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  • Design Tips: Mirrors Are Not Just for the Bathroom

    Design Tips: Mirrors Are Not Just for the Bathroom

    While most homeowners believe that mirrors can only serve a purpose when used effectively in the bathroom space, mirrors are now actually being used throughout the home. They add a distinct appeal to home spaces in which there are fewer design elements and so it’s important to carefully consider the value that mirrors can bring to your home environment. In this post, we’ll explain a few of the many design benefits to using mirrors throughout your home.

    Enhance the space in any room

    Designers have known for many years the value that a mirror can bring to a home. For example, mirrors can be used to deflect attention from a specific area of the property that perhaps you don’t want to show off. You can also use a mirror to add depth to a space that’s otherwise “too small” for a piece of furniture. Mirrors can also be used to enhance a room during an event in the home. For example, some homeowners use mirrors to make it appear as if they are more people in the room without the challenge of squeezing more guests into a tight space.

    Use a mirror to dictate the center of the room

    In rooms that don’t have a fireplace or a natural focal point, you can use the mirror to centre the space and bring order the design elements within the room. Even in rooms with a fireplace, you can place the mirror above to improve the impact that both elements have within the space and to capture the attention of your guests. For example, some homeowners are now using mirrors with a decorative frame instead of a framed picture to bring order to otherwise formless rooms.

    An option for windowless rooms

    Windowless rooms can often appear dark and uninviting, and so many homeowners are now using mirrors as a way to brighten up space. You can use mirrors throughout the space to shine across the room and bring more attention to aesthetic elements. Ensure the mirror is situated close to your light source to capitalize on this effect fully.

    Work with mirrors of a unique shape

    Uniquely shaped mirrors can add distinct value to your home decor. For example, you can use a mirror with a distinct shape to match it with modern-looking furniture. The process helps to achieve the right aesthetic blend within your home and to bring otherwise disjointed elements together. When choosing your mirror shape and style, ensure you take into consideration the angles within the room and the role that light might play in making the room appeal. Look for ways to bring light to darkened corners, and to focus the attention both on the mirror and on the decor as a cohesive element.

    Use a small mirror to give the appearance of more room in hallways

    Running small mirrors at the side of a narrow hallway area can make the area seem wider and longer. Many homeowners are now using mirrors in this way to mitigate the impact that smaller spaces have within the home. For example, you might use a slim pier mirror to stretch across a wall within the home to give the appearance of space without the need to extend walls or other structural elements.

    Add multiple mirrors to a wall as decoration

    Mirrors are sometimes used in large numbers to create a distinct pattern on a wall space. This is the perfect choice within home designs where there is a large amount of space to work with and the home has few paintings, wall clocks or other interior design elements. When adding multiple mirrors to the home wall, you can either use mirrors that are the same style and shape for a more balanced approach. Or you can use different styles of mirror for a more eclectic, modern aesthetic. Mirrors give you a great many options when designing the space, and can help make the area uniquely yours.

    Double Mirrors Up to Create Symmetry

    One area that many are now capitalizing on through the use of mirrors is working with mirrors to create symmetry. Symmetry is often key to the best home designs, and you can hang two mirrors either side of a doorway, for example, to create that engaging appeal within the home. You might also use a mirror on opposite sides of a room to create the required design balance that will appeal to your home guests.

    Use Mirrors Outdoors in Patio Spaces

    Mirrors aren’t just a great addition to the inside of your home. Many property owners are now taking the time to install outdoor mirrors on their patios and decks. The mirror can be used to create the illusion of more greenery with the installation of the mirror close to the garden. The mirror can also be added to fencing for a unique design addition that brings together a landscape design project.

    Work with Glass Showers & More to Add Mirrors to Your Home

    Our experienced team at Glass Showers and More is committed to providing a lasting return on investment in mirrors for your home. We’re the trusted experts for quality glass and mirror products across the region. We can offer you the following:

    Custom Mirror Walls for the Home

    Our custom mirror walls are designed to enhance any home and will help you to bring together your interior design. You can speak to our team directly to learn more about the value of our mirror walls!

    A background in the mirror industry

    Our background is in creating quality mirrors for use in the modern home, so we can ensure your mirror is designed to the highest standards and for achieving optimal durability for the years ahead.

