Glass panels are a stunning alternative to traditional balustrades and are very popular across UK households. These stylish stair parts have an array of benefits, from practical advantages to aesthetic ones. So, why should you consider glass panels and are they the best option for you?
We explore all you need to know below!
Top reasons to opt for glass panels
Here’s why you should contemplate glass panels for your staircase:
1. Glass opens up your space
If you’re craving an open feel on your stairs and want to make your home seem more spacious then glass panels are a great option.
This is thanks to the transparency of the glass which allows you to see out across each flight and almost creates the illusion that there’s no barrier at all, adding to the impression of openness.
You simply can’t achieve this with spindles or wooden panels that enclose your stairs and restrict your view.
2. Glass offers a modern feel
Glass panels are the ideal choice if you want to create a contemporary and sophisticated set of stairs. Sleek and ultra-stylish, glass offers a chic and luxurious aesthetic that balusters can’t match in terms of modern design.
What’s more, if you opt for clamped glass rather than embedded panels that slot into the baserail, the metal clamps help to add an extra layer of style - choose between voguish black or brushed nickel depending on your taste.
3. They provide a safety barrier
Glass panels enhance the structural integrity of your staircase, providing high levels of safety for stair users.
More often than not, the glass panels used in staircase construction are manufactured using reinforced safety glass. These thickened panels help to prevent falls and in the unlikely event that they do break, they’ll break into large blunt pieces that reduce the likelihood of cuts and other injuries.
4. They brighten your space
Another excellent benefit of glass is the levels of light it allows to pass through - this naturally brightens your house and leaves it less dark.
Solid wooden panels can block light from spreading through your space, which isn’t ideal if you have a north-facing home that doesn’t receive much natural light as it is.
By opting for glass panels, light can evenly spread across your stairs, brightening them and creating a much more appealing area. Additionally, you can save on energy bills as a result of excessive lighting use.
5. They’re easy to maintain
Finally, unlike some wooden balustrades, glass doesn’t require treatment and is simple to clean.
Some wood materials must be treated to prevent mould and rot, which can be expensive and time-consuming to apply. Additionally, they often need to be maintained with special wood cleaning solutions.
This differs greatly from glass which can be effortlessly wiped down with a soft cloth and warm water.
Are glass panels the best option for me?
While glass panels are a superb option for many homes, there are a few considerations to ponder before investing.
Firstly, glass panels look the best among contemporary decors, so if you’re looking for something a little more traditional we recommend opting for oak or metal spindles instead.
Secondly, whilst glass panels are easy to clean, they often need to be cleaned more regularly than wooden balustrades due to fingerprints and smudges showing up more clearly.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your desired aesthetic and how you want your home to look.
Call our team today
If you’d like more guidance or advice regarding the most ideal balustrade components for your home, our stair part experts are on hand to help.
You can call us on 0194 236 5509 or email us at info@staircrazy.co.uk, if you’d prefer, and we’ll be in touch.
