x8 and 24x24x12 mm) is laid from the side of the wall, taking into account that the expansion joint between the wall and the block does not exceed more than one centimeter.
Next, the following blocks are laid so that the seams between the blocks are even, use mounting plastic crosses, preferably 2 mm, since the wall or partition made of glass blocks in this case will look very rich and beautiful.
Please note that every third row must be reinforced with reinforced rods.
Reinforced rods must be laid on the mounting crosses and in no case should they come into contact with the glass block, in order to avoid rust and corrosion.
After each laying a row, it is required to check the level for evenness. For a better fight of the whole structure, after the third row, let the solution dry. If this is an adhesive mortar, then an hour is enough, and for a cement-sand mortar it will take at least a day.
After all the work done on building a wall or partition from glass blocks, it will be possible to chop off the protruding outer plates and rub the seams with colored grout.
Basically, many glass blocks already come with a protective film against the protection of the adhesive composition of the mortar and physical impact during installation. The protective film should be removed only after the completion of all the work done, and best of all during wet cleaning.
Glass blocks are called hollow sealed materials in the form of bricks, which consist of two semi-blocks. glass look. Use this material for decorative design premises. Partitions between rooms, decorative inserts and other elements are made from it.
Glass blocks are durable, environmentally friendly, and fire resistant material, light passes through them freely, which makes the room more spacious and open.
Glass blocks can be of different colors and structures, this allows you to combine the material different kind, and get the original surface. In care, the material is not picky, it can be washed with water or glass products can be used.
Standard glass block size
glass blocks standard view have a thickness of 7.5-10 centimeters, its weight can reach 4.3 kilograms.
The shape of such material can be rectangular or square.
The dimensions of a glass block of a standard type can be 19 * 19 * 8 centimeters or 24 * 24 * 8. Also, the material can be purchased in the form of halves, which have dimensions of 19 * 9 * 8 centimeters or 24 * 11.5 * 8.
Glass blocks in the interior: glass block partitions, laying, installation, photo
Glass blocks can be triangular or angular in shape, they are used to decorate decorative columns and other elements.
Proper installation of glass blocks
Glass blocks are laid in two ways: cement and frame. The first method is used when it is necessary to equip a large and strong structure or partition, that is, when building walls or window openings.
The frame laying method is more complex and expensive, but has a spectacular appearance, unlike the cement method.
With this method, cement is practically not used, this greatly facilitates the entire structure.
Cement method of glass block laying
With the standard laying method, a special type of cement is used, which has a uniform and high-quality structure, it does not contain large grains of sand, since these elements can leave scratches on the block.
For work, it is necessary to prepare spacer crosses and metal rods that have a cross section of up to 6 millimeters.
With the help of spacer crosses, the same distance is obtained between the stacked blocks. Also, cross elements help to make the wall stronger and more rigid. The rods serve as a reinforcing element that strengthens the entire structure.
First of all, the initial row of glass blocks is laid, then the cement composition is spread, the metal rod is laid, and the following glass blocks are installed.
If the area of \u200b\u200bthe structure being erected is too large, then the rods are laid not only horizontally, but also vertically.
Crosses for spacers are placed between the blocks, in their connections.
The caps of these elements should look out, and after the material is completely dry, they are removed by chipping. When laying glass blocks, you must use a level building type to keep the structure straight.
Laying is carried out in three rows with breaks for a day, while the cement composition has time to harden and harden well. If this is not followed, and more than three rows are laid, then the structure may shift or fall apart.
Laying glass blocks in a frame way
First, determine the size of the glass block partition.
Then a frame of wooden elements is installed in this place. During the manufacture of the frame, all cell sizes must be accurate, glass blocks will be placed in them.
The frame is fastened with glue or twisted with special hardware. The frame is painted in the desired color, and left to dry.
The frame can be made separately, and then installed in finished form in the intended place, secured with dowels or anchors to the wall, floor and ceiling.
