Author: Glass For Homes

  • Do’s and Don’ts of Decorating with Mirrors

    Do’s and Don’ts of Decorating with Mirrors

    Mirrors can be used for various purposes such as for enhancing the beauty, for giving a wider look to some area, for reflecting light and decorating purpose. Even so, you should follow some guidelines while decorating with mirrors. Here is a mirror for every taste, whether it is modern or classic. You can solve any design dilemma with the help of a mirror. You will definitely love to learn the very best way to place the wall mirrors in your home. Mirror wall looks good than simple wall. To give the right look to your room, read the following guidelines.

    Follow these five Do’s

    • Do Use large mirrors in a small room
    • Do make mirrors a focal point
    • Do Obey the Rules of Feng Shui
    • Do use mirrors in narrow hallways and staircases.
    • Do use mirrored furniture to your advantage.
    • Do use mirror next to the window

    Follow these three Don’ts

    • Do not use the mirrors around your home
    • Do not go overboard with mirrors in the kitchen and bedroom.
    • Do not use the Mirrors on Ceilings

    Let discuss one by one

    Small Rooms and Large Mirrors

    Tiny rooms need the large mirrors because they add the illusion of depth. So don’t be scared to  go big. Place the big mirror on the wall above a dining room table to reflect the chandelier. We can say that there is no better friend to a small space than a well placed mirror. You can a large floor length mirror behind a piece of furniture in your small room. Use the mirror behind the any furniture like baby bed, table, sofa set, etc. For safety purpose, always use brackets for attaching the mirror to the wall even if you are resting the mirror on the floor.

    Placing a mirror behind the light sources is also a good idea for small rooms. That light source can be a candle, a pendant light, a bedside lamp, in this way the light will reach to the maximum area while creating a magical look.

    Use a Mirror Next to Window

    This trick is very useful for enhancing the space and creating a beautiful view. You can create another window by simply placing a mirror right next to the genuine deal. The reflection will maximize the effect of natural light and pleasant outdoor views. This will allow you to appreciate the natural outdoor views from multiple angles.

    Do Make Mirrors a Focal Point

    Mirrors are ideal to place in the dressing rooms and corners. For creating a corner glow and shines, one can place a spotlight behind them. The leaner mirrors are best for this purpose. For making the mirrors focal point of a room, you can use smaller mirrors over larger pieces of furniture.

    Do Obey the Rules of Feng Shui

    Most of the people believe in Feng Shui rules firmly. Some of the rules are really good. So, you can obey the Feng Shui rules while placing the mirrors in your home. Do not use the mirrors in the bedrooms as it is one of the Feng Shui rules. Some myths belong to this, but according to some scientific research it is good to not use the mirrors in the bedroom. However, if you really want to place the mirror in the bedroom, then above the headboard would be OK. Because while sleeping you should not see your reflection in the mirror.

    Do use Mirrors in Narrow Hallways and Staircases

    Narrow hallways and staircases can be broadened with the use of mirrors. The smaller, horizontal mirrors work well in the both of the places. This will widen the space, which creates a better flow from room to room.

    Do use Mirrored Furniture to Your Advantage

    Mirrored furniture is beneficial for using in the small areas. It solves the problem  of space as you do not need any extra space to place the mirror. If you have a big piece of furnishings in the heart of the room, you can make it emerge as if it’s vanishing by installing a mirror on it.

    Do not use the mirrors around your home

    No one will want to place a mirror in a spot where it could replicate a pile of clutter, or even an unappealing piece of furniture. Everyone want to reflect the nice view or bounce light from the mirror. so, we can say that the worst thing a decorator can do is to place the mirror in some area where they reflect the random things in your home. So, make sure that mirrors reflecting something that’s worth looking at.

    Do not Go Overboard with Mirrors in the Kitchen and Bedroom

    The Kitchen is not the ideal place to hang the mirrors. However, if one wants, then he can use the idea of mirrored backsplash. But remember one thing that it would need constant maintenance. As if it will not be maintained properly and timely then watermarks can create the problem.

    Do not use the Mirrors on Ceilings

    Some of you will be surprised to know that some people use the mirrors on their ceiling. Though, it is not a good practice. The experts state that a mirror on the ceiling is very tacky. This is something you’d see in a cheap motel, or in some retro picture from the 1970s.”

    Mirrors are cost effective way of dressing up a space. The simple way of maximizing an empty space is a mirror. The best way to find your perfect interior decoration is to try it on. Try a new setting by placing the mirror and rearrange it after a few days if you do not find it perfect for your home. If your newly purchased piece of mirror is not looking perfect in one place, then make it sure that it will definitely look good in another.

