Glass blocks in the interior (45 photos)

This material is probably familiar to you from childhood: in Soviet times, glass blocks were used quite widely; in the interior of almost any government institution you could find a wall or partition made of them.

For some time, the material was undeservedly forgotten, but several seasons ago it returned to the top trends, and today it is used all over the world both for the design of public places and in residential spaces.

Photo: Instagram @olhawod

Photo: Anthony Cotsifas

Photo: Instagram @skladskla

Stylistic compatibility of glass blocks with different styles in the interior of an apartment

Glass block harmonizes with “related derivatives - mirrors, aquariums, glass doors and stained glass inserts.
It is often offered as unusual partitions when zoning loft-style rooms. The abundance of plastic, glass and metal is a characteristic feature of modern styles:

Modern;
High tech;
Loft;
Techno;
Fusion;
Urbanism;
Eclecticism;
Minimalism.

Transparent brick is an original building material for modern “accelerated” construction projects. Unusual architectural forms using translucent material are erected literally in one warm season. Most often this is a staircase space, an elevator, a facade or partially translucent panoramic windows.

Glass block harmonizes with “related” derivatives - mirrors, aquariums, glass doors and stained glass inserts.

Which glass block manufacturers are best to choose?

The correct choice of glass blocks is an important point when assembling a decorative structure. The range of such elements is varied. You can purchase products from domestic, Czech, and Italian manufacturers. Each glass block option will have special characteristics:

Domestic. Affordable price and high quality make such parts the most popular on the market.
Italian. They stand out for their special difference in color tones from other manufacturers. All blocks have perfectly precise lines.
Czech. They occupy a leading position in production. They are distinguished by a wide variety of designs and unique colors.

Specifications

According to the technological features of the technical processing of glass, glass blocks can be matte, embossed, even and smooth, glossy, colored, colorless, decorated. These indicators influence the light-scattering effect and determine the light-directing component.

Colorless variations have a transparency rate of 70-90%, colored - 50-70%, matte - up to 50%.

The material can have a colorless transparent base or a decorative one. It all depends on the design idea and area of application. And you can choose any color scheme and artistic palette!

Glass LED blocks and illuminated “bricks” are in fashion. Illuminated decorative elements in the voids have a semblance of a 3D effect.

Shapes and sizes

The building material is represented by hollow sealed glass bricks, the wall thickness of which is from seven to ten millimeters. The blocks contain vacuum or air subject to high rarefaction, which gives the material excellent thermal and sound insulation properties. The product range differs in sizes, shapes, shades and decor.

As a rule, blocks are made square or rectangular. The first option is considered common, but the material with right angles looks original and is used more often today. Manufacturers offer round and triangular blocks used as ornaments or single inserts into the wall.

The top and sides of the partition structures are made of end glass blocks with rounded ribs; elements of non-standard shapes are installed at the joints - corner or half-shaped.

The dimensions of the material are standard, which allows you to combine samples from different manufacturers:

190 by 190 by 80 and 240 by 240 by 80 mm – square;
240 by 110 by 80 and 190 by 90 by 80 mm - rectangular.

Glass block wall

Typically, a glass block is presented in the form of a “brick” with voids inside, the walls of which are no thicker than 6 – 7 mm. Due to the fact that there is an “air cushion” in the voids, the product is distinguished by special soundproofing qualities and also perfectly conserves heat in rooms.

Colorless glass blocks are used both to form partitions inside rooms and for cladding the external surfaces of buildings. The main condition is that the products themselves must be of good quality. Simple plastic analogues, although much cheaper, are not so flawless in operation.

Decorative glass blocks are most often presented in the form of regular squares or in the form of “bricks”. Today, designers are increasingly experimenting with glass elements, giving them a round shape or some specific images.

Regarding decorative qualities, these elements are also very interesting. This is an excellent base for bold experiments. Absolutely transparent backlit glass blocks look impressive, and tinted products, which often form an opening in studio apartments, complement the design in the kitchen or bathroom.

Glass wall blocks for creating partitions

Glass blocks are an inexpensive material that does not require additional cladding. Due to this property, it is often used for the rapid modernization of old buildings or the construction of demountable structures.

An excellent translucent material for secondary walls, false windows, partitions and piers. A window opening made from “halves” of cubes near a jacuzzi or bathtub will serve as additional niches for bath accessories and shampoos. Using cubic elements, you can create a window sill space between the attached balcony and the living room with your own hands if you are not satisfied with the result of the redevelopment.

