Glass blocks are coming back into fashion. Many people remember them from Soviet times, when they were used to build walls inside various institutions. Typically, glass blocks looked like rectangular glass bricks gray. Today, interior design has changed a lot, and along with it, the uses and types of glass blocks have changed.
Main characteristics
The glass block looks like a rectangle, hollow on 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 its fragile appearance, the glass block is very durable and fire resistant. Decorative variety this material has the following dimensions:
- 190/190/80 mm;
- 240/240/80 mm.
The block has a thickness of 75 to 100 mm, the cube weighs up to four kilograms. Except standard view, produce glass blocks in the shape of a square, circle, semicircle, corner.
Advantages
Like any material, blocks have a number of positive characteristics, thanks to which they are actively used by decorators and builders.
The lack of material will manifest itself in the case of laying an entire wall, and not a small surface. In such a case, it is impossible to carry out any communications, even electrical wiring.
Laying blocks
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.
- Using glue.
The first method is suitable even for beginners who are not familiar with laying any types of bricks. The module includes cells where you need to install blocks, securing them with rubber gaskets.
This method allows you to do flat wall for a short period of time, without resorting to the help of a level. Another advantage of this installation method: ease of dismantling. If necessary, the partition can be disassembled without damaging the glass blocks. This cannot be achieved if installed with adhesive or mortar.
Adhesive for installing cubes is sold complete with blocks. This type of installation is also very fast. The glue has a transparent structure, so it does not spoil the appearance of the finished wall.
It is much more difficult to make glass masonry using mortar. This method is the cheapest and most common for many craftsmen.
- You need to choose very fine sand, as large pebbles can scratch the glass;
- You can lay out a maximum of three rows per day: the setting of the solution and glass occurs 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 durable 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 ruin 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 High Quality: plastic analogues, despite their cheaper cost, are inferior in quality to glass elements.
Decorative properties play an important role. Transparent rectangles or those with lighting or tinting look good. They decorate studio apartments and are used to decorate kitchens or bathrooms.
Interior walls, zoning partitions - these transparent elements are suitable for dark halls and other spaces where sunlight enters, refracting in the edges of the cube, maintaining the distinction between rooms.
Partitions
Design modern homes dictates the construction of partitions of unusual shapes.
They may be:
- trapezoid;
- pyramids;
- steps;
- arches;
- ziggurats;
- ovals;
- circles with holes.
Glass blocks in the bathroom interior are used for bathroom partitions and wall cladding inside the shower stall. Glass has good moisture resistance, diffuses light, and 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 that it will turn out stylish and tasteful, it is better to refrain and not use fillers.
Stylistic compatibility
Transparent blocks will fit into literally any interior style.
They look best in styles:
- urban, hi-tech;
- neo-baroque, neo-classical spaces;
- modern, loft;
- art deco, art nouveau;
- stylizations in oriental style.
Classical, baroque and rococo interiors, in which a historical bias is noticeable, are not suitable for the use of transparent cubes. Glass will also look out of place in “home” interiors in Provence, country, or rustic styles.
Ideas for use
Glass blocks can become a part of all rooms: from the hallway to the shower room. Their versatility and attractive appearance have allowed them to occupy worthy place among other design ideas.
Kitchen
The use of glass blocks is possible even for the smallest kitchen area. They cover the area above the sink, where a panel of cubes is laid out. different color and size. You can replace the tiles near the stove with them: a multi-colored mosaic will look great.
For large kitchen good decision will become glass partition, which will create two spaces: dining and cooking. Beautiful bar counters are made from this 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 single-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 calming 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. This creates a closed area where sunlight penetrates without the humidity spreading throughout the entire room.
Decorators advise combining clear glass with tinted glass in a partition to create an original space. Structures made of different-sized or multi-colored cubes look unusual.
Instead of the usual double-glazed windows, you can put blocks in window openings. They will create dim natural lighting in the bathroom. To recreate the effect of stained glass, small bricks of different colors are connected.
The use of glass elements in design has always existed. Glass is attractive because it creates an airy space, expands its boundaries, and looks very elegant. Glass blocks in apartment interiors are increasingly finding their admirers, who are attracted by their creativity, variety of shapes and textures, and high quality.
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 find out what decorative glass blocks 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 plug-in design into the 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 a sufficient amount of sunlight. 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 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 zone".
Designers advise, just like walls, to build partitions only in certain styles, for example, urban, loft, hi-tech, but in a classic decor they will look ridiculous.
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 is also a decoration for empty wall surfaces.
To create windows, LED glass blocks are used, which will fit perfectly into rooms that separate each other, such as a bathroom and a toilet or a shower in a large bathroom, a living room and a corridor, or a kitchen, a bedroom and a storage room.
