Spruce Up Your Living Room Decor with Glass Top Tables

Glass top tables introduce elegance and contemporary style to tired living room decor. Their gleaming transparency brightens any space while metal or wooden bases anchor lounges with artistic flair. More than just chic accents, glass topped furnishings keep rooms organized and multipurpose. Discover how to spruce up living areas with the radiance and functionality of glass table tops designed to elevate rooms.

An Overview of Glass Top End Tables

Glass top tables feature clear tempered glass tabletops securely attached to metal or wooden bases. Compared to regular glass, tempered tabletops withstand high impacts and resist scratches better with their special heat treatment. Bases provide sturdy support and come in styles like sleek chrome, natural wood grains, or intricate wrought iron designs.

While most glass furnishings trace back to antique locations like Pompeii and ancient Rome, the advent of safer tempered glass in the early 1900s made glass top tables popular. Their mid-century modern style still inspires contemporary living spaces today. Homeowners love displaying treasured items below transparent surfaces. The tables also amplify natural lighting and seamlessly blend into open floor plans. With unbeatable versatility, it's clear why glass top accent tables refresh rooms.

Glass Tabletop Materials

Tempered Glass

Tempered glass tops created through a heating and rapid cooling process boast unmatched strength. The production method makes tabletops nearly four times more impact resistant than standard glass.

In the slight chance tempered glass breaks, it shatters into small rounded pieces rather than dangerous shards. This built-in safety feature and durability ensures tabletops withstand years of everyday use without damage. While fine scratches can occur over time, tempered glass maintains transparency much longer than other clear materials that fade and cloud.

Though more refined methods come at a slightly higher price, the structural stability and lifespan justify the investment. For living spaces prone to wear and tear from pets or kids, opt for tempered over standard glass tabletops.

Other Glass Types

While tempered glass reigns supreme for durability, some glass top tables come in frosted, etched, or stained glass variants. Frosted glass diffuses light beautifully for ambient mood lighting. Etched designs add artistic interest with a matte texture contrasting the shiny base. Stained glass ranges from bold abstract patterns to vibrant hues suiting colorful decors.

Base Materials

Metal Bases

From rustic wrought iron to gleaming stainless steel, metal table bases infuse rooms with artisan appeal and visual contrast. Wrought iron bases with woven accents work well with traditional leather armchairs. For modern spaces, opt for sleek chrome or brushed steel bases in tall pyramid shapes. Reflective brass lends a hint of glamour and pairs nicely with rounded glass tops.

Wood Bases

Wood introduces natural warmth and ties into existing wooden furniture seamlessly. Teak finishes connect indoor and outdoor living areas with waterproof durability. Walnut stains incorporate gorgeous wood grain patterns perfect for rustic or industrial rooms. Reclaimed barn wood bases repurposed from antique structures or wine barrels emit a welcoming, aged patina.

Styles and Shapes

Round Glass Tops

Circular glass tops infused with energy illuminate living spaces with their reflective properties. Nesting tables clustered together provide flexible multi-level surfaces for holding snacks and drinks while entertaining guests. Others feature hollow curved metal frames or singular pedestal bases like modern cake stands. These steel supports lift transparent round tops to ideal heights for displaying vases and table lamps.

Rectangular Tops

For living rooms with sectionals facing the TV, rectangular sofa tables fit perfectly behind seating arrangements. Their elongated silhouette makes an excellent home for table lamps, framed photos, and cocktail glasses. In open concept homes, rectangular glass tops convert kitchen islands into casual dining bars after cooking wraps up.

Square and Oval Tops

Alongside round nesting tables, interlocking square coffee tables allow for configurable layouts. Lift lids up to reveal hidden storage for remotes, blankets and games. For variety, oval tops softened by curved edges bring visual interest while still pairing well with square sofa legs. Their low profile makes sliding underneath existing furniture effortless.

Sizing Glass Tops

Measuring the Room

When choosing glass top accent tables, consider your room's shape and seating arrangements. Rectangular console tables spanning 6-feet comfortably fit behind a three cushion couch. Allow enough space so residents can still traverse doorways without bumping knees or toes. Round copies nestle closer to armchairs and corners. Place items with enough breathing room instead of overcrowding surfaces.

Standard Dimensions

While custom glass tops cater to exact spatial needs, familiarize yourself with standard coffee, end and sofa table dimensions as a starting guide. Square coffee tables come in range like 36-inch, 42-inch and 48-inch widths. Circular tops follow suit around 36 to 48-inches in diameter. For slimmer spaces, side tables measure between 20 to 28-inches wide and 16 to 24-inches deep. Sofa tables stretch long rectangles from around 50 to 70-inches.

Decorating with Glass Tops

Styling for Transparency

When styling transparent tabletops, fluid decor looks best. Collections of stacked books, geode bookends and trays of pebbles relate nicely to the smooth surface. Sculptures, vases and candle holders interplay with negative space while floating visually. For coffee tables, incorporate items stored out of sight into the composition like baskets of blankets visible through the clear top.

Using Reflective Properties

Strategically placed lighting sources allows glass tops to showcase their signature trick--reflection. Install ceiling fixtures like chandeliers on an overhead beam. Their ambient glow and suspended crystals cast dazzling refractions onto glass below. Separately controlled table lamps illicit the same effect. For relaxing nights in, cluster glass votives and cylinders across tablescapes to multiply flames.

Adding Visual Interest

By themselves, glass tabletops project a light quality perfect for airy rooms. Incorporate contrasting textures and materials in spaces craving depth. Position area rugs with woven geometric patterns or plush shags underneath. Complement sleek metal bases with storage baskets brimming with cozy throws atop lower shelves. Further ground tempered glass with natural ceramic, marble or concrete coasters.

Care and Maintenance

Protecting Surfaces

Prevent scratching and scuff marks marring smooth finishes by actively protecting glass tops. Place felt pads underneath vases, lamps and decor contacting the surface. Use woven table linens or linen drink coasters as added buffer zones. For frequently used coffee tables, secure a tempered glass writing surface on the very top solely for pen and paper tasks.

Cleaning Methods

While glass withstands most messes, follow proper cleaning protocol to preserve transparency. Gently dust tops with microfiber cloths to lift surface debris and fingerprints. Remove stuck on dirt by massaging glass cleaner onto troublesome spots using a damp lint-free rag. For hard water stains and mineral deposits, spritz diluted white vinegar and wipe down with newspaper.

Storage and Handling

When moving glass furnishings, refrain from dragging pieces across the floor to prevent scratching legs or frame details. Lift tables properly using sturdy handles integrated into the base design. Round pedestal tables may balance awkwardly, so enlist a partner to help rotate them through doorways and tight hallways. Place tempered glass tops face down atop soft blankets instead of directly on garage concrete or basement floors during seasonal storage rotations or moving transitions.

Revitalize tired living rooms by incorporating the signature shine of glass top accent tables. Their sleek transparent surfaces opens up smaller spaces and reflects ambient lighting in unique ways. Tempered glass tops deliver unmatched strength and scratch resistance across high-traffic lounges. Choose from artful metal frameworks or natural wood bases to anchor rooms with artistic flair. Glass tops also provide versatile display surfaces for treasured decor. Follow style and upkeep tips so these furnishings maintain their radiant appeal for years of stylish functionality.

Glass top end tables are timeless and come in all design eras. Their creative potential inspires makeovers transforming lackluster lounges into magazine-worthy spaces glowing with possibility.