An updated approach to design projects in houses and apartments without walls - partitions made of cubes of different heights (bathroom or toilet). The upper edge can be stepped, the partition itself can be hemispherical or angular. Use your imagination.

You can lay out the wall up to face level to observe everything that is happening in the house while taking a shower. This is true when there are several children or playful pets in the house.

Glass blocks are an inexpensive material that does not require additional cladding.

What transparent glass blocks can do

Glass blocks are transparent bricks filled with air inside. A wall made of glass blocks, a partition made from them and other similar structures do a good job of dividing space.

Let there be light, and let light have color!

The use of glass blocks allows you to illuminate an isolated space or a separate area in the room directly through the wall, without using light openings for this.

By treating the surface of the bricks in such a way that the rays are refracted or scattered, the visibility of the separated room is eliminated.

Glass is not afraid of moisture and frost, and this allows it to be used in damp rooms and outdoor structures.

And the ability to use materials with different textures and colored glass blocks makes them one of the original design tools.

What are the benefits of glass blocks...

Although glass itself is a rather fragile material, glass blocks made from it have high mechanical strength and stability in various environments.

Thick glass can withstand accidental impacts no worse than M150 brick. True, if hit by a heavy object (for example, a stone), it will crack. Although there are especially durable products, even bulletproof!

They do not react to temperatures from -40 to +50 °C, are inert to the effects of acid rain and other aggressive substances, are not afraid of moisture, and do not absorb odors.

For decades, glass blocks do not change their properties and appearance. At the same time, they do not require finishing and are easy to clean.

...And why are they bad?

There are a number of restrictions when using glass blocks in construction and interior design:

It is impossible to lay utility networks (electrical, water supply and sewerage pipes), as well as ventilation ducts inside the erected structure;
The products cannot be cut - only solid blocks are always used;
It is strictly forbidden to hang cabinets and shelves on a wall made of glass blocks;
A wall made of glass blocks cannot be load-bearing; they cannot be used to build a structure on which rafters or ceilings rest;
Colored products painted on the inside are not recommended for external use due to paint fading.

Glass is a heavy material. The weight of one glass block is from 2.5 to 4.3 kg (depending on the thickness of the glass used and the product itself).

The heat transfer resistance of a glass block structure is about 0.40 m2 × C/W (which corresponds to a wall with one brick or a single-chamber double-glazed window), the sound insulation index is 40-45 dB (which is lower than the norm for interior partitions - 46 dB).

However, there are advanced units filled with argon and equipped with an additional internal partition. They are distinguished by higher heat and sound insulation properties, such as those filled with inert gas or double-glazed windows.

Laying blocks

There are 3 ways to install glass blocks:

Without a solution, instead they turn to frames or modules made of wood.
Using a mortar of cement and sand.
Using glue.

The first method is suitable even for beginners who are not familiar with laying any types of bricks. The module includes cells where you need to install blocks, securing them with rubber gaskets.

This method allows you to make a flat wall in a short period of time, without resorting to a level. Another advantage of this installation method: ease of dismantling. If necessary, the partition can be disassembled without damaging the glass blocks. This cannot be achieved if installed with adhesive or mortar.

Adhesive for installing cubes is sold complete with blocks. This type of installation is also very fast. The glue has a transparent structure, so it does not spoil the appearance of the finished wall.

It is much more difficult to make glass masonry using mortar. This method is the cheapest and most common for many craftsmen.

There are a number of recommendations for using cement-sand mixture:

You need to choose very fine sand, as large pebbles can scratch the glass;
You can lay out a maximum of three rows per day: the setting of the solution and glass occurs slowly;
The mortar is not suitable for the construction of high walls, since the lower layers may crack under the weight of the upper ones;
To create a durable structure, before laying each subsequent row, it is necessary to insert metal rods with a cross-section of 5-6 millimeters into the seams;
The seams need to be treated with colored grout, as stripes of gray cement will spoil the appearance. To save time, you can immediately buy cement with pigment.

Using glass blocks in the interior of rooms

Excellent soundproofing material is often used as decoration and decoration of premises. With their help, you can play up any corner of the room, disguise the disadvantages of the layout and highlight the advantages. Glass blocks of any type and design have excellent heat-saving properties and are resistant to moisture. Translucent cubes are suitable for creating partitions, original counters, and window openings. When choosing suitable elements, you should take into account the purpose of the room, its design and size.