Of course, glass blocks are also used for glazing window structures facing outside. However, you can’t admire it from such a window beautiful view and it will not be possible to ventilate the room with its help, since such structures are usually made solid.
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.
Used as an insert in wall structures colored glass blocks and with internal photographs that give the premises brightness and originality.
Glass blocks for creating stationary furniture
Glass block kitchen island
Glass blocks in the interior (photo) are a 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
IN modern design There is a special material in the home that creates a lasting impression, and also amazes with its strength and sound insulation properties. This is how you can describe glass blocks in the interior of an apartment. They shimmer fabulously, create an atmosphere of comfort and cope well with excess noise. This is an excellent choice for creative people who value aesthetics and quality.
Advantages of glass blocks
The glass block design looks exclusive and harmonious in any room. This material has gained immense popularity due to its aesthetic properties and the following characteristics:
1. High strength, which ensures that decorating a space with glass blocks will last for many years.
2. Remarkable moisture-resistant properties. Confirmation of this - original partitions made of glass blocks in the bathroom.
3. Easy to care for. Simple will be enough wet cleaning and wiping special means for glass shine.
4. Loyal price.
5. Good sound insulation, which can muffle sounds kitchen equipment, loud music or water noise.
6. Glass blocks are also famous for their ability to retain heat, making the room even more comfortable.
7. Despite their strength, they transmit almost 90% sun rays. Therefore, you don’t have to worry that the space will look dark.
Laying glass blocks
There are two main types of installation of glass blocks: the use of plastic or wooden modules and laying the material on cement mortar. Using the first option, you can fold the wall like a construction set, inserting glass blocks into all or only the required cells.
When using the second mounting method, you need to take into account that the seam will be filled with a special product (dye), which means that the cells must be completely empty. This type of masonry is very reminiscent of brick.
It is also necessary to remember that glass blocks do not absorb moisture, and the wall takes a long time to dry. Therefore, the structure must be laid gradually, 2–4 times a day, and the actual commissioning of the wall should be carried out no earlier than after 7–8 days.
Types of glass blocks
Experts qualify them according to the following criteria: size, color palette, texture, shape, glass strength, load resistance and visual characteristics.
Dimensions
Today there is a large number of glass blocks of different heights and widths. Most often you can find sizes from 190x190x80 mm. Don't clutter small room too large partitions, and fill the large space with small ones. In the case of decoration, the visual harmony of the room and the decoration material must be maintained.
Color palette
The number of shades is increasing every day. You can find all the colors of the rainbow on sale. The most successful shade options that fit perfectly into almost any design are white, blue and transparent.
Surface texture
It is this property that affects the light rays that pass through the glass block. There are such popular surface options: smooth, corrugated, matte, glossy, transparent, patterned.
Form
Most often on sale you can find the following variations of glass block shapes: square, rectangular, triangular, with a rounded edge, round, oval, hexagon.
Glass strength
It can range from 5 to 7 mm. The thickness of the material also affects its weight, which is 2-5 kg.
This characteristic may depend on the desired structure of the glass block in the interior. This can be either an impenetrable partition or a thin decorative structure.
Visual characteristics
Optical and aesthetic properties include not only color and shape, but also the degree of light transmission, the shape of the glass and the nature of the light flow (it can be bright, directional or diffuse).
Glass blocks in the interior of different rooms - photo
Despite the fact that glass blocks appeared back in the Soviet years, when their use was frequent in schools, gyms, and baths, now designers from all over the world consider this series of glass bricks to be a real trend, with which you can decorate almost any corner of the apartment.
Glass blocks in the bedroom
This place in the house is reserved for relaxation of soul, body and thoughts. Therefore, glass blocks in the bedroom can create a good atmosphere of relaxation and inspiration thanks to warm shades, special lighting and correctly selected geometric shape. In addition, glass blocks can become an element of zoning into two zones of a large bedroom (for example, a relaxation and reading area, a sleeping area and a dressing room) or an intriguing detail that will shimmer and set off a bright wall covering.
Glass blocks in the living room
In this room, glass blocks can become a real work of art that will amaze guests with its shimmering beauty. Colored mosaics can replace window glass, decorate one of the walls, interior partition for greater comfort, as well as decoration of furniture. Original styling material, bright glow and gentle colors will turn the living room into an oasis for the soul and a place that guests will love no less than the owners of the apartment.
