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 is this variety that has become the key. As for hand-made manufacturing, the number of possible design options is most attractive.
Glass shelves
Most often it happens that the owners decide to construct a glass shelf on their own. However, a lack of knowledge or skills leads to the fact that some simple design option is chosen. It is important to understand that this does not mean the absence of beauty and attractiveness in such a shelf. One of the main factors in choosing a glass shelf is that you can use it in any room of your home. Another important point that you should pay attention to is the creation of several shelves at once. This is argued by the fact that one design most often fits poorly into the interior, especially if its dimensions are quite small in relation to all other things.
The advantages of glass constructions
You should start with the undoubted advantages, among which:
- Simplicity and a great combination with any other design ideas. In many ways, this effect is achieved due to the fact that the material is completely transparent and transmits the color of space through itself.
- The second plus is the undoubted simplicity of their manufacture. Successfully carry out the process of creating a glass shelf on the wall, for example, any owner can. 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, then you can create several designs at once. The main thing is to have enough materials.
- The aesthetic part. The visual appeal of these interior items is largely due to the fact that they are completely transparent. If you compare them, for example, with wooden, then the shelves are the same size, but made of glass and wood will be very different. A wood structure will appear bulky, especially if the room is small. With glass, everything will be the other way around.
Drawbacks of shelves
Glass shelves, like any other design, have their drawbacks. Among them, the following two are worth highlighting:
- For example, the general simplicity and transparency of the shelf for some are a drawback. Suppose, if you place books on such a stand, then the glass will be practically invisible at all. Some are thought to be bad enough.
- The second minus is, of course, the fragility of the structure. However, it is immediately worth noting that it does not appear too often, but nevertheless there is a place to be. While the same wooden structures, it is almost impossible to damage. Glass, in turn, can be damaged not only by breaking it, but, for example, by scratching it with any object. It also pushes many away from placing just such structures.
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 the place where the installation will take place. For example, a glass shelf in the bathroom is an excellent design solution. However, one must remember that this place should 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 grinding machine, a screwdriver, a hammer, a drill, etc. There is no need for anything other than the glass itself from the material. 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 work 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 think over all the actions in advance.
The first thing you need is to cut the glass into the right parts. To make this process go as smoothly as possible, it is recommended that you practice a little first. This is especially important if there is only one glass, since with a crack it will be impossible to restore it, as well as to use it in the future.
After training, use a marker to mark the places where you need to cut. This stage is considered very important, since a size error will lead to the collapse of the whole idea. In order not to be mistaken, it is necessary to know in advance why the design will be used. For example, if it is a corner glass shelf for books, then its length should be enough to accommodate all products.
Next, you must use a belt-type grinding machine to process all the edges of the cut glass. This procedure will generate dust. It is necessary to protect yourself from it with a respirator. Glass chips are quite dangerous.
Fasteners and installation
In order to securely attach the glass shelf, it is necessary to drill holes. Next, plastic dowels are inserted into them. Sometimes it happens that it’s quite difficult to insert them, because you can use a hammer to drive them. However, you must hammer in very carefully so as not to damage or break the device.
Next, a metal screw is attached, so that 2 cm sticks out from the hole. After that, the washer is put on the screw and the bracket is screwed onto the remaining thread. It is important to use the building level to monitor the position of the bracket. If he is even slightly rejected 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 after fixing the metal parts to leave plastic inserts in order to avoid contact between the backlight and the metal. Next, in the existing inserts, the tape is placed. This process is quite laborious and lengthy. In order to connect the tape to the network, a power supply is used. The presence of a controller in the circuit is also recommended. Glass installation takes place only after arranging the backlight.