In the kitchen

More often, glass blocks are used in the kitchen to separate space. A beautiful matte partition in the color of the finish will be a good solution for separating the dining room and food preparation area. The practical design of identical squares is easy to clean, does not absorb odors and retains its attractive appearance for a long time.

When choosing such partitions in the kitchen, you should understand that they can serve only a decorative function. It will not be possible to load them with decor, pieces of furniture, or install heavy structures on them.

In the living room

Using practical modern material, you can create excellent decor that will become a real work of art. Glass squares are installed along one of the walls of the living room, along the perimeter of the windows, next to the interior partition. Multi-colored blocks laid out according to the planned pattern will become the highlight of the interior.

A partition in the form of translucent bricks of different textures will look beautiful in a hall or hallway. Iridescent details will create an atmosphere of comfort and provide good sound insulation. Even colored elements can be installed near the window, since glass blocks transmit 90% of the sun's rays and will not darken the space.

In the bedroom

Translucent partitions in the rest room will create an atmosphere of relaxation and relaxation. You can achieve the best effect by using warm shades, regular geometric shapes, and special lighting when decorating. In large rooms, glass blocks can be an excellent zoning solution. They are used to separate the sleeping and reading areas, and to fence off a stylish dressing room.

By installing a partition of colored squares near the window in the bedroom, you can get soft diffused lighting and suppress unnecessary noise from the street. It will be pleasant to be in such a room at any time of the day.

In the nursery

A wide range of textures allows you to use glass blocks in a child’s room. To decorate the room, choose multi-colored squares and rectangles. You can choose products with unusual effects, creating the feeling of a fairy tale.

A multi-colored panel with sealed cartoon characters inside each element will look original in a child’s room. Low structures made of blocks are used to divide the space, separating the recreation area from the play area, and install lamps nearby.

In the bathroom and toilet

When decorating a bathroom or cubicle with glass blocks, they can be used in several ways. Design methods can be combined or a specific one can be used. For dark walls, the current solution would be to decorate surfaces with squares with transparency. This way you can reduce energy costs and effectively divide the bathroom.

If you replace one of the walls or part of it with glass block decor, you can visually expand the space. Due to the penetration of light from neighboring rooms, lighting will significantly improve. In small rooms it is better to use details of the same texture and color.

Installing partitions made of glass blocks in an apartment is an ideal solution for a bathroom, toilet, or shower. Translucent details do not narrow the space and do their functional job well. They can be used in both adjacent and separate bathrooms. The blocks are assembled in continuous rows or combined with plasterboard, brick, or wood.

In the bathhouse and sauna

Decorating such rooms with glass block partitions will make them original and unique. In this case, all the defining functions of a bath or sauna will be observed in accordance with generally accepted standards. The main useful characteristics of block finishing include water resistance, resistance to temperature changes, and excellent thermal insulation.

Glass blocks are often used as partitions, delimiting shower and sauna areas. Decorating the walls with such elements will also be an excellent solution, since they take up much less space than other options made from other materials.

Installation features

The two most common options for constructing a structure from glass blocks in the interior are classic and frame.

Photo: Instagram @seves_glassblock

Classic version

It involves the use of a frame frame, reinforcing guide rods and special crosses for installation (so that the “mesh” is even and the rods do not come into contact with the glass). Tile adhesive or cement-sand mortar (sometimes with the addition of PVA glue) is used as a fastening material.

Photo: ruemag.com

There is little preparatory work for this method; it itself is the least expensive, but the process requires skill, patience and time. Every 3-5 rows you need to take a break for at least 12 hours so that the “bricks” are firmly connected with the mortar. And after installation is complete, it is recommended to wait several days until the adhesive mixture dries completely. The final stage is grouting the seams and sealing them.

Photo: Instagram @christine_margaret_interiors

Photo: Instagram @nah_am_wasser

Photo: Instagram @sofia.architizm

General properties of glass blocks

Let us list the main properties of glass blocks:

Robust and crack-resistant, extremely durable
Translucent. The light transmittance of colorless glass is up to 75%; painted blocks with a matte surface transmit light much worse - up to 40%. Wide possibilities for zoning space, using light fluxes to visually enlarge small rooms. Lots of interesting design solutions using lighting and color effects
Absolutely non-flammable

Excellent sound insulation and good thermal insulation properties due to the air chamber
UV resistant, will not fade or fade
Almost no condensation forms on the surface
Complete chemical inertness and environmental friendliness
They are not afraid of water, heat and frost. Excellent resistance to temperature changes
A glass block partition does not require any finishing or protective coatings, only periodic washing

The outer surface of glass blocks can look completely different depending on the treatment. You can choose blocks for any design, both classic smooth and patterned, corrugated.

