Glass dining room tables exude style and sophistication, and can transform the entire look of the space beautifully. But, as glass can be delicate, you need to take extra care. Before buying one for your home, it is best to know itsadvantages and disadvantages. Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of owning a glass dining table so you can buy the one most suited to your needs.
Evaluating the Pros and Cons of a Glass Top Dining Table
PROS
Contemporary and Elegant Look
A glass tabletop complements almost every modern interior design theme. It adds an elegance and formality appropriate to a dining room. You can combine glass with wood, leather, high gloss, chrome, and other glass furniture items to create a balanced look. As manufacturers offer a variety of tinted glass hues, it should not be difficult to find the shade you want.
Increased Visual Appeal
Investing in a beautiful glass table addsvisual appeal to your dining room. It accentuates the colour, design, and beauty of the base material (metal or wood) which takes your interior décor a notch higher. Because of its transparency, glass never overshadows your room’s charm. Glass tables should be paired with good-looking dining chairs to make them fully visible. An eye-catching area rug under your table will give your dining room a unique look.
Luminescence
Glass is known for its transparency and the way it distributes light in a room. It instantly brightens a room and gives the space a lighter vibe. If you have a small dining room that does not receive sufficient natural light, a glass table can be a great addition as it makes the space look bigger and wider.
Versatility
Glass dining room tables comein a wide variety of patterns and styles compared to other table materials. Some glass tables come with different base materials such as wrought iron, wicker, chrome and wood. As glass is not always colourless and clear, you can tint or frost it any colour you want. Moreover, glass can be cut into most shapes. Thus, you can always get custom glass tabletops suited to your needs and preferences.
Durability
If you are looking for something durable for your dining room, a glass table can be a good choice.Tempered glass is manufactured at high temperatures and cooled down under certain technological conditions. This makes the produced glass resistant to breakage and scratches. A damage-resistant glass table is the perfect piece of home furniture and is safe for children.
Easy Cleaning and Maintenance
It is very easy to clean and maintain a glass dining room table. Wipe it regularly with a damp cloth to keep it in good shape. If spills occur, a simple wipe is enough. Glass also does not tarnish or fade over time, so there is no need to use cleaning products to retain the its original shine.
Cons
Regular Cleaning
Glass is prone to dust, fingerprints, smudges and spills which detract from its beauty if not cleaned regularly. A little dirt or leftover food on a glass dining room table is pretty noticeable. Wipe away stainsright away so you do not have to work harder to do it later. Dissolve a small amount of baking soda in warm water and wipe the solution all over the tabletop. It is advisable to place hot food and beverages on coasters or placemats to avoid marks.
Impeccable Flooring
As glass tabletopsare transparent, everything underneath is visible. This makes it necessary to have a visually appealing floor. Try to always keep dining chairs in proper condition to leave a positive impression with visitors. You may not be able to invest huge amountsin home décor. Just make sure your dining room does not require changes in flooring and interiors before adding a glass table.
Fragility
One of the biggest disadvantages of glass is its fragility, as once the surface gets damaged, it is difficult to make it look new again. To that end, pay extra attention so it does not get chipped or scratched. Although glass is quite sturdy, it is not as durable as stone or wood. Never drop anything heavy or place hot dishes or beverages on the tabletop to prevent breakage or permanent damage.
Dangerous
A glass dining room table can be a safety hazard for children and pets if it breaks. Sharp edges can injure passers-by, so, for safety reasons, it is best to invest in oval or round tables without sharp edges. A tempered glass top is the safest option as it is the least likely to break and cause accidents. Use coasters and placemats to hinder damage to the glass.
Expensive
Dining room tables and other furniture items made with glass are expensive depending on the kind of glass used. Tempered glass costs more than other materials but is an excellent choice as it is chemically and thermally formulated to prevent breakage. Glass tabletops come in many contemporary designs and styles but cost more than tables made of other materials.