After that, they start laying glass blocks, they are placed in each cell from bottom to top.
When all the cells are filled with glass blocks, they are fixed with silicone. It is applied to the junction of the glass block and the wooden frame, while the elements will not fall out of the main structure.
The silicone type sealant is colorless, so the colored elements do not deteriorate. After eight hours, this is the time during which the silicone dries completely, the partition is considered ready.
Glass blocks in the interior have been used for a very long time, recently they have experienced a rebirth. Designers began to use this material more widely, creating from them the most unusual elements of the room. Previously, partitions, walls, window openings, etc. were created from glass blocks. They were seen only as a building element, like bricks or glass. Now glass blocks in the interior of an apartment are mainly a decoration, an element of decoration. With the help of them, the design of the room acquires the necessary airiness, lightness, mystery and radiance. However, the whole range of effective use cannot be described in one sentence.
Glass blocks in the interior have been used for a very long time, they recently experienced a rebirth In Soviet times, such cloudy glass blocks were called glass blocks, often square shape bricks with which window openings were laid and partitions were created. Today, there are hundreds of times more forms and varieties of glass blocks. They differ from each other not only in shapes and sizes, but also in color, degree of transparency and other characteristics. On order, you can get any - pistachio, blue, turquoise, purple, mustard and others - glass blocks with different relief and degree of dimming. Thus, a glass block wall can look completely different and modern.
You can also find glass blocks with stained glass patterns, with a mosaic surface or with various inserts. In this regard, the role of an insert can be played by a sea shell, a dried plant, a photograph, and any item on order. Such a block is often used in a single copy as a unique insert in a window or wall opening.
Such a vast field of possibilities awakens the work of fantasy. Here is a small overview of what the use of glass blocks in the interior can be.
Gallery: glass blocks in the interior (25 photos)
Glass blocks in the interior (video)
Basic Ideas
Most often, due to the fact that the block transmits light, it is used to fill the window opening. A glass block window in this case is often installed on those walls that overlook unsightly territories or other people's space. Thus, the room does not lose anything in terms of light, but an ugly appearance is avoided. Especially if the window overlooks a blank wall of a neighboring house.
The glass block partition is also very relevant. It allows for parts, but at the same time makes available light throughout the space. The peculiarity of glass blocks is that they transmit light without refraction, which makes the room well lit and at the same time spectacular.
Very often, blocks are used to create an opaque room or area. For example, for glazing a bathroom better material do not invent.
The use of glass blocks is not limited to walls and windows, but can be extended to furniture, floors, ventilation, doors, performing a decorating function.
Designers began to widely use this material, creating the most unusual elements. Use on walls
Modern trends are such that more often in apartments and houses, the owners prefer to expand the space by removing walls that are not load-bearing. However, the need for separate functional areas continues to exist. After all, there must be a corridor somehow separated from the living room. In this case, the walls between the rooms are best created from light-transmitting glass blocks.
They will not only help to enrich the space with light, but also give the interior lightness. Glass is a material that is not very functional and soulless. Glass blocks win a lot in this comparison. They are like colored ice cubes, able to give the room comfort, soulfulness and warmth. At the same time, you can fantasize. For example, make up part of the wall from brick or drywall, and lay out the other from embossed blocks with a pattern. In addition, if you use elements with a rounded, varied shape, they will deprive the interior of dullness and typicality.
Glass block partitions
For partitions, glass blocks are also indispensable. They can be made in any size and shape. It can turn out to be stepped, rounded, pyramid-shaped, cylindrical, etc. Glass blocks in the bathroom interior are most often used for these purposes. Here, surrounded by water, they look most harmonious and natural. They go well with tiles, plumbing, are not afraid of moisture and perfectly protect intimate space from prying eyes. Recently, glass block showers have become fashionable. It is much more practical and safer than using glass.