There are also any colors - there are both calm, neutral tones and rich bright colors, with any type of surface. Transparency and light transmittance depend on how the surface of the glass block is processed. You can choose what you need - light diffusion, reflection or light-directing effects.

There are a lot of processing options - patterns, tinting outside and inside, glossy mirror surface and matting, as well as various corrugations of surfaces. There are options with mother-of-pearl and radiance effects, with imitation of translucent natural stones such as rose quartz, rock crystal, amethyst, etc.

Unconditionally exclusive - glass bricks with shells, fish, butterflies, paintings and photographs inside. The inner surface of such blocks has a pattern of glass balls or an “art object” placed inside. Designer translucent panels made from such blocks look like a full-fledged work of art.

Against the backdrop of this design chaos, eyes widen, and the choice becomes almost a problem. Colorless transparent blocks with a smooth surface have their own charm thanks to the quality of the glass. Glass blocks painted on the inner surface look especially original; the play of light makes them look like fabulous precious stones of unrealistic sizes.

Cons of glass blocks

Labor-intensive and complex installation, which has a lot of nuances. You can work independently, but certain knowledge and skills are required. Experience in tiling and masonry with bricks and blocks is very helpful in this case, but masonry with glass blocks also has its own characteristics.
The weight of the blocks does not allow the construction of large area partitions. They say a maximum of 16 m2. The structure is heavy and requires support.
A serious disadvantage is the high prices for glass blocks, and domestic ones are more affordable, and euro quality is three to four times more expensive. exclusive ones with volumetric filling and figures, as well as beautiful imitations of stones are even more expensive; the price for one decorative block is comparable to the number of classic ones as 10:1.
You cannot hang anything on a glass block partition. Shelves can only be built in by providing “masonry” with niches or recesses.
In order to install electrical wiring or pipes inside a partition made of glass blocks, it is necessary to construct cable channels in it. In addition, it is necessary to use opaque blocks.
Solid partitions made of glass blocks exclude ventilation; it is possible to leave openings in them. Solid walls can be installed if the room is equipped with forced ventilation.

Glass tends to harmonize with any materials used for decoration. And also with metal, stone and wood. The use of LED lighting expands the design options to infinity.

Instructions for laying glass blocks, do-it-yourself technology

It is important to think about what composition will hold the blocks together. There is a difficulty in how to connect a transparent partition to a stone, tiled or wooden wall. Everything should look neat. It is recommended to use transparent compounds. It is advisable to secure the upper part with neat brackets.

Algorithm for laying on cement:

Prepare a solution, preferably from light cement in 2-3 rows, the sand should be fine-grained (does not scratch glass).
Make level markings.
Prepare the base for laying the blocks.
It is better to work with spacer crosses for tile materials, but in this case they are inserted on both sides (if these are not half fragments.
Before leveling, it is recommended to lay a reinforcing rod or metal mesh cut into strips.
The frame profile will help in leveling each “floor”.
Each row is laid out after the 2 lower levels have hardened.
When finished, secure the partition to the adjacent wall with small brackets and grout the joints.

Working with glue is carried out using the same technology, only the layer of silicone composition should be minimal. If the wall involves a turn or an end, you need to select special blocks. In each catalog, corner and end glass blocks are produced for any batch of colored or plain cubes, as in the photo.

In each catalog, corner and end glass blocks are produced for any batch of colored or plain cubes.

What you need to know before starting work

Blocks are difficult to cut, so it is recommended to accurately calculate the height of the block wall. It is easier to make a small pedestal for the masonry, but even after the work is completed, the upper gap can be filled with plaster (other fillers). Any addition must be in harmony with the surface of glass “puzzles”.

Before starting installation, you need to prepare a standard set of tools:

Construction level and plumb line;
Roulette and triangle;
Set of spatulas;
Plastic profile (for leveling);
A container for mixing the cement mixture and a ditch for mixing it with a trowel;
Crosses for laying tile materials.

The wall partition can be laid out from colored and transparent blocks, like a “chessboard”, or alternated in a chaotic manner.

