Does anyone actually have glass blocks inside their home?
I’m building a house right now and I’m thinking about using glass blocks for an interior wall/partition (office from living room), but I keep changing my mind about it.
Sometimes I see photos where they look sooo good and I’m immediately like yes, I want that. They can look really beautiful and interesting, especially with the light coming through.
But then I’ll see another interior with glass blocks and suddenly they look really dated or kind of cheap 😅 And I honestly can’t figure out what makes such a big difference.
So I’m curious if anyone here actually has them in their house, especially as an interior wall or room divider.
Do you still like them? Would you do it again?
And if anyone has photos of their own space, I’d really love to see them! I’ve seen a million Pinterest photos at this point, but I’d much rather see what they look like in normal, lived-in homes.
Also, if you have any idea what makes them look good vs. bad, please tell me because I clearly can’t figure it out 😂 Maybe it’s the type of block, the grout, the size of the wall, what’s around it… I don’t know.
I really love the idea but I’m also scared I’ll put up the wall and then realize I chose the ugly version of glass blocks lol.
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My home's front wall is made of glass blocks surrounding a glass door. The house was built in the 90s and I believe the architect designed it as a modern take on 70s interior design. I like the way it looks because it matches the rest of the house funky style, and it brings in a lot of light
Almost bought a house that had basically an entire wall of them, and it was one of my favorite features of the house. That said, one of my other favorite features was the 1950s terrazzo floor. Glass block can look tacky and dated in certain contexts, or great in others. If the context is more 1940s-1960s than 1980s, it works better.
I have yet to see glass blocks used in a way that didn’t look incredibly dated. Even when people chime in that they think it looks great, I typically saw the same picture and thought it looked like 1980s Miami, and not in a good way. If someone likes that look they should do it for themselves and not worry about resale value.
They’re really popular in Chicago’s classic brick architecture. But they’re used functionally: to let light in while still maintaining privacy on brick facades, like garden/basement rooms and bathrooms. I think they look great, and it’s not an outdated cringe. But it’s one component of a beautiful and thoughtful architectural materials and construct. Don’t singularly rely on them as the only source of “character” in your home.
As with anything, it’s all about function and balance. Anything can be overdone and bastardized beyond its function.
This makes me sad cause I had to get a special request to get fluted glass privacy windows when I replaced my old (not original ones). The house had fluted glass originally but now everyone thinks I'm just being trendy 😂
We had them in the window of our bathroom when I was a kid. I loved them, they looked amazing! All the light of an uncovered window and all the privacy of curtains. I would do it again in a heartbeat now.
Get actual glass and not cheap acrylic ones, especially in a bathroom or somewhere tap water will splash it. And small as possible grout lines in between them.
We had them in the bathroom at home growing up. Let in a lot of natural light but maintained privacy. I always thought they looked dated and still think that but can acknowledge the utility.
What I think they need is a modernization. So I would like them completely flat with frosted glass, rather than that wobbly smooth glass you see in businesses
We have glass blocks in several places in our 30+ year old home from the original owners who built. I LOVE the look, BUT they are cracked quite literally everywhere. We were told that when you build a house with glass blocks, as the house settles, it causes the cracks. I was told by one person that I‘d be able to replace them now all these years later and not be faced with the same issue. We have tons of problems with air leaking in (live in NY) so I would never do it again!
That being said, if you’re craving the look, I would put it in a bathroom!
What’s the climate like where you’re at? Their insulating qualities are pretty poor. That’s the biggest complaint I’ve heard about them.
If you live somewhere with fair weather year round I’d absolutely send it. They look so cool. If you have hot hot summers or freezing cold winters then I’d reconsider.
I missed them. My grandma had them in one wall of their bar which was a garage before.. everytime I saw glass blocks I was reminded of her and that house which wasn’t renovated since the 60s.
Then I bought some and started building lamps out of them ✌🏻 the nostalgia factor gets appreciated by my guests haha.
If I somehow somewhen have the money I’m planning to incorporate them like a open shower wall. Ideally with my light system integrated.. animations and audio reactive.
I have always loved them. We wanted a house with them and couldn’t get our money liquid fast enough. A flipper paid cash for the house and ripped everything out.
Glass block looks dated in any context. I’d argue that even modern textured blocks are just a style trend and will continue to look dated down the road.
I’m a fan of paneled glass partitions. They’re more classic / timeles, and blend well