    Fast and efficient delivery

    We can create custom mirrors for your home in a consolidated timeframe, helping you save time and money while upgrading your property.

    To discover more about our company and the complete range of mirror products we offer, please contact our team today!

  • Glass Floors: Are They Safe?

    Glass Floors: Are They Safe?

    One of the most common and prevailing myths regarding glass floors is that glass is weak and that glass floors are not safe. But this is untrue and, if constructed and installed correctly, glass floors are just as safe as many other flooring options. If you’re considering glass flooring for the home, you might want to learn about the structural performance of glass and identify some of the common safety myths that continue to cause confusion. In this post, we’ll highlight the safety of glass floors.

    Glass floors are just as safe as wood floors

    The first important point to note is that glass floors are just as safe as wood floors. In fact, since most glass floor panels are built by laminating together two or more pieces of tempered glass and placing them into a support structure, they are able to meet stringent building code requirements and can be stronger than other traditional flooring options (i.e, wood floors and subfloors).

    Glass floors can be used inside and outside

    Many people believe that glass floor can be damaged by the elements more easily compared to wood flooring, and therefore glass floors shouldn’t be used outdoors. This is simply not true. Glass flooring offers immense durability within outdoor applications, and is often used for second-floor decking (similar to a skylight), to allow light to flow to below exterior basement spaces.

    Glass floors require specialized installation

    While some pre-fabricated systems are available in the market, glass floors should be carefully designed in coordination with the other structural support systems, reviewed and approved by a qualified engineer, and installed by a professional team to ensure they stand the test of time and provide safe and enjoyable use for you and your family.

    Glass floors can be made with custom colour options

    There are a number of choices to be made when you select a glass floor for your home space. And it’s not true that glass simply comes in one colour ready for installation. You can choose from a range of colours, ensuring access to a glass floor that will readily blend in with the rest of your home space. Many people add coloured glass floors to bridging areas throughout the home as a way of inviting colour and bringing design appeal to the space.Glass floors are offered in a range of sizing

    Many are also falsely believe that glass floors are only available in one sizing range and can only be offered for smaller areas throughout the property. Again, this is a myth and you can actually build glass floors that will cover large areas throughout your home. Panels can be separated by spanning members and other support structures to limit to weight load.

    Glass floors are not slippery

    While glass floors can be slippery when wet, coatings are available to provide extra traction should it be required for your project. Be sure to check with a glass expert, and consider the area, use and traffic level when choosing the appropriate glass and any coatings for your glass floor project.

    Glass floors can offer privacy

    One of the more common myths we hear from clients reviewing their glass flooring options is that glass cannot provide them with privacy in areas below the floor. But this isn’t true either. Many art building owners and studio builders are worried that glass flooring might compromise the dignity of someone who might be wearing a skirt and standing on a glass floor with a view from below. But most glass floors used in this type of application are designed with etched glass, a privacy film or an opaque interlayer that provides privacy and also allows light to pass through. Many options exist, but they are difficult to change after the project has been installed, so be sure to get samples and choose the right product for your job.

    What to consider when buying glass flooring

    So now that you have a clear understanding of the safety and performance of glass flooring, it’s time to consider the purchase process and the elements you must review before completing the purchase. Our trusted team at Glass Showers & More has great experience in this area of the marketplace. We’ve helped homeowners throughout the region choose quality glass floors for their property. And we recommend that you consider the following factors when choosing glass flooring products.

    First, determine whether you need clear or obstructed glass

    When making a decision about the type of glass flooring required, make sure you consider the benefits of both clear and obstructed glass for the application. The goal is often to allow light to pass through the glass, while still allowing privacy for those above. Consider the benefits and constraints of both glass styles before moving forward.

    Consider the size and shape of the flooring space

    A clear benefit of glass panels is they can be made in any size or shape, and this will give you great flexibility when using the panels for your project. Work with your contractor team to consider the size and weight of the glass panels, as well as the need for structural support systems to safeguard the flooring. By making this process a priority you’ll achieve the ideal foundation for the design work.