Before starting installation, you need to prepare a standard set of tools.

Basic methods of installing glass blocks

Blocks are used to lay out vertical partitions and supports according to the general principle - lay strictly vertically and horizontally. There are 2 installation methods - “dry” and “wet”. It depends on the method of joining the glass blocks. But adjacent surfaces must be absolutely clean and dry.

The material is not suitable for load-bearing walls and supports.

Glass blocks are connected to each other in different ways:

Filling metal supports with prepared lattice is a good base for unusual furniture.
Make a temporary collapsible structure on any sticky base, which is then neutralized with a specialized compound.
Make a reliable cement-based masonry (inserts or solid wall).
Connect cubes or “bricks” with transparent silicone-based glue if complete light transmission is important.

Rectangular fragments are laid out in the form of a traditional “brick” wall. The cubes are superimposed strictly on each other in compliance with the lattice structure. In rare cases, the cubes are laid out diagonally - there are problems with cutting into 2 equal triangles.

It is better not to remove the protective film until the grouting work is completed. Otherwise, you will have to waste time cleaning the glass.

Blocks are used to lay out vertical partitions and supports according to the general principle - lay strictly vertically and horizontally.

Scope of application: 8 popular uses for glass blocks

The most common uses for glass blocks are as follows:

Translucent partitions

They separate the living room, hallway, and kitchen from each other, and through them illuminate the corridor and staircase hall, located in the depths of the house, with a second light.

In these cases, it is advisable to use glass blocks that are colorless or colored in dim tones, allowing a lot of light to pass through.

Lighting for small utility rooms

Glass blocks can be used to separate a dressing room in the hall, a pantry in the kitchen or hall, a bathroom and a dressing room in the bedroom, etc.

When entering such premises, it will be possible not to turn on the light. Colorless glass blocks with a corrugated or matte surface are suitable.

The blocks form a sealed wall, but if necessary, instead of several segments, you can install a window

Zoning space in the bathroom

This solution is effective due to the waterproof and hygienic nature of glass blocks, as well as the ability to provide visibility when exposed to light.

Their main function in the bathroom is separating, not transmitting light, so you can use glass blocks of bright colors, dark tones, corrugated and matte.

Exterior walls of houses

Glass walls are convenient for illuminating places where good insolation is needed, but for some reason visibility is undesirable (in the dressing room and laundry room).

They are also used in rooms where there is not enough space for a large window, for example in a narrow hallway, where the main light front is occupied by the door. It is better to use colorless blocks so as not to distort sunlight.

Fencing of terraces, verandas, gazebos

By maintaining good lighting, you can protect the space from prying eyes, for example, from neighbors or the street.

It is possible to use any types of products (except those painted on the inside) depending on the situation.

If the space is sufficiently lit from other sides or you need to shade it from the bright sun, it is better to use colored blocks.

Decorative elements and luminous elements

Exclusive glass blocks of expressive colors and textures with various effects are suitable.

Thanks to the lamps installed inside the structure - columns, staircase railings.

It is better to use products with low transparency but rich colors.

Winter garden enclosing structures

Here their use is effective due to their high moisture resistance. Taking into account the needs of plants, they should be colorless.

Glass block floors, steps or stairs

Such solutions look impressive, especially with the use of lighting. However, using them is risky due to the large and prolonged load on the glass blocks, as well as the danger of their damage (for example, they are easily scratched).

The material thickness of 60-80 mm also causes inconvenience, since the floor will be higher than in other rooms.

For horizontal planes it is better to use triplex (three-layer tempered glass), and if glass blocks are used, then high-strength ones.

However, in unloaded (self-supporting) elements, these products are reliable for both indoor and outdoor use.

The glass block structure must be stable. Even small deformations can be critical for glass blocks - they will crack and crumble, since glass does not have the slightest elasticity.

For free-standing structures made of glass blocks, it is important to provide a reliable foundation, like for a brick wall. When using this material, it is advantageous to combine functionality with aesthetics: glass blocks look impressive when they refract bright sunlight or when there is an artificial light source behind them

When using this material, it is beneficial to combine functionality with aesthetics: glass blocks look impressive when they refract bright sunlight or when there is an artificial light source behind them.

Limitless design possibilities

Most often you can find glass blocks in the bathroom or kitchen. In the interior of a children's room, bedroom or living room, they are used less often, more as a decoration than a functional element.