In order to get a unique design, you can create partitions from blocks of different colors. So you can create a mosaic effect. Thus, it is possible to separate the working part of the kitchen from the dining room, the living room from the bedroom, etc.
In residential areas, glass block partitions will look best in urban, baroque, art deco, neo-baroque, art nouveau, loft and high-tech styles. In classic, natural and rustic interiors, their use will be pretentious and ridiculous.
Laying glass blocks (video)
Application on windows
This material can be used not only on external windows, but also on internal ones. For example, in a blank wall, you can make a hole and lay it with glass blocks. It will not only serve as additional lighting, but will also look like a luxurious panel. Such a window can be cut through between the corridor and the living room, bathroom and shower room, pantry and bedroom.
Those window openings that face the street can also be laid with glass blocks. Most of all, this is true for the bathroom, but even living rooms and kitchens with such a solution will look very appropriate. In the event that there is a desire to additionally admire the view from the window, you can use the mix option: plastic windows with the possibility of installing a glass block package.
For partitions, glass blocks are also indispensable.
Wall and furniture decoration
In this sense, glass blocks in the interior are used as inserts. Here they may not be end-to-end, i.e. connecting two rooms, but recessed. They will not let light through, but if they are illuminated with a lamp, they will begin to shine like a living picture.
There may be few such elements in an apartment, sometimes even one is enough for the entire wall to turn it from boring to original. For these purposes, it is best to choose glass bricks with an internal picture or insert.
Glass "bricks" are truly vast in their capabilities. So, they can be inlaid in various parts of furniture. For example, insert inside a wall kitchen cabinet, a bar counter, into a console above a washbasin, etc. You can create separate furniture from these glass elements to order: a wardrobe, a table, a sofa, etc.
The use of glass blocks is not limited by anything now, so even a whole house made of glass blocks is a completely feasible project.
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Many of us, when we hear the word “glass blocks”, think of Soviet buildings with bluish-green glass squares of glass that served as windows or partitions in various public buildings, from canteens to bathhouses. In those days, it never occurred to anyone to use this building material as a decor. The use of glass blocks was due to the strength, availability and obvious functionality of the products. Today, 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 the design of residential premises has been gaining popularity - modern designers offer options for the construction of practical and aesthetic structures, the use of glass blocks locally, as a functional decor.
Glass blocks are an excellent soundproofing material that is resistant to moisture and has good heat-saving properties. That is why it was so often used in utilitarian premises for taking water procedures. And today, glass blocks can most often be found in bathroom design projects, where partitions are created from translucent cubes, window openings are laid out and racks are installed.
The design of the glass block is simple - it is a “brick” hollow inside, the walls of which are 6-8 mm thick. The rarefied air inside the block provides the product with high soundproofing properties and low thermal conductivity, which helps to save heat in the premises. As a result, industrial glass blocks are used both for the construction of bearing walls inside the building, and for facing the outer surfaces of buildings.
As a rule, glass blocks are produced in a square shape, but there are also products in the form of "bricks", end (corner) blocks and even rounded shapes. As for colors, transparent, colorless glass blocks have an advantage here, but recently tinted products with various decors inside (pebbles, shells and even herbariums) are gaining popularity, LED products look especially luxurious and modern. Glass blocks can be different sizes, but still the most popular option is the standard forms: 19x19x8 cm and 24x24x8 cm.
Glass blocks in interior design
Partitions, racks and more
One of the most popular options for using glass blocks in the interior is the creation of partitions in the bathroom. There are several reasons for this popularity:
- glass blocks let in up to 85% of sunlight, but at the same time create a barrier behind which you can retire;
- excellent moisture resistant properties;
- structural strength;
- relative cheapness of the material;
- ease of care;
- excellent soundproofing properties allow you to drown out the sound of pouring water;
- glass block partitions are able to retain heat, creating a comfortable atmosphere for taking water procedures.
In order to create a safe and easy-to-use glass block partition, products with a rounded shape are used in the last row of the building. As a result, your opening, passage or niche in the partition will be ergonomic, safe and visually attractive.