    Talk to an engineer

    Before moving forward with your glass flooring project, make sure you or your contractor have reviewed the design with an appropriately qualified engineer. Glass floors are structural elements and subject to applicable building codes.

    Consider an anti-skid top surface

    As we discussed earlier, glass flooring can be designed to mitigate the issue of slipping and falling. Using an anti-skid, textured surface is the most common solution to this performance challenge. Anti-skid coatings help ensure the glass floor is not only safer to walk on but, in certain cases, can also help the glass hold up more effectively to scratching during everyday use.

    Our team at Glass Showers & More is here to help you select quality glass flooring products for your upcoming property upgrade. To discover more about our company and the services we provide, contact us today!

  • Reasons to Use Architectural Glass

    Reasons to Use Architectural Glass

    Architectural glass is a style of glass used as a building material. In recent years, many commercial and residential construction companies are now harnessing architectural glass in their projects. In this latest post, we’ll explore architectural glass and explain the benefits that it can bring to your property.

    Allows in Natural Light

    Builders are continually seeking out ways to bring natural light into their properties; architectural glass is one of the best options in many cases. The highest quality architectural glass allows light to enter the rooms in the building directly. In offices, in particular, this level of natural light is essential.

    In years’ past, commercial construction teams have come under fire for building stale properties that see office teams working in near darkness or relying on artificial light. As the latest studies show, access to natural light is essential to our wellbeing, and so using architectural glass panels to surround office spaces can help office teams work more productively in an environment designed for their psychological comfort.

    Reduced Energy Bills

    Companies across the country are always looking for ways to reduce their energy costs. It’s one of the main challenges within the construction field, where the focus is on minimizing expenditure and bringing natural light into the property. Architectural glass is ideal for this type of application because it allows a constant stream of natural light into the property. This is essential for helping growing organizations mitigate their lighting costs.

    The latest data shows that artificial lighting accounts for between one-third and one-half of all energy costs within the average commercial building. Architectural glass can be critical in mitigating these high energy costs and ensuring that building owners conserve their resources ready for expenditure on other areas of the business.

    Simple Branding and Decor

    Interior designers can use architectural glass as a clean slate on which to create their ideal aesthetics. This can often be essential for companies in building their optimal environment. They can use architectural glass as the foundation and then add decals and other branding materials to highlight the company’s trademarks.

    In terms of decorating, glass walls can also be frosted, to provide that additional classic aesthetic touch that shows the company is leading the field in terms of thoughtful design techniques. Frosted glass will still allow light into the property while still providing privacy.

    Flexible Performance

    When you’re constructing a building for numerous tenants, it’s important the building materials are designed for flexible performance. This is yet another of the many benefits associated with architectural glass, which allows construction teams to easily install and uninstall depending on their building requirements, long into the future.

    This flexibility is critical, for example, when you require a change in the floor plan within the office space, as it means the walls and windows can easily be shifted from the original position to accommodate the new plan. While drywall and other forms of construction material are rigid and require you to maintain the same office layout until the build itself can be renovated, architectural glass walls put design teams in full control of the layout of the property.

    This also means that when one area of the building is not receiving much light, the architectural glass can be used to replace a wall space and bring in the required natural light.

    Modern Style

    Companies can achieve their branding goals by appealing to their target customers’ sense of style. The modern style of new companies is often the element that captivates customers and brings attention to the brand; using architectural glass is one of the best ways to achieve this aesthetic.

    In terms of style, another advantage of architectural glass is that the material blends effectively with products such as metal and wood. This helps create a seamless design that welcomes guests to the building and showcases the company’s commitment to high-level design and branding.

    Tips for Choosing Architectural Glass

    It’s clear that architectural glass offers great value across the marketplace and can help companies both reduce costs in operating their building and enhance their property style. But what steps should be taken when buying architectural glass products? Read our steps below:

    Shop around for installation cost estimates

    While you might be able to find a qualified company able to install the glass in your building, it’s important that you shop around during this process and speak to several providers. Find out more about the expenditure involved in installing architectural glass and discuss the process with the installation company directly. This can help you determine the total cost as well as the time involved.

    Ask about maintenance requirements

    Before moving forward with the installation company, make sure you learn more about the maintenance requirements for the glass. How often does the glass have to be cleaned and are there any special materials involved in the cleaning process? If your team is working within the building, you might delegate cleaning responsibilities to a local professional who has worked with architectural glass in the past.

