Unlocking the Versatility of Glass

April 9, 2024

Sanjitha Suresh

Glass provides a fusion of style, usefulness, and adaptability and thus has become a popular choice in contemporary kitchens, writes Sanjitha Suresh

Kitchen is no longer a mere functional space. Recent lifestyle-related changes have meant that increasingly it is becoming part of living spaces. Since the kitchen is becoming an activity centre of the house, the aesthetics and overall ambience of the space are equally important. And, this has a direct impact on the mood board and the material palette for the kitchen.

The choice of materials used in kitchen design has a significant impact on the overall atmosphere, functionality, and visual appeal of the room. The use of glass in kitchen design has grown in popularity in recent years.

When incorporating glass into a kitchen design, it's important to balance the classic charm of traditional kitchens and the sleek modernity of contemporary kitchens. Photo Courtesy: JB Glass

Glass as Material Cabinet Doors

Glass cabinet doors are among the most visually arresting applications of glass in kitchen design. Glass cabinet doors give the kitchen an airy, open feel while giving the impression of more space. Glass's transparency makes it possible for users to display their glasses, dishes, and other kitchenware, transforming their cabinets into useful showcases. This gives the kitchen a classy look while also promoting neatness and organisation. The following types are glasses are widely used as material for cabinet doors:

Clear Glass: A sleek and contemporary touch is added to the kitchen with clear glass cabinet doors that offer a transparent view of the contents. This works well for displaying glasses, dishes, and ornamental objects.

Frosted Glass: Glass that has been etched or frosty offers some privacy without sacrificing visibility. Depending on the design, it softens the interior of the cabinet and gives it a classic or contemporary appearance.

Leaded or Stained Glass: Cabinet doors can be given a traditional or vintage look by using stained or leaded glass to add some colour and artistry. These are frequently utilized in traditional and ornamental kitchen designs.

“Glass back-splashes have the advantage of reflecting light, which can help create a brighter and more open feeling in the kitchen. This can be particularly beneficial for kitchens with limited natural light. Tiles, on the other hand, do not provide the same level of light reflection.”

Shilpa Jain Balvally

Principal Architect,

Studio Osmosis

Glass Backsplashes

Glass backsplashes are becoming a more and more common feature in modern kitchen designs. They are decorative as well as functional. Glass is a practical option for a surface that frequently experiences spills, splatters, and other messes during cooking because it is simple to clean. In addition, a broad variety of colours and patterns are available for glass backsplashes, allowing designers to customise the look of the kitchen and coordinate it with other décor elements. Both glass tiles and back-painted glass are widely used by designers.

Glass Tiles: Glass tiles come in an array of hues, dimensions, and feel. They can give the kitchen a bright, contemporary appearance. They can reflect light, making the area brighter, and they are simple to clean.

Back-painted Glass: Glass backsplashes with back painting are made to order and have a smooth, glossy finish. They come in a range of colours, so one can match them to the colour scheme of the kitchen.

Cabinet doors can be given a traditional or vintage look by using stained or leaded glass to add some colour and artistry. Photo Courtesy: JB Glass