The creation of semicircular partitions made of glass blocks that separate the shower space from the common room has become most widespread in modern design projects. You get a bathroom space isolated from high humidity, but at the same time you keep the presence of sunlight in the shower area.
The combination of transparent and tinted glass in the construction of partitions in bathrooms allows you to create not only functional protection premises from moisture, but also decorate the interior, bring an element of originality.
Products of different sizes and colors will help to bring originality to the construction of a glass block partition. Here is an original combination of transparent rectangular elements of glass with square emerald blocks with a corrugated surface.
In 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.
Partial laying out of one of the walls of the bathroom with the help of 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 can not use the day artificial lighting visiting the bathroom.
Windows in rooms for different purposes
Most often, glass blocks are used for the construction of window openings in utility rooms - bathrooms and toilets. This choice makes sense because you end up with a window that lets in almost as much light as regular double glazing, yet creates a private atmosphere without the need for curtains or blinds. Most often, glass block windows can be found in private urban-type houses 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 design uniqueness to an unprecedented height.
Creating a window from glass blocks in the bathroom allows you to use the resulting surface as a base. For example, when one or two sinks are located near such a window, you can hang mirrors and even small shelves directly on the glass structure.
Panoramic glass block bathroom windows can be used to mount various accessories. In the shower space, it can be handrails or small shelves, mirrors.
But not only in bathrooms you can find windows made of glass blocks. Originality and practicality brings this inexpensive material into the living room space. In this case, glass products are used not only for their functional qualities, but also as a decorative element.
When refurbishing former industrial spaces into living spaces, glass blocks are often used 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 glass block windows.
Another example of arranging a glass block window in a modern kitchen-dining room
Even in the interior of the hallway, the use of a glass block window looks organic. Modern and unique.
Original solutions in a modern interior
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 the basis for flooring can bring originality to any interior design. Here is just such a way to design an office with a seating area. The glass roof, complete with a glass block floor, made the room completely airy, light, and light.
A semicircular 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 inserts of glass blocks in the walls are a unique opportunity to bring originality to the interior of the room. The room is filled with light, glare plays on surfaces, but at the same time the walls do not lose their strength and wear-resistant qualities.
Creating an interior partition of transparent glass blocks in the space of the stairs will help create a light, almost weightless image of this structure. The solid construction will ensure that your stairs are exposed to sunlight from adjoining spaces.
Unusual use of glass blocks can be found even in the bedroom. Windows made of this material can protect your space from prying eyes, but at the same time fill the room with subdued sunlight.
The tradition of using glass blocks dates back to Soviet times when they were used in hospitals, schools, baths and gyms. Then this material looked like a row of rough bricks of uneven, hazy glass.
Today, taking the idea itself as a basis, manufacturers offer a large assortment that includes many shapes and colors.
At the same time, the scope of this finishing material. The use of glass blocks in the interior of the apartment allows not only to create original design, but also to solve many problems of the functional plan.
Kinds
Glass blocks are products intended for construction purposes, consisting of 2 pressed glass halves-plates that create an airtight cavity. Insulation with such a structure is equivalent to laying two bricks.
Depending on the external characteristics, the following types are distinguished:
- transparent ones are capable of transmitting about 85% of the light flux, but objects look fuzzy through them, the contours are slightly distorted and blurred;
- corrugated ones are usually colorless and light-guiding or light-scattering, depending on the vector of the corrugation faces, despite the transparency, it is difficult to see objects behind them;
- such blocks with a matte surface may have a corresponding feature on one or both sides, transmit no more than 50% of the light;
- glass blocks with inserts are usually made for a certain interior, and here the variety of subjects is amazing - from replicas of vegetables, fruits, sea shells to real plot paintings and even portraits;
- colored glass blocks are distinguished by a relatively small color spectrum, including green, yellow, blue, red, but the range of shades is huge, it is worth noting that the glass mass is painted during the cooking process, so the products subsequently do not change color and do not fade;
- “stained-glass” glass blocks are quite expensive and difficult to manufacture; for their production, composite elements are cut out of colored sheet glass and sintered in a furnace, therefore, despite the excellent aesthetic characteristics, these products are not widely used.