    Find out about the company’s experience

    The company providing you with the architectural glass should be able to show that they have decades of experience in the industry and are competent in completing the work to the highest standards. Make sure you review the company’s history and their understanding of the architectural glass manufacturing process.

    To discover more about the architectural glass and its value in your projects, call Glass Showers and More at 416-800-1156 or contact us here.

  • The Value of Adding Decorative Mirrors to Your Home

    The Value of Adding Decorative Mirrors to Your Home

    Decorative mirrors are now being used in homes throughout the region to add a distinct style to various rooms. Decorative mirrors are most often used within the bathroom, where they can be used to blend other design elements such as tiling and faucets and create a unified appeal that enhances the value of both the room and the property overall.

    By learning more about decorative mirrors, it’s critical that you work with a company that offers the highest quality mirror products for use in your home. We’re the leaders in this area and in this new post, we’ll delve into the value of adding decorative mirrors to the home.

    Make a Bold Design Statement

    When you use decorative mirrors within your home, you’re making a bold design statement. You’re showing that you hold the value of the aesthetics within your home highly and that you have a clear understanding of design work.

    Capture Attention

    Our eyes are automatically drawn to mirrors. When you visit a home, it’s one of the first design elements that you’ll notice when you enter. And so it’s important that you take the time to review the value that a decorative mirror can bring to your home. Many are now taking the time to add decorative mirrors as a showpiece within their home, to immediately show guests that they value the aesthetics of the space.

    Incorporate a Design Theme

    Another great benefit of decorative mirrors if they can be integrated with your overall design theme. When you’re looking for a way to add simple elegance to the property to align with your classical design, you can add decorative mirrors. Because of the broad range of styles to choose from, you can find the right product for your home with precision.

    Provide a Focal Point in Small Rooms

    Whether used in the bathroom or the living room, a decorative mirror can provide a focal point that brings the entire room’s design together. This is ideal for those smaller rooms such as you might find in a condo or apartment, in which the lack of space can be highlighted by a busy design scheme. Using a decorative mirror is often the best way of bringing the design together to focus on the aesthetics rather than the limited space in the area.

    Capitalize on Lighting

    When you have a limited amount of light in the home, you can work with decorative mirrors to ensure the light that is available fills an entire room. You can hang decorative mirrors below lamps to ensure the light bounces off and across the area. And you can work with multiple decorative mirrors in larger rooms to focus the light in key areas. This commitment to functionality in design can help ensure that you achieve full value for your investment in decorative mirrors.

    What to Consider When Buying Decorative Mirrors

    Now that you have a little bit more information about the value that decorative mirrors can bring to your home, it’s important to focus on the process of buying decorative mirrors. Make sure you consider the following:

    1. Your space

    How much space is available in your home and can you easily fit a decorative mirror within the space? When used effectively, decorative mirrors can help open up a room and bring together your interior design, but if the mirror is too large for your space then it can make an already cramped area feel even smaller. Make sure you measure the room and mirror carefully to ensure the right match for your property.

    2. Consider blending colours

    Does the colour of the mirror framing blend with the colours currently in the room? The colour palette should be carefully considered before making any new additions to the area. But this is especially true of decorative products whose primary function is to add design appeal to the home. The tones of the mirror frame and the current tones in the room don’t necessarily have to match completely, but you should consider how well the colours go together. For example, if you’re looking for a modern aesthetic approach, you might consider blending brighter blues and reds, while a classical approach might involve silver, white, and black-toned frames.

    3. Reflected light

    How is the reflected light from the mirror going to impact the space? Will it help to open up the space or will the light simply go into the eyes of the person sitting on a nearby couch? You should consider how the lighting will change within the room as a result of adding the decorative mirror, and whether you can change the effect based on mirror placement. Oftentimes, finding the right placement for the mirror is as difficult as finding a quality decorative mirror.

    4. The manufacturer

    Who is manufacturing your decorative mirror? How much experience does the company have in working with glass products? You don’t want to go through the process of finding a mirror and choosing the ideal place for it in your home only for the glass to degrade over a few months.