Glass blocks in the kitchen
The relevance of glass blocks is so high that they look harmonious even in the kitchen. They are especially often used in the form of dividing the dining room and kitchen area. It always looks aesthetically pleasing and practical, because the properties of the material include high sound insulation, which is so necessary in the kitchen, where noise is not so uncommon. When decorating a kitchen, the most popular option is thin decorative panels, which will become the highlight of the room.
Glass blocks in the bathroom
Bathroom design using original glass blocks is a wonderful solution for creative people who perceive the bathroom from the point of view of not only rationality, but also aesthetics.
The wall can be decorated with a full-fledged glass block or use matte single inserts of elements that will help visually make the room a little more spacious and brighter, especially in the case of sand and beige shades, which will shimmer beautifully. It is worth noting that important factor that glass blocks have high moisture resistance, guaranteeing their durability.
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In Soviet times, glass blocks were often used in the design of staircases in public institutions; they were used to make partitions in bathhouses and canteens. Today they are becoming popular again. Original design solutions allow you to use glass blocks in an apartment, using them to create a non-standard space.
Application
Today, glass blocks in apartment interiors are used in almost all rooms. With the help of such a traditional and at the same time fashion material It's easy to add a twist to a standard setting. Partitions are made from glass blocks and walls are decorated with them. In this case, partitions can be of any size and have various shapes (stepped, even, in the form of a pyramid). They are often used to build walls between separate rooms, for example, between the hall and the living room. You can see the options for interiors with glass blocks in the photo.
It should be borne in mind that not every style can become a platform for structures made from this material. IN classic interior, in country, ethnic and other styles close to nature, glass blocks should not be used. But high-tech, minimalism, loft, urban - this is a fertile field for these colored “bricks”.
Most often, this material is used in the design of bathrooms. In their shape, they harmoniously combine with the tiles, giving the space “intimacy”. Today, glass blocks in bathroom interiors are used to create shower enclosures. The result is a partition that is needed not only for decorative purposes. It will reliably protect the surrounding area from water ingress.
Glass blocks delimit the shower area from the toilet area; they separate the space where the bathtub is installed. Zoning with matte blocks becomes the basis for using the bathroom by several people at the same time. If a person lives in an apartment alone or with his partner, you can use transparent blocks to decorate the bathroom, which will make the room brighter and more spacious. Partitions can be made entirely from glass blocks or combined with other materials.
Glass block openings
The openings decorated with glass blocks between the interior spaces. Such interior windows allow light to spread, making the space more cozy. The sophistication of glass lines contributes to the uniqueness of the space, this original way decorate ordinary walls. Such “windows” are made between the corridor and the living room, between the kitchen and the living room, the bedroom and the shower room. Glass blocks are used for glazing regular windows looking out onto the street. In this case, there is one significant drawback - the lack of ventilation. Usually such windows are made in bathrooms.
Types of material
Today there are several varieties of this material on the market: corrugated, matte, with a stained glass pattern or with intricate inserts. The latest trend is glass block panels. The presence of inserts allows you to create beautiful compositions. Such decorative glass blocks in the interior with their overflows create a special atmosphere of celebration and solemnity. When laying it is better to use interesting combinations, combining “bricks” of different colors.
Advantages of glass blocks
Glass block structures look light and airy, creating the impression of fragility. But it is very difficult to break them. This material has other advantages: good sound insulation, excellent ability to conserve heat. It is very easy to care for a glass block surface. They do not accumulate odors or retain toxins, so they are completely hypoallergenic material. They transmit light, but due to the diffusing effect they provide isolation from prying eyes.
When we're talking about About glass block, we sometimes remember with nostalgia the outdated entrances of old houses, public canteens, hospitals and bathhouses of Soviet times. Today glass blocks are not uncommon in decoration, 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 well forgotten old.
IN modern apartment, glass blocks have found application in the interior design of bedrooms, kitchens, in the bathroom (shower stall), as well as for zoning rooms in the room, in the form of walls and partitions, giving the interior of the room in the apartment, fabulous atmosphere and additional comfort.
In this article, we want to describe 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 photos and video recommendations, where you can choose for yourself some interesting, fresh ideas and solutions for interior design and zoning your apartment.
The use of glass blocks in the interior of an apartment
The idea of using glass blocks in the interior arose not so long ago, although building material have been in use for half a century. Today, interior designers do not miss any even the smallest opportunity to realize fresh ideas into their projects, one example of this is the use of such material in residential premises.
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, which can transform any interior beyond recognition, giving freshness, lightness and distinctive beauty. Next, we will try to clearly analyze examples of the use of glass blocks in an apartment, attaching photo illustrations to the topic.
Glass blocks in the bathroom . Thanks to its light-tonic insight, allowing only particles of light to pass through and blurred colors, decorating the interior with glass block bathroom has now become very popular and fashionable.