Bathroom design with glass blocks
One of the features of this material is its resistance to moisture, which is why it is so readily used for finishing the bathroom. At the same time, the use cases are quite diverse.
Glass blocks in the interior of the bathroom can be used for zoning the room, as partitions that separate the bathroom or shower.
The partition can have both a rectilinear and a radius shape, experimenting with the appearance of the blocks can achieve a variety of effects.
Bathroom walls can include glass blocks as single inserts, or completely consist of them.
In any case, it looks very attractive and makes the room brighter and more interesting. At the same time, two rooms are decorated at once, if the wall separates the rooms or the facade of the house is decorated.
Walls
- In the hallway, a wall, entirely or partially consisting of glass blocks, can separate the room from the living room. Such a partition interspersed with small empty niches, which are easy to adapt for souvenirs, looks interesting.
- The use of glass blocks in the interior of the hallway allows you to fill it with light, give lightness and non-triviality to its appearance.
The entrance decorated with glass blocks in private houses looks very original. For its design, opaque corrugated or colored glass is used, which transmits light, but reliably protects interior spaces from prying eyes. - Arches interspersed with glass blocks are distinguished by the elegance of forms and visual lightness, airiness.
- Partitions divide rooms into zones without weighing them down with blank walls, ideal for small rooms, because they do not narrow the space and saturate it with light.
In the interior of the kitchen
The use of this material for the design of the kitchen space is truly unlimited.
Glass partitions can serve as an excellent separator between kitchen area and dining room. It is recommended to purchase light-colored glass blocks that transmit light well.
Decorative glass blocks in the kitchen can create a spectacular panel, and given the variety of motifs, it will be easy to choose fragments that match the overall design of the room.
Habitual floor coverings can be successfully replaced with glass blocks.
This will be an extraordinary move that will immediately transform the room and make it truly unique. For this purpose, special glass blocks prepared for increased load are used. And if you mount a backlight in some of them, the effect of such a floor will be simply mesmerizing.
Glass blocks are perfect for all rooms in the house, but with glass blocks it will not leave anyone indifferent.
A properly selected furniture and a combination of colors in the kitchen will make it not only comfortable and functional, but also give it a special chic. Therefore, we recommend that you read the article.
Fans of experiments will certainly like the bar counter made of glass blocks.
She will emphasize the taste of her owner, hide shelves for dishes and give a play of light on her faces.
Choice of colors
Color directly depends on the scope of its future application and the functions that are assigned to it. If we are talking exclusively about decorating a room, the color can be any, the main thing is that it harmoniously fits into the overall color palette. At the same time, more saturated colors against the background of muted walls look more advantageous. In the same case, you can use those types of glass blocks that are decorated with additional elements and patterns.
For zoning small or dimly lit rooms, it is better to purchase transparent glass blocks or painted in delicate pastel shades.
In bedrooms and nurseries, you can use glass blocks of bright colors, the light playing in them will add optimism, activity and good mood. Dark shades are ideal for places designed for relaxation and stress relief.
Prices
|
GLASS BLOCKS Colorless |
Unit measurements |
|
| Industrial colorless Wave + all other textures | ||
| Euro colorless Wave + all other textures | ||
| Euro colorless matt | ||
| Euro colorless semi-gloss | ||
|
Mounting elements |
||
| Cross for mounting glass blocks 1 cm | ||
| Cross for mounting glass blocks 5 mm | ||
| Matting any block |
30 rubles/side |
decorative elements
- Glass blocks for windows are a fresh take on room decor. They replace window panes where the use of blocks seems more appropriate, since they are strong enough and at the same time create soft lighting that is pleasing to the eye. In addition, various ways of laying glass blocks allow you to create windows of the most unexpected shapes. Refracting light, such a window looks like a sparkling diamond.