    Make sure you take the time to review the company’s credentials and consider how they go about creating your mirror for you. Get all the details in writing before buying your product, and ensure you ask about maintenance instructions so you can keep your new mirror in optimal condition.

    To learn more about choosing a decorative mirror for your home, call Glass Showers and More at 416-800-1156 or contact us here.

  • Important Design Tips for Custom Glass Shower Enclosures

    Important Design Tips for Custom Glass Shower Enclosures

    Customized shower systems are now the height of decorative elegance within the bathroom renovation industry. If you’re about to begin an upgrade project, you might want to learn more about the design options available, to help you create that unique shower enclosure. We have decades of experience in designing glass enclosures for home shower systems. In this latest post, we’re giving you all the benefit of our industry experience by explaining our design tips for custom glass shower systems.

    Doors Require Studding Support

    Ensure that the wall on which you plan to install your hinged door has the required studding support. A double 2×4 is the best style of support for a hinged door, but you may be able to use a single 2×4 depending on the style of door used within the project. You should also ensure wood studs are used in locations where doors hinge and panels are anchored.

    Know Your Angles

    Your shower should be built using a 90°,135° or 180° angle. That’s because most shower hardware components are built to accommodate these angles, and following this rule can make the integration process simpler. That said, custom designs are possible, but typically involve the use of experienced, professional installation companies.

    Shower Seats, Floors and Curbs Should be Angled

    Another consideration when evaluating your shower enclosure options drainage. The shower seating, floors and curbs should all be angled, slightly, towards the main drain. To start, most professionals recommend at least 5°, allowing water to flow toward the drain. This will help prevent pooling water within the shower and will allow for a more comfortable experience.

    Avoid Obstructions to the Door Swing

    Make sure that nothing interferes with the movement of the shower door during the installation. Consider any level changes for any tile work around the shower (including to accommodate proper drainage), the position of shower heads, the position of the toilet, etc. Take everything into account in your initial design.

    Don’t Place the Showerhead Opposite an Opening

    The showerhead should be placed opposite a fixed panel or tilted wall to ensure the water remains within the enclosure. Some homeowners make the mistake of installing the showerhead opposite the opening within the enclosure, which allows for water to leak outside the space and cause water problems throughout the bathroom.

    Use a Solid Surface for Curb Tops

    Solid pieces of granite and marble are considered your best choice for curb tops. That’s because using tiled curb tops increases the risk of a leak within the area, which can substantially limit the value of the shower installation in the home. Choosing a smooth, solid surface ensures there’s little chance of structural problems.

    Questions to Consider Before Installing a Shower Enclosure

    Now you have a little more information about the tips that can help you to streamline the integration of a glass shower enclosure within your home, let’s look at a few of the questions to consider before you begin the installation process.

    1.  Do you prefer a thinner or thicker glass?

    Many homeowners now prefer the option of using a thicker glass enclosure with a door that does not require a metal frame. Most people choose at least 10mm thick glass for a frameless option. This provides a sleek appeal as part of a modern, minimalist bathroom redesign. But a metal frame might be the ideal option if there are structural challenges to consider. Make sure you work with your glass specialist to make the right choice given the various design considerations.

    2. What pattern of glass do you prefer?

    There are a number of great patterns to choose from when selecting a customized shower enclosure and it’s important you book a consultation with a specialist to go over the available options. Make sure you are able to see the difference between several products before choosing one for your home. You should also consider how the shower will interact with your bathroom space, and the requirements, if any, for additional privacy in your enclosure.

    3. Is your bathroom a unique configuration?

    One of the main challenges in integrating a custom shower enclosure within a bathroom space arises when the bathroom has a unique configuration. Bathrooms with sloping walls and tight corners don’t always lend themselves to the easy installation of a custom shower enclosures. That’s why it’s so important to work with a glass enclosure expert to choose a design that offers full value within the bathroom space. A qualified glass company can help you to make the right decisions about installation considerations and styles of glass to use within the space. They can also help you to ensure that the enclosure is durable and offers lasting performance within the bathroom space throughout the years to come.

    To learn more about custom shower enclosures, call Glass Showers and More at 416-800-1156 or contact us here.