The main features of glass blocks that attract designers:

Decorative glass blocks are capable of transmitting more than 80% of sunlight, while at the same time allowing you to create a barrier behind which you can comfortably retire. This is true for small rooms;
Glass and plastic blocks are particularly resistant to moisture. These qualities will be useful in residential apartments and houses (bathroom, kitchen, dining room), as well as in public places (dining rooms, saunas, beauty salons, swimming pools);
The structures are very durable and comfortable to use;
Glass blocks in the interior of a bathroom or kitchen look organic and fit well with any design and other materials in the apartment;
A shower cabin made of glass blocks, glass partitions, compositions in door or window openings are very durable, they are convenient and easy to care for;
Excellent sound insulation (for example, glass blocks will muffle the sound of pouring water by 60-80%);
Good thermal insulation properties.

Walls and partitions made of glass blocks

In order to rationally plan the space of an apartment, many owners take such radical steps as rebuilding non-load-bearing walls or erecting various kinds of partitions. In some cases, depending on the material, this is advisable, for example, for zoning a bathroom.

Often used materials for such structures are brick, wood, plasterboard sheets, aerated concrete blocks, glass and glass blocks. This article will discuss one of the most optimal and aesthetic materials for such purposes as glass block.

Using glass blocks in the interior as walls and partitions has its advantages:

An excellent material for decorating walls and partitions. The distinctive quality of glass blocks from similar materials is the presence of various shapes, colors, textures and patterns.
It has excellent light transmission and light scattering effect. Before selecting glass blocks, you should accurately determine their future purpose. That is, blocks with a glossy surface transmit light well (transparent), matte ones dim, and glass blocks with a corrugated surface have good light-scattering effects.
High strength. Walls and partitions built from glass blocks are so strong that they can only be broken with a sledgehammer. But even if for some reason several blocks break, it will not be difficult to replace them with similar whole blocks.
Thermal and sound insulation. Due to the internal sealed air space, glass block walls perfectly absorb noise and also retain heat well.
Fire resistance. They are considered one of the fire resistant materials as they can withstand direct fire for an hour without melting or cracking. Typically, walls made of glass blocks in a fire situation can serve as a reliable barrier from fire until firefighters arrive.
Ecology. Glass blocks are an environmentally friendly construction and finishing material. In fact, they are made from pure natural raw materials (quartz sand processed into glass) and do not emit or accumulate toxins, odors and harmful substances.
And a few more advantages of using glass blocks in the form of walls and partitions are that they do not need to be painted or plastered, and it is also convenient to give walls and partitions unusual shapes and bends.

Advantages and disadvantages of finishing material

pros

Taking into account its characteristics, glass can be harmoniously integrated into almost any room.

Durability - a wall made of glass blocks will look good in the interior and is guaranteed to serve you for many years.
Moisture resistance is why glass blocks are very popular in bathrooms.
Easy to clean. A special glass cleaner, a rag and five minutes of time is all you need.
Noise insulation. The sound of water, screams on the street or loud music - you can forget about these irritating factors.
Thermal conductivity. Glass blocks also work well with the air temperature in the room: by maintaining the required level of heat, they make your home even more comfortable.
Light transmission. The thickness of one layer of glass is more than a centimeter, but this does not prevent almost all sunlight from outside from entering the house - up to 90%.

Minuses

Almost an ideal finishing option, isn't it? But what's the catch? It is usually clarified at the installation stage.

The thing is that to build a structure, you simply need professional skills. And if you don’t have them, be prepared to spend money on a specialist, otherwise you risk failing the entire aesthetic component of the issue.

Weight. As already mentioned, it is about 4 kilograms per square. This not only complicates the construction process, but also is a significant burden in the overall engineering plan of the premises. To put it simply, if you don’t want to fall into the hands of your neighbors below, you shouldn’t decorate a surface larger than 15 square meters in this way.
If you are a fan of decorating your walls with paintings or photos, this item is for you. The fact is that you cannot screw screws or drive nails into a glass wall. Hanging a shelf, decorating with a picture or attaching hooks - all this is not about glass blocks.
The material must not be cut. This means that you will have to fully accept the conditions dictated by the size of the source.
It is impossible to install wiring in such a wall.
The design does not allow air to circulate. That is why you should not decorate window openings with them - the apartment will not breathe.

