In the modern design of the home, there is a special material that creates an indelible impression, and also strikes with its properties of durability and sound insulation. That is how it is possible to describe glass blocks in the interior of an apartment. They fabulously shimmer, create an atmosphere of comfort and perfectly cope with excess noise. It is a great choice for creative people who value aesthetics and quality.
The 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 data and the following characteristics:
1. High strength, which ensures that the decoration of the space with glass blocks will last for many years.
2. Remarkable moisture resistant properties. Confirmation of this - the original partitions of glass blocks in the bathroom.
3. Easy to clean. A simple wet cleaning and wiping with a special glass shine will be sufficient.
4. Loyal price.
5. Good soundproofing, which can muffle the sounds of kitchen equipment, loud music or the sound of water.
6. Glass blocks are also famous for their ability to retain heat, making the room even more comfortable.
7. Despite their durability, they transmit almost 90% of the sun's rays. Therefore, do not worry that the space will look darkened.
Stacking glass units
There are two main types of installation of glass blocks: the use of plastic or wooden modules and the laying of material on a cement mortar. Using the first option, you can fold the wall like a constructor by inserting glass blocks into all or only the desired cells.
When using the second mounting method, you need to consider that the seam will be filled with a special tool (dye), which means that the cells must be completely empty. This masonry is very similar to brick.
It must also be remembered that glass blocks do not absorb moisture, and the wall dries out for a long time. Therefore, the design must be laid gradually, 2–4 times a day, and commissioning into wall operation 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, resistance to stress and visual characteristics.
Dimensions
Today, there are a large number of glass blocks of different heights and widths. Most often, you can find sizes from 190x190x80 mm. Do not clutter up a small room with too large partitions, and fill a large space with small ones. In the case of decoration, the visual harmony of the room and decoration material must be respected.
Color palette
The number of shades increases every day. On sale you can find all the colors of the rainbow. The most successful shades that fit perfectly into almost any design - 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.
The form
Most often on sale you can find such variations in the shapes of glass blocks: square, rectangular, triangular, with a rounded edge, round, oval, hexagonal.
Glass strength
It can range from 5 to 7 mm. The thickness of the material also affects its weight, which is 2-5 kg.
Resistance to stress
This characteristic may depend on the desired glass block structure in the interior.It can be both an impenetrable partition, and a thin decorative design.
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 flux (it can be bright, directional or diffusing).
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, saunas, now designers from around the world consider this row of glass bricks to be a real trend, with which you can beat almost any corner of the apartment.
Glass blocks in the bedroom
This place in the house is reserved for the relaxation of the soul, body and thoughts. Therefore, the glass blocks in the bedroom are able to create a good atmosphere of relaxation and inspiration thanks to warm shades, special lighting and the right geometric shape. In addition, glass blocks can become an element of zoning into two zones of a large bedroom (for example, a sitting and reading zone, a sleeping area and a dressing room) or an intriguing detail that will shimmer and shade 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 flickering beauty. Colored mosaics can become a replacement for window panes, decor of one of the walls, an interior partition for greater comfort, as well as decoration of furniture. The original laying of the material, the bright glow and delicate 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. Especially often they are used as a separation of the dining room and kitchen area. It always looks aesthetically pleasurable and practical, because the high sound insulation, which is so necessary in the kitchen, where noise is not so rare, is embedded in the material properties. In the case of decorating the kitchen, the most popular option is thin decorative panels that will become the highlight of the room.
Glass blocks in the bathroom
Designing a bathroom with the help of original glass blocks is a great solution for creative people who perceive a bathroom from the point of view of not only rationality, but also aesthetics.
You can decorate the wall with a full glass block or use matte single element inserts that will help visually make the room a little more spacious and lighter, especially in the case of sand and beige shades, which will beautifully shimmer. It is worth noting that important factor that glass blocks have high moisture resistance, guaranteeing their durability.
Glass blocks in the hallway
Few people attach particular importance to the hallway, and it is she who creates the first impression of the apartment at the entrance to the dwelling or the transition from room to room. Looks good in the hallway high wall, consisting of colored glass blocks. It can be filled entirely or consist of whole and empty niches, which will be a great tool for storing cute souvenirs, keys, flowerpots and other decor that will decorate the space.