- Wall decor with glass blocks allows you to decorate two rooms at the same time, when it comes to interior partitions, as well as the interior and exterior, in the case when the outer walls are decorated with glass blocks.
- Furniture made of glass blocks has its own attractive qualities; you cannot deny it originality and elegance.
From glass bricks you can create a bar counter, a stationary island or a console for a washbasin.
True, when rearranging such “furniture” it will not be possible to move and change it, but it will last a very long time.
The interior of the bedroom in a modern style for girls, goes well with a glass block wall, or decorative partition. The main thing here is to choose the right bedroom design, and ours will help you with this.
Also, a partition made of glass blocks will elegantly fit into the interior design of a bathroom in Khrushchev, it will allow you to share a bathroom combined with a bathroom, without losing precious square meters. Find out which bathroom design is better to choose.
Bedroom
This material can perform the same function of zoning a room.
In addition, the glass blocks in the bedroom perfectly create a mood: soft shades, highlighted by illumination, set you up for relaxation, rest, and expressive ones energize, not only filling the space of the bedroom with light, but also having a beneficial effect on the emotional state of the residents;
The smoothly curved screen of their glass blocks in the appropriate color scheme will look very non-trivial. It will become an intriguing detail of the bedroom interior.
The blocks in the interior walls will flicker slightly or resemble cozy luminous windows. All this will allow the bedroom to acquire new colors and sound.
Installation of blocks is quite simple and does not cause difficulties. There are two main ways.
The first uses special modular plastic systems that allow you to quickly build glass block walls. Even without the use of a plumb line, the walls are absolutely even. The glass blocks installed in this way look extremely neat, the modular system hides all the seams and joints.
The use of sealant will improve sound insulation and ensure tightness.
Laying with mortar is the second option. The process is not complicated, installation involves the use of special plastic spacers. It is resorted to when it comes to non-standard glass blocks, for example, angular, half and others.
Glass blocks are back in fashion. Many people remember them from Soviet times, when walls were erected from them inside various institutions. Usually glass blocks looked like rectangular glass bricks. gray color. To date, interior design has changed a lot, and with it the ways of using and types of glass blocks have changed.
Main characteristics
The glass block looks like a rectangle, hollow from the inside. Its walls form plates up to one cm thick. The hollow structure ensures the accumulation of rarefied air inside the block, due to which the brick acquires good sound insulation and low thermal conductivity. Despite the fragile appearance, the glass block is very durable and fire resistant. The decorative variety of this material has the following dimensions:
- 190/190/80mm;
- 240/240/80 mm.
The block has a thickness of 75 to 100 mm, a cube weighs up to four kilograms. In addition to the standard type, glass blocks are produced in the form of a square, circle, semicircle, angle.
Advantages
Like any material, blocks have a number of positive characteristics, due to which they are actively used by decorators and builders.
The lack of material will manifest itself in the case of laying a whole wall, and not a small surface. In such a case, it is impossible to carry out any communications, even electrical wiring.
Block stacking
There are 3 ways to install glass blocks:
- Without a solution, instead they turn to frames or modules made of wood.
- Using a mortar of cement and sand.
- With the use of glue.
The first method is suitable even for beginners who are not familiar with laying any kind of bricks. The module includes cells where you need to install blocks, fixing them with rubber gaskets.
This method allows you to make a smooth wall in a short period of time, without resorting to the help of a level. Another advantage of this laying method: ease of dismantling. If necessary, the partition can be disassembled without damaging the glass blocks. This cannot be achieved in the case of installation on glue or mortar.
Glue for installing cubes is sold complete with blocks. This type of installation is also very fast. The adhesive has a transparent structure, so it does not spoil the appearance of the finished wall.