Glass blocks in the apartment photo
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 or a bathroom. In addition, glass blocks are a very safe and smooth material, meaning it is impossible to get hurt on the edges. There is no question of moisture resistance, since it is made entirely of glass.
In the bedroom interior . Interior designers do not stand still, they use every opportunity and highlight to realize their design ideas and fantasies. Glass blocks in the bedroom not only harmonize with common interior rooms, scattering or refracting light, but also give a certain kind of soothing coolness and silence, having such characteristic properties How, .
In the kitchen. Along with big amount options of colors, shapes and sizes, glass blocks are successfully combined in the interior space of any kitchen,. Above the sink, a panel made of glass block of volumetric dimensions will look great, and above gas stove mosaic of small squares.
In addition, such fire glass blocks are safe. If you have big kitchen, then this material can be considered as a good option for zoning the room itself into a dining room and kitchen, without depriving the adjacent space of light.
Glass blocks in the hallway . The hallway is considered one of the small and narrow rooms, decorating a hallway with frosted and corrugated glass blocks can, and with inserts made of colored blocks, you can complement the interior, making them as a decorative element. Great option in the apartment and the idea of creating 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 by using multi-colored inserts.
In addition, some windows can be covered with frosted views, and they will transmit 50% of the light, and between the living room and the hallway, you can construct a partition with curves from transparent or corrugated glass blocks, which will naturally give the interior of the rooms a sophisticated style.
Walls and partitions made of glass blocks
In order to rationally plan the space of an apartment, many owners take such radical steps as rebuilding load-bearing walls or they are building various kinds partitions. In some cases, depending on the material, this is advisable, for example, for zoning a bathroom.
Commonly used materials for such structures are brick, wood, plasterboard sheets, aerated concrete blocks, and glass blocks. This article will discuss one of the most optimal and aesthetic materials for such purposes as glass block.
Using glass blocks in the interior as walls and partitions has its advantages:
- An excellent material for decorating walls and partitions. Distinctive quality glass blocks from similar materials are available in a variety of shapes, colors, textures and patterns.
- It has excellent light transmission and light scattering effect. Before selecting glass blocks, you should accurately determine their future purpose. That is, blocks with a glossy surface transmit light well (transparent), matte ones dim, 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 sound insulation. Due to the internal sealed air space, glass block walls perfectly absorb noise and also retain heat well.
- Fire resistance. They are considered one of the fire resistant materials as they can withstand direct fire for an hour without melting or cracking. Typically, walls made of glass blocks in a fire situation can serve as a reliable barrier from fire until firefighters arrive.
- Ecology. Glass blocks are an environmentally friendly construction and finishing material. In fact, they are made from pure natural raw materials (quartz sand processed into glass) and 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 are that they do not need to be painted or plastered, and they are also convenient to attach to walls and partitions unusual shapes and bends.
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 put in a little effort, then with laying, for example, a partition small size, you can do it with your own hands in an hour.
How to use glass blocks in the interior of an apartment video
For laying and installing glass blocks, it is preferable to use special glue, but if for some reason it is not at hand, you can use ordinary ones. masonry mortars such as tile adhesive or, at the very edge, with a cement-sand mortar, but taking into account that there are no large grains of sand in the composition.
Before laying glass blocks, the base should be cleaned of dirt and dust and leveled if necessary. You need to prepare mounting plastic crosses in advance ( standard sizes 2,5,10 and 16 mm), reinforced rods made of stainless steel or galvanized (diameter 4-6 mm) to strengthen the masonry, rubber hammer, level, colored and silicone sealant, preferably transparent.
Laying glass blocks from A to Z. Simple, fast, reliable! video
The very first block (standard glass block sizes 19x19x8 and 24x24x12 mm) is laid on the wall side, 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 a wall or partition made of glass blocks in in this case It will look very rich and beautiful. Please note that every third row must be reinforced with reinforced rods.
Reinforced rods must be laid on mounting crosses and in no case should they come into contact with the glass block, in order to avoid rust and corrosion. After each row is laid, it is necessary to check with a level for evenness. For better adhesion of the entire structure, after the third row, let the solution dry. If this glue solution, then an hour is enough, but for a cement-sand mortar it will take at least a day.
Laying glass blocks without crosses! Easy, simple, economical video
After all the work done to build a wall or partition from glass blocks, you can chop off the protruding outer plates and grout the seams with colored grout. Basically, many glass blocks already come with a protective film to protect the adhesive composition of the solution and physical impact during installation. Protective film should be removed only after all work has been completed, and best of all during wet cleaning.