  • Converting Your Tub to a Luxury Shower

    Converting Your Tub to a Luxury Shower

    Are you thinking to refashion your bathroom? Then you should know that tubs are out and showers are in nowadays. The reason behind it could be that space is a premium factor and a large tub can occupy a larger space that why people are tending towards the showers. A lot of small decisions sometimes seem overwhelming. The market is full of attractive showers. Converting your tub to a luxury shower can advance the quality of your life, devoid of costing a fortune or resulting in long, untidy shower remodeling. Let us discuss some of the reasons for converting your tub into a shower.

    • Maximized Floor Space
    • Improvement in Comfort
    • Updated Look
    • Safer Bathing
    • Revived Routine

    Maximized Floor Space                                   

    As we all know that bath tub occupies much space than a shower. So we can easily maximize the floor space by converting a bathtub into a shower. If you like the larger bathrooms then this tip can be good for you. A wide-selection of shower’s styles for virtually any space size is available in the market. You can easily utilize the corner space of bathroom for shower space and after that the rest of the bathroom will spacious.

    Improvement in Comfort

    Another good reason for using showers instead of tub in the bathroom is the enhancement of comfort. Built in seating and grab bars for shower, make the shower comfortable. You can have the shower with a complete range of custom accessories.

    Updated Look

    An old, outdated, or rusty tub can be a hurdle in the rationalized look of your bathroom. When a stunning new shower takes the place of the old tub, then it will automatically transform the look of your bathroom. Most of the shower remodeling takes only one day. So give your bathroom a new updates look in only one day.

    Safer Bathing

    Have you ever noticed that struggling to get in the tub can not only a hassle, but it can also be very risky. When you will meet the qualified tub-to-shower conversion professionals then your all needs will be fulfilled. You can install a barrier-free shower or wheel-in shower as per your need.

    Revived Routine

    Sometimes our same old routine can bore us and we need some change. So the new shower installation can change our old routine of taking a shower in tub. Change is good. Man wants the change and the beauty of the new shower will enlighten you with the happiness.

    Following are some features of creating a spa feel in your bathroom:

    • Heavy glass Shower Doors
    • High Tech Shower Heads
    • Stem Showers
    • Shower Benches
    • Zero Entry

    Heavy Glass Shower Doors Frameless

    Heavy glass shower doors are frameless, thus give an outclass look. So having a heavy glass shower door means that you do not need frames and all the hardware for getting the modern, sleek, look. The frameless style of these shower doors creates a clear view which makes the bathroom seem bigger. Shower doors frameless are a famous type of shower door and there are many other types of frameless shower doors such as bypass / slider doors, pivot doors, inline doors, doors for steam showers, and custom shower doors. If you want to showcase your shower’s tile or masonry then heavy glass is the perfect option.

    High Tech Shower Heads

    Another thing to consider for granting a spa inspired look to your bathroom think about High Tech Shower Heads. Upgrade the boring old shower head to multiple shower heads including body sprays, water jets and rain shower heads. High quality showerheads can change the way you bathe. Usually the purpose of a shower head is to provide hot water and decent pressure. But there are lots of new features are available in high tech shower heads that can astonish you the same way as they have surprised me.

    So let me surprise you too by unveiling the new features such as

    • Playing music,
    • Monitoring water consumption,
    • Immersing you in an LED light bath.

    Stem Showers

    In the new homes and master bathrooms the fully enclosed steam showers are becoming trendy. You should opt for the best stem showers.

     Shower Benches

    Do not forget to build a shower bench in your spa like bathroom. Portable shower benches are also available in the market. So the choice is yours that you want a Built-in or portable bench in your spa inspired bathroom. Shower benches add the relaxation mode.

    Zero Entry

    You can also choose the zero-entry showers for creating a spa like shower enclosure. The benefit of using the zero-entry showers or curbless shower stalls is that its functionality is for everyone from grandkids to grandparents. As multiple generations live under the same roof so it is important to have a bathroom equally fit for every family member.

    Don’ts of Shower Remodeing

    While remodeling your shower you should also keep in mind some don’ts like

    • Don’t replace your only tub
    • Don’t build around a window

    Although replacing bathtub with shower makes the bathroom trendy but always remember one thing that you should never replace your only tub. The reason behind this suggestion is that the bathtub is not only for taking a bath, but it also provides other benefits like it is useful for washing up large cloths specially window blinds. It is also beneficial for giving your pets a bath. So, there is a need of at least one tub in the home for convenience and also for making your home’s resale value.

