Decorative Glass & Mirrors

Stained Glasses are the colored glass used for making decorative windows and other objects through which light passes. Strictly speaking, all colored glass is “stained,” or colored by the addition of various metallic oxides while it is in a molten state; nevertheless, the term stained glass has come to refer primarily to the glass employed in making ornamental or pictorial windows. The singular color harmonies of the stained-glass window are due less to any special glass-coloring technique itself, however than to the exploitation of certain properties of transmitted light and the light-adaptive behavior of human vision.

Stained Glass has been practiced since the 12th century or even before that. It was a tedious method to color the glass by adding metallic salts during its manufacturing. The palaces and mansions of kings and princes were decorated with stained glass.

Beveled glass is usually made by taking the thick glass and creating an angled surface cut (bevel) around the entire periphery. Bevels act as prisms in the sunlight creating interesting color diffraction that both highlights the glass work and provides a spectrum of colors that would ordinarily be absent in clear float glass.

“Beveled glass” can be obtained as clusters that are arranged to create a specific design. These can vary from simple three or four-piece designs, often used in top lights (commonly known as transoms) of windows and conservatories, to more complex combinations of many pieces, suitable for larger panels such as doors and side screens (known in the door industry as side-lights).

Stacked glass is a type of sculpture where strips of the transparent medium are cut in a particular shape and then attached to each other by gluing. When layered over, transparent pieces create a unique look and the flow of light. Edges of the individual pieces then treated to match exactly on the external side of your stacked glass paneling.

Sometimes used as wall decor or fountain feature, stacked glass creates an unforgettable impression!

Connected together by the pressure of weight layers are usually pretty stable when connected with adhesive. Usually, specialty glue is used for this process that allows strips to be adjusted for some time, allowing craftsmen to situate the layer exactly as needed. The glue is then being hardened by applying special UV light. Layers are then bonded with care to eliminate any visible adhesive. Once hardened it cannot be moved again and becomes part of the stacked glass installation.

 

STACKING GLASS INTO OBJECTS

With the ability to cut strips by machine with fine precision came the possibility to create different objects and forms. Many hospitality designers like incorporating elements out of the stacked glass into exterior design accents. Our design team has created very complex objects including sculptures of animals and elements of nature.

 

GLASS SCULPTURE

Our artisans are following the trend of recent years, where a new style of sculpture became popular; craftsman would use more precise water jet cutting machines for creating precise layering, resulting in the creation of amazing 3-dimensional sculptures and architectural elements. New machinery allows much more refined polishing of the sides, allowing the creation of a sphere made out of layers of glass. Polished to perfection it has absolutely smooth transitions on the sides between the layers.

 

STACKED GLASS SCULPTURE

Depending on the style and quality of the initial product, when layered together, the glass will change the opacity. Since light will need to travel through many surfaces it will change the overall look of the wall to greenish. Normally any window would have a greenish hue in it, but since now we are adding them together that coloring gets multiplied resulting in exposure of green. If you are particular about having your paneling completely white and clear transparent in look, we would recommend using Starfire or diamond glass that has less iron.

Acid textured glass refers to annealed glass that has been treated with hydrofluoric acid to give it’s surface a frosted look. Entire sheets of glass can be acid-etched or small sections can be treated to add specific designs.

Acid-etching is seen as a great alternative to sandblasting because the finished surface is smoother to the touch and easier to maintain. The glass can also better withstand stress and stay smudge-free longer. Because of its durability, acid-etched glass can be cut into any shape or size and then tempered.

Acid-etched glass can be used to create:

• Doors
• Partitions
• Walls
• Shelves
• Railings

This type of glass can vary in opacity. The level of transparency depends on what the finished product will be used for.

Acid-etched glass can be back-painted as well, which conveys an added dimension. With an acid-etched design and a back-painted color, the final look of the glass will have a contemporary, classic feel.

Usually, acid-etched items are only one-sided, but the technique can be done on both sides depending on the glass thickness. If you’re interested in using double-sided, acid-etched glass for hotel walls or office partitions, for example, consult your glass fabricator to see if it can be done.

Crackle glass is made by taking a gather of molten glass and blowing it into a small bulb, then treating the surface by rolling it on something suitable, before dipping it very swiftly into cold water. This cracks the surface of the glass, which can then be reheated and blown larger to melt the sharp edges and widen the crackle effect. Sometimes another layer of glass is added and the crackle effect is totally enclosed.

