You can start with the fact that glass shelves today have become quite popular in a wide variety of interiors. Some models look very, very beautiful, and some are strange. It was this diversity that became the key. When it comes to handcrafting, what attracts me the most is the number of possible design options.
Glass shelves
Most often it happens that the owners decide to design a glass shelf on their own. However, the lack of knowledge or skills leads to the fact that some simple design option is chosen. It is important to understand here that this does not mean the absence of beauty and attractiveness of such a shelf. One of the main factors in choosing a glass shelf is that it can be used in any room of your home. Another important point to which it is recommended to pay attention is the creation of several shelves at once. This is argued by the fact that one design most often does not fit well into the interior, especially if its dimensions are small enough in relation to all other things.
Advantages of glass structures
It's worth starting with the undoubtedbenefits, including:
- Simplicity and goes well with any other design ideas. In many ways, this effect is achieved due to the fact that the material is completely transparent and allows the color of the space to pass through it.
- The second plus is the undoubted simplicity of their manufacture. Any owner can successfully carry out the process of creating a glass shelf on the wall, for example. All that is needed for this is to delve into the technology of the work. If you carry out all the work yourself, without outside help, you can create several designs at once. The main thing is to have enough materials.
- The aesthetic part. The external appeal of these interior items is largely due to the fact that they are completely transparent. If you compare them, for example, with wooden ones, then the shelves are the same size, but made of glass and wood will be very different. A wooden structure will seem bulky, especially if the room is small. With glass, everything will be the opposite.
Disadvantages of shelves
Glass shelves, like any other design, have their drawbacks. Among them, the following two are worth highlighting:
- For example, the overall simplicity and transparency of the shelf is a drawback for some. For example, if you place books on such a stand, then the glass will be practically invisible at all. Some say it's bad enough.
- The second minus is, of course, the fragility of the structure. However, it is immediately worth noting that it does not manifest itself too much.often, but it still happens. While the same wooden structures are almost impossible to damage. Glass, in turn, can be damaged not only by breaking it, but also, for example, by scratching it with some object. It also discourages many from posting just such designs.
Preparatory work
The preparation process is that you need to buy all the necessary tools and materials. Also at this stage, you need to choose a place where the installation will take place. For example, a glass shelf in the bathroom is a great solution in terms of design. However, it must be remembered that this place must be safe for the inhabitants of this house. Experts do not recommend installing glass products close to the floor or near the entrance. In such places, the probability of breaking them is greatly increased.
Of the most necessary tools you will need: a glass cutter, a respirator, a grinder, a screwdriver, a hammer, a drill, etc. From the material there is no need for anything other than the glass itself. Only if the design idea does not imply a combined style. In order to simplify the process of further assembly as much as possible, it is often recommended to buy one ready-made shelf and use it as a sample.
Glass and working with it
At this stage, it is very important to understand that working with glass is difficult even for experienced people, and therefore it is worth being very careful and thinking about everything in advanceaction.
The first thing is to cut the glass into the right pieces. To make this process go as smoothly as possible, it is recommended that you first practice a little. This is especially important if there is only one glass, since if there is a crack, it will no longer be possible to restore it, as well as to use it in the future.
After finishing your workout, use a marker to mark where you want to cut. This stage is considered very important, since an error in size will lead to the collapse of the whole idea. In order not to make a mistake, you need to know in advance what exactly the design will be used for. For example, if it is a corner glass shelf for books, then its length should be enough to accommodate all the items.
Next, you need to use a belt type grinder to process all the edges of the cut glass. This procedure will generate dust. It must be protected from it with a respirator. Glass chips are quite dangerous.
Fastening and mounting
In order to securely attach the glass shelf, you need to drill holes. Next, plastic dowels are inserted into them. Sometimes it happens that it is quite difficult to insert them, so you can use a hammer to drive them in. However, you need to hammer very carefully so as not to damage or break the fixture.
Next, a metal screw is attached, and in such a way that 2 cm protrudes out of the hole. After that, a washer is put on the screw andthe bracket is screwed onto the remaining thread. Here it is important to use the building level to monitor the position of the bracket. If it is even slightly deviated in any direction, then this must be corrected immediately. After that, the glass product is placed on the finished and fixed bracket.
Glass shelf lighting
In order to make the backlight, it is necessary to leave plastic inserts after attaching the metal parts to avoid contact between the backlight and metal. Further, in the existing inserts, the tape is placed. This process is quite laborious and long. In order to connect the tape to the network, a power supply is used. It is also recommended to have a controller in the circuit. Glass installation occurs only after the arrangement of the backlight.
