Glass as a Design Element in Interiors

Glass has long been a staple material in architecture, but in modern interiors, it has transcended its traditional role to become a dynamic design element. By playing with light, transparency, colours and reflections, it enhances openness, elegance and functionality in any space. Once limited to commercial settings, glass is now a sophisticated choice for residential interiors. From grand villas to compact apartments, glass redefines how we interact with our surroundings and the way we live.

In a recent webinar by Saint-Gobain’s Glass Academy, architect Divya B.T., Co-Founder & Principal Architect of Archemist Architects, Bengaluru, shed light on the transformative potential of glass in interior design. With over 100 projects across India alongside her husband, Ar. Yogesh V.N., she brings expertise in eco-conscious, innovative and cost-effective architecture. Her passion for sustainable design, honed through an M.Sc. in Advanced Sustainable Design from the University of Edinburgh, is evident in her work, redefining Bengaluru’s architectural landscape.

Glass in the Living Room: Elevating the Heart of the Home

The living room isn’t just a cozy family space anymore; it’s the face of the home, a place where first impressions are made. Let’s explore how you can incorporate glass to elevate your living room – 

• Glass Partitions – Open-plan living is all the rage, but with it comes the challenge of maintaining privacy while keeping the space open. Textured or frosted glass partitions offer the perfect balance, subtly dividing the room without blocking natural light. If you’re looking for a statement piece, laser-cut detailing, 3D etching, or artistic prints on glass can transform a simple divider into an eye-catching feature.
• Statement Elements – Imagine stepping into a breathtaking double-height living room where a streamlined glass balustrade provides an uninterrupted view of a dazzling chandelier or an intricately designed feature wall. Glass doesn’t just frame these elements; it amplifies their impact, adding openness and fluidity. To maintain both elegance and durability, toughened glass is the ideal choice. It offers superior strength, high impact resistance, and thermal stability, ensuring safety without compromising style.

• Glass Accents – Beyond functional partitions, glass can be a part of décor too! A custom glass coffee table with embedded natural elements like twigs or leaves adds a unique, artistic dimension. Stained glass panels, inspired by cultural or personal stories, can inject vibrant colors and patterns into your space, creating a visual masterpiece that reflects your personality.

Glass in the Bedroom: A Blend of Luxury and Practicality

Bedrooms are no longer just about comfort; they’re about creating an ambiance of elegance and relaxation. Let’s explore how glass can add style to bedrooms-

• Textured and Fabric-Sandwiched Glass – Forget the misconception that glass feels cold or impersonal. The latest trend? Fabric or cane sandwiched between layers of glass, offering warmth and texture while remaining low-maintenance. Used in wardrobe shutters, headboard panels, or decorative partitions, this approach adds sophistication with a cozy, inviting feel.

• Reflective Glass – Mirrors and lacquered glass are a small bedroom’s best friend. A full-length mirror placed beside a wardrobe can instantly make a tight space feel more open, while black lacquered glass wardrobes with gold accents add a rich, luxurious touch. Discover the SGG Colormaxx range of lacquered glass, which offers stunning hues for elevating interiors.

• Skylights – A well-lit bedroom instantly feels more inviting, and glass plays a key role in achieving this. Skylights above wardrobes or near dressing areas allow natural light to flow in, reducing the need for artificial lighting. This enhances the ambiance and also highlights the rich textures and colours in the space.

Glass in the Kitchen: Where Function Meets Style

A well-designed kitchen is more than just a functional space—it’s a reflection of your style and personality. While practicality is key, aesthetics play an equally important role. With its ability to enhance light, create a sense of openness, and offer effortless maintenance, glass has become an essential element in modern kitchen design, adding both elegance and ease.

• Glass Backsplashes – Say goodbye to grout lines and tough-to-clean tiles! Lacquered glass backsplashes provide a smooth, stain-resistant surface that’s both durable and stylish. Available in toughened variants, they withstand heat and oil splashes, perfect for Indian kitchens.

• Glass shutters – Glossy glass cabinets are a timeless classic, but lacquered glass with surface etching is a sophisticated alternative for those who love a subtle, muted, matte finish. Unlike traditional laminates, glass resists scratches and fingerprints, keeping your kitchen looking pristine. Plus, with an almost endless selection of colours in lacquered glass, you can find the perfect shade to complement your décor.

Glass in the Bathroom: A Modern Sanctuary

Bathrooms are evolving into personal retreats. No longer just utilitarian, they now emphasize comfort, elegance, and a spa-like ambiance. Let’s see how glass can transform bathrooms – 

• Mirrors – Mirrors in bathrooms play a crucial role in enhancing space, light, and aesthetics. Strategically placed mirrors create the illusion of a larger bathroom, making even compact spaces feel open and spacious. In luxury designs, LED mirrors with customizable shapes and backlighting add a modern touch while improving visibility. For a cohesive look, mirrors can be tailored to match tile patterns or other design elements, seamlessly blending into the overall aesthetic. 
• Frosted Glass Partitions – Why settle for plain shower partitions when you can have innovative printed glass designs? Whether it’s a waterfall-inspired etching or custom prints for kids’ bathrooms, these details elevate the bathroom’s aesthetic while ensuring privacy.

Glass in the Puja Room: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

Puja rooms are now designed to blend seamlessly with modern interiors while retaining their sacred essence. Glass can bring a unique balance, offering transparency that enhances openness while preserving the sanctity of the space. Let’s explore – 

• Enhancing Transparency and Serenity- Glass is an ideal choice for modern Puja rooms, allowing for unobstructed visibility of the sacred space while maintaining an open and connected feel. If your home has a semi-private Puja area, a glass enclosure ensures that it remains a focal point without feeling boxed in.
• Etched Glass – While transparency is key, incorporating etched glass adds a touch of privacy and artistic appeal. Delicate designs, such as raindrops or floral etching, bring a balance between contemporary style and traditional sanctity. This approach ensures that the Pooja room stands out as a sacred yet sophisticated space without overwhelming the space. 

• Spatial Expansion and Light Play- Using glass for Pooja room walls or partitions visually extends the surrounding space, making small areas feel larger and more connected. In cases where natural light is available, such as through a skylight, textured or frosted glass beautifully diffuses sunlight, creating a divine ambiance. Additionally, incorporating wooden elements alongside glass preserves the traditional essence while adding warmth to the space.

Glass is a design powerhouse that transforms interiors with its elegance, transparency, and practicality. Whether you’re looking to create a bright, spacious living area, a luxurious bedroom, a functional yet stylish kitchen, or a serene Puja room, glass offers endless creative possibilities. So, the next time you think about revamping your space, remember that a little bit of glass can go a long way!