The technique requires skill to avoid a complete shattering of the glass and to avoid melting the cracks completely on reheating

Sandblasting is one way of etching glass that creates a look associated with frosted glass. Sand is naturally abrasive and when combined with fast-moving air, will wear away at a surface. The longer the sandblasting technique is applied to an area, the more the sand will wear away at the surface and the deeper the cut.

It is often you would see the sandblasted glass, but wouldn’t consider it for your home. You may not know of the wonderfully diverse options available to you when it comes to glass. The possibilities are endless! For example, glass can actually be used for extra privacy, insulation, or as a feature.

A number of techniques exist to improve or modernize your home or workspace. One of these techniques is known as “sandblasting” and it does pretty much exactly what it says on the tin.

Antique mirror glass is a vintage style of mirror that often looks rusty or decaying. They’re great for adding that homespun feel to an office, bar, or restaurant, and their versatility means they can be used as a feature piece on a wall, cut into tiles, or even just as a more conventional mirror.

Antiqued mirror tiles are incredibly versatile and as a result of this, there isn’t just one place where they should be used exclusively. In our experience, an antique mirror splashback looks great in kitchens and bathrooms, but it can also look fitting in a hallway or stairwell. Similar to any other piece of furniture, the surrounding environment will have a major impact on the success of the mirror, desk, chair; whatever item it is you wish to add.

The colored mirror is a highly durable decorative mirror. The mirror is created by depositing a layer of silver or aluminum onto colored glass, which is then treated and proceed by one or more layers of highly resistant protective paint. The innovative manufacturing process is more environmentally friendly and improves the overall durability and optical quality of the product. Meet your aesthetic needs.

 

ADVANTAGES

• Environmentally friendly
• Transforms internal spaces with brilliance and perspective
• High color quality and durability
• Easy processing and installation
• Increase the feeling of space and enhances interiors
• Processed product variations, suitable for cutting into regular and more unusual shapes, after cutting, it can be drilled and edgework (bevel, arris, round edge, etc), Like traditional mirrors, wall mirror, decorative mirror, safety mirror, furniture mirror. The front face of the mirror can be customized using sandblasting or engraving to create patterns, logos, and graphics, etc

 

APPLICATIONS

• In communal areas, in-office or apartment blocks: entrance halls, lifts or landings
• In bars, restaurants, clubs, theatre, and cinemas
• In public buildings, billboard, offices, clinics, and hospitals
• To be used as framed or unframed mirrors
• For paneling on walls, doors, or pillars
• In furniture (tables, cupboard doors, shelves, etc)

Lighted mirrors are the perfect accessory for any bathroom. Their sleek exterior combined with energy-saving LED interior creates simple and modern aesthetics applicable to any residential or commercial space. LED mirrors to offer exceptional lighting for vanities, dressing rooms, and hallways (convenient spots for passersby to stop and do quick touch-ups on makeup, hair, or outfit). Lighted mirrors can literally be placed in any space—they come in different shapes and sizes, and can be mounted vertically or horizontally!

 

ENERGY SAVINGS

These energy-friendly lights use less energy (lower energy bills!) and have an efficacy of over 50,000 hours—which will last over 10 years! If you’re looking for a long term investment that saves you time and money.

 

QUALITY LIGHTING

LED lighting comes in a variety of color temperatures and lumens(typically cooler color temperatures and higher lumens). This means they can produce lighting that is closer to true white light produced by the sun and provide a high level of brightness.

 

ANTI FOG

Most LED lighted mirrors to have a built-in anti-fog system. This allows instant use of the mirror after hot baths or showers. No need to wipe down the mirror or wait for it to defog.

 

SHAPE & SIZES

Lighted mirrors come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be mounted in any direction. Because the vanity functionality of the lighting is installed within the mirror, lighted mirrors replace the vanity fixture usually installed above the mirror. This allows for more potential storage space for bathrooms that are tight on space.

 

AESTHETIC

LED lighted mirrors are sleek and provide a modern aesthetic to spaces. They can also be integrated into spaces seamlessly to provide a luxurious, upscale design. Design and styles are endless with lighted mirrors.