Types and characteristics of glass blocks

A glass block is an element welded from two front halves for the construction of a translucent partition. There are many original offers in specialized stores and online catalogues:

Different types of glass - transparent, frosted and milky. The light transmittance coefficient of these options varies widely - from 40% to 70%. It all depends on the thickness of the block, the type of raw material and surface texture.
Decorative blocks, somewhat reminiscent of stained glass inserts, are filled with drawings on various topics. They go well with plain and transparent glass blocks. The design is applied to the inner surface with a highly UV-resistant dye and hermetically sealed. Therefore, you don’t have to worry that it will wash off or fade.
The corrugated pattern absorbs part of the daylight, but differs in the beauty of the shimmer from colored diodes under artificial lighting. The type of corrugated surface differs - drops, sagging, cubes, waves, tubercles. Some are designed to collect and refract light, much like crystals.
Depending on the design task, it is proposed to choose glass blocks for walls of any color. There are blurry and concentrated variations, they can also be combined in different ways in the interior.

The corrugated pattern absorbs part of the daylight, but differs in the beauty of the shimmer from colored diodes under artificial lighting.

Scope of application of glass blocks

There are some peculiarities in the use of durable glass for external and internal work. It is better to carefully install partitions in bathrooms and showers with transparent silicone sealant or white glue (always in a thin layer). External walls are laid out on the basis of light Portland cement of expensive brands.

The original building material can be used in different ways:

Frosted glass blocks for external walls (remote elevator, facade, loggia, porch, dressing room);
Translucent rectangles and cubes are great for replacing secondary walls and building partitions;
Quick construction of modern built-in furniture (tables, bar counters);
As an original material for terrariums and zoos, greenhouses and light buildings in landscape design.

When it comes to changing the front door, private homeowners are faced with the problem of a mismatch between the opening and the format of the new model. A good option is translucent inserts. You can make the wall entirely from blocks or alternate with concrete or brick.

You can make the wall entirely from blocks or alternate with concrete or brick.

What is a decorative glass block - features of the material

Once upon a time, no one took the original building material seriously, but it has undergone design and technological improvements. Today, a second wave of popularity is emerging - glass cubes for walls can be seen in exterior and interior decoration in the private sector and in buildings designed for a large number of visitors.

Modern proposals only in general resemble glass blocks of the old format, set on cement. During the Soviet era, they could be seen at bus stops, in the foyers of buildings and in the hallways of high-rise buildings. Hooligans often mercilessly smashed cold glass partitions; they were not distinguished by aesthetics.

Glass squares for the construction of walls and zonal partitions are very diverse. They are available in different formats. Standard - 19x19 cm and 24x24, depth - 7-8 cm. Other variations can be ordered from manufacturers upon request. Among the most popular:

Cubic and half blocks made of durable glass 6-9 mm;
Oblong rectangular bricks of different sizes;
6-sided “honeycomb”;
Corner elements;
Rounded wall edges.

Each potential buyer chooses the appropriate option, depending on functionality and overall design. There are half-sided and double-sided glass blocks. A glass bar counter made of glass blocks between the kitchen and dining area or a separate work area in a small studio apartment looks great.

A glass bar counter made of glass blocks between the kitchen and dining area looks great.

Advantages and disadvantages of glass blocks

Hollow, translucent “bricks” are made of tempered glass and are difficult to break. The scope of their application, compared to the Soviet era, has expanded significantly. The building material is integrated into any modern interior, especially as partitions for zoning.

Glass block walls in an apartment have a lot of positive characteristics:

Lets in a lot of daylight, looks noble with colored lighting at night;
Fire resistance (will not support combustion, can withstand high temperatures);
Does not ignite from nearby heating vents;
Quickly assembled without the help of specialists, if necessary it is easy to disassemble;
High rates of heat conservation in the room;
Features good thermal insulation;
Easy to clean, repels water;
It is highly environmentally friendly, the material is harmless for people with problematic health;
Cost-effective – the blocks do not require additional waterproofing and finishing, provided they are properly fixed with hydrophobic glue;
High adaptability to any modern decoration, you can make transparent inserts between the walls (concrete, wood, brick, masonry);
It has no analogues among other building materials used as light partitions in rooms with high humidity (bath, shower, toilet, mini-pool).

The only disadvantage we can point out is that it is still a breakable material, and with a sharp impact there is a chance of breaking the glass. To make the partition look stylish, you need to carefully consider the overall design.

The building material is integrated into any modern interior, especially as partitions for zoning.