    Secondly, you should not build a shower enclosure around the window. The reason behind it is that the window casing can easily allow the water to seep around it and into your walls. If there is a window above your bathtub where now you are planning to build a shower enclosure, then think for a moment and opt for another place or close up the window first. Otherwise, there is possibility of having tear out the window/wall and ugly mold.

    Point to Remember

    In the last I would like to share a tip that “Make Your Shower as Big as Possible”. Because there’s rarely a chance that you would regret of making a shower too big, but making your bathroom too small can push you in a situation of “woulda, coulda, shoulda”. According to most building regulations 30” by 30” is the measurement of shower stall.

     

  • Choosing right type of glass for shower door

    Choosing right type of glass for shower door

    No one can deny the importance of glass shower doors in modern bathrooms. We can see advancement in every aspect of life nowadays. Similarly the bathroom styles, designs, construction, all have improved to a certain extent. The glass shower doors grant unique touch to the bath areas also keeps them clean. The type of glass matters a lot for creating the perfect shower enclosure. Here we are going to discuss the right type of glass for shower doors.

    Tempered glass             

    We can place the tempered glass in the category of the most used types of glass in the manufacturing of custom glass shower doors. Most of the people are very aware from the tempered glass but most probably you are the one who is not much familiar with this term. So, lets us introduce you first the tempered glass.

    Basically the tempered glass is very different from the annealed glass (which is the regular glass). The manufacturing process off tempered glass differs from annealed glass. Glass is heated at high temperature and then cooled down immediately. This special manufacturing style makes tempered glass much stronger than the normal glass. Though the corners and edges remain a bit fragile then the rest of the glass. Due to the special manufacturing style the tempered glass do not only become strong and hard to break, but the breakage characteristics of the glass also change.

    We all know that when the annealed glass breaks it takes the shape of sharp and hazardous shards. On the contrary, when the tempered glass breaks it takes the shape of small round pebbles.

    Tempered vs. Laminated

    Both tempered and laminated glass enhances durability and safer fragments. But let me clear one thing here that for shower doors the tempered glass is better than the laminated glass. It is being used in glass shower doors, almost decades ago. Personal safety becomes the key issue, on the movement when the piece of glass operates as a swinging or sliding door and a person is taking a shower inside.

    So we want the shower doors that are hard to break. We also seek the glass which, when breaks in the event of any accident then do not inflict any serious injury. If a homeowner wants extra precaution, then he can move towards laminated glass. Otherwise, there is no need to opt for laminated glass for shower doors.

    Laminated glass is layers based. It consists of two sheets of glass and the center filled with clear vinyl. The specialty of laminated glass is that it looks like normal glass, but when it smashes then it the sheet of glass remains intact because the vinyl does not let the broken pieces shatter as a result every broken piece remains stuck to the vinyl.

    Glass thickness

    Glass thickness varies from glass to glass. One can purchase the shower doors in a variety of glass thicknesses. Usually the glass is ½ inches thick for shower door panel. The glass thickness can be determined by the owner, however, it is also determined by whether it is a frameless, semi-frameless, or framed shower door.

    Glass Thickness of Frameless Shower Doors

    Actually the glass thickness determines the structural strength of shower enclosure. Usually two types of glass thicknesses are popular in frameless shower doors. One is 3/8 inches thick second is ½ inches thick. The prior thickness, size is the smallest thickness size that can be used in frameless shower doors. It is budget friendly than ½ inches glass. It assures sound and quality construction. Some people think that ½ inches thickness will be too heavy for wall to supprot. On the other hand 3/8’’ is considered to be flimsy. These types of thoughts can disturb you. So don’t go into too much depth. Both are fine and many people are using them. Although 3/8 inches glass is cost effective. You can have frameless custom glass shower doors.

    Glass Thickness of Semi-Frameless Shower Doors

    The glass used in the semi frameless glass is usually less thick than the glass used in frameless glass. in semi frameless glass normally the glass thickness is 1/4″ or 3/16″. Frameless shower doors need to be installed  on tile or marble, but the semi frameless glass can be easily installed in the fiberglass. They are more cost effective than the frameless glass door. They can be more watertight that the frameless shower doors. Semi frameless showers are only available in standard sizes. It’s very hard to get them in customzed size.  

    Glass Thickness of Framed Shower Doors

    Glass thickness of framed shower doors is usually 5/32” or 3/16”. Framed showers normally use tempered glass with an aluminum frame and hardware.