It is much more difficult to make glass masonry with mortar. This method is the cheapest and most familiar to many masters.
- The sand must be chosen very fine, as large pebbles can scratch the glass;
- A maximum of three rows can be laid out per day: the mortar and glass set slowly;
- The mortar is not suitable for the construction of high walls, since the lower layers may crack under the weight of the upper ones;
- To create a solid structure, before laying each subsequent row, it is necessary to insert metal rods with a cross section of 5-6 millimeters into the seams;
- The seams need to be treated with colored grout, as stripes of gray cement will spoil the appearance. To save time, you can immediately buy cement with pigment.
glass walls
Transparent glass blocks are used for the construction of partitions and wall cladding. Products must be of high quality: plastic analogues, despite their cheaper cost, are inferior in quality to glass elements.
Decorative properties play an important role. Transparent rectangles or backlit, tinted look good. They decorate studio apartments, use them to decorate the kitchen or bathroom.
Interior walls, zoning partitions - these transparent elements are suitable for dark halls and other spaces where sunlight enters, refracting in the faces of the cube, while maintaining the distinction between rooms.
Partitions
The design of modern dwellings dictates the construction of partitions of unusual shapes.
They may be:
- trapeze;
- pyramids;
- steps;
- arches;
- ziggurats;
- ovals;
- circles with holes.
Glass blocks in the interior of the bathroom are used for bathroom partitions and wall cladding inside the shower cabin. Glass has good moisture resistance, scatters light, it is not afraid of temperature changes.
For an additional aesthetic effect, small objects can be placed inside the blocks. For this purpose, the bathroom is decorated with shells and pebbles. “Edible” elements are suitable for kitchens: voids are filled with artificial berries or coffee beans.
The main thing here is not to overdo it. If you are not sure what will turn out stylish and tasteful, it is better to refrain from using fillers.
Stylistic compatibility
Transparent blocks will fit literally into any interior style.
They look best in styles:
- urban, high-tech;
- neo-baroque, neo-classical spaces;
- modern, loft;
- art deco, art nouveau;
- stylized oriental style.
Classical, baroque and rococo interiors that have a historical twist are not suitable for using transparent cubes. Inappropriate glass will also look in "home" interiors in the style of Provence, country, rustic.
Usage Ideas
Glass blocks can become part of all premises: from the hallway to the shower room. Their versatility and attractive appearance have allowed them to take their rightful place among other design ideas.
Kitchen
The use of glass blocks is possible even for the smallest kitchen space. They cover the area above the sink, where they lay out panels of cubes of different colors and sizes. You can replace them with tiles near the stove: a multi-colored mosaic will look great.
For a large kitchen, a glass partition will be a good solution, which will create two spaces: dining and cooking. Beautiful bar counters are made of such material; blocks of bright colors are usually used for these purposes.
Living room
In this room, ideas for using blocks can only be limited by bad imagination. For work, choose colorless or one-color bricks with different textures. Design options are shown in the photo.
Bedroom
In the sleeping area, the use of glass blocks is possible to solve two problems: improving sound insulation and creating soft light. These features of the material bring soothing notes to the room.
Bathrooms
Most often, glass blocks are used when it is necessary to separate the shower room from the rest of the room. It turns out a closed area where sunlight penetrates and at the same time there is no distribution of moisture to the entire room.
Decorators are advised to combine transparent glass with tinted glass in the partition to create original space. Structures made of different-sized or multi-colored cubes look unusual.
Blocks can be placed in window openings instead of the usual double-glazed windows. They will create dim natural lighting in the bathroom. To recreate the stained glass effect, small bricks of different colors are connected.
The use of glass elements in design has always existed. Glass attracts by the fact that it creates airiness of space, expands its boundaries, looks very elegant. Glass blocks in the interior of an apartment are increasingly finding their admirers, who are attracted by their creativity, variety of shapes and textures, and high quality.