    Glass Appearance

    The glass appearance can be chosen from various looks and textures. We can say that clear glass is a very hot item nowadays. But everyone is free to choose according to his will and ease. So, lets discuss some of the options such as:

    • Patterned glass
    • Frosted glass
    • Colored glass
    • Cast glass

    The type of glass that obscures visibility like the frosted glass and colored glass that are also known as privacy glass are famous for bathrooms shared by siblings.

    Glass Protection

    Glass protection should be addressed always when considering what type of glass is used for shower enclosures. It is the crucial point to discuss when talking about the shower door glass. We should clean the glass on a daily basis for keeping it safe from corrosion and staining. But not all homeowners want to spend hours to clean their new shower door. So we should opt for the glass that is easy to clean. Here’s another option comes which is called the “shower guard glass”. This new glass based on the technology that keeps the minerals, scale and soap scum from sticking. So, you can save your precious time and glass from stains both at the same time by purchasing the “shower guard glass”.

    During the manufacturing of shower guard glass, ion-beam technology is used which keeps is safe from corrosive and unsightly elements so often build up. Actually, due to the special manufacturing style its surface becomes permanently sealed, free of the pores where mordant and hideous elements so often build up.

    You can also make use of a spray called EnduroShield, that binds to the glass. This will make the glass water and oil-repellant, thus protecting it from corrosion and staining.

  • Benefits of Having Gym mirror at Your Home Gym

    Benefits of Having Gym mirror at Your Home Gym

    The proverb “health is wealth” is very old and very true and will always remain true for the humanity. The best benefit of having Gym in your own home is your health. Yes, when you will gym daily you will remain healthy. There are so many benefits of the home gym like

    • You can save your precious time like the time you spend while going to the gym, while waiting for your turn.
    • A Home gym is always available for you. It is never closed.
    • You do not have to pay any fee for gym.
    • Only one time investment which is affordable.
    • It keeps you healthy as home gym is hygienic as compared to a commercial gym. You can keep is clean easily. No third person sweeting, and germs. The most important benefit is the fitness.

    When we talk about the home gym, then there are certain things which we have to do for making our home gym perfect and adding mirrors is top of the list. Mirrors can encourage a person to continue challenging themselves during their workouts. Lets discuss some of the benefits of having home Gym mirrors at your home Gym.

    • Mirrors Add Confidence
    • Mirrors Perfect Exercise Techniques
    • Mirrors Add Light to dark rooms
    • Mirrors Grant you Company
    • Mirrors Add Artistic Taste

     

    Mirrors Add Confidence

    Mirrors can boost your confidence level. When a man sees himself in the mirror while exercising, he feels excited and confident. So adding mirrors to your home gym can enhance your confidence too.

    Mirrors Perfect Exercise Techniques

    Most people, especially men take pride in while hoisting some impressive weights and they love to see themselves. On the other hand, mirrors are a godsend, when you’re trying a new work out in your home gym, or attempting a hot new stretch or yoga pose on your floor mat.

    To avoid oneself from injury, good techniques are indispensable. While exercising at home, you will not have anyone to correct your technique. You can easily assess while watching yourself in the mirror that how are you doing and how to correct what’s wrong.

    Mirrors Add Light to Dark Rooms

    Not all the rooms in a house are airy and full of light. You definitely will not enjoy yourself while doing exercise in a dark room. So the mirrors are here to add light to your dark rooms. It seems that commercial gym owners have long known the benefits of mirrors. We all know that mirrors reflect and magnify the light. The same way like a magnifying glass set out in the sun. Hence the mirror helps the commercial gym owners to turn down the intensity of their lights while maintaining a well-lit workout area. This in result save thousands of utility bills on a yearly basis.

    You actually enjoy getting in shape when, a mirror will create the disparity between a vaguely lit, gloomy underground room workout area and a dazzling, spacious-feeling place.

    Mirrors Grant you Company

    It is the human nature that he doesn’t want to work alone and needs a someone’s company. That someone can be in the mirror. At least you will not feel alone and bore. You can see that how effectively you work. You can run wild imagination that the person in the mirror is your best friend and he wants to see you healthy and fit. So he is giving you the company. Just do not take your imagination too far.

    Mirrors Add Artistic Taste

    If your home gym areas is not so cool and you want to give it an artistic look without spending much mirrors are here. You can simply use home Gym mirrors to hide the moldy drywall with holes. Mirrors grant clean and contemporary environment for the home gym rooms. You just need $20 to buy a nice mirror for your home gym. You can use a single mirror for hiding a wall or multiple mirrors for adding more aesthetic look. The choice is yours.

    The market is full of gym mirrors, you can even select your mirror by visiting online stores. A huge range of gym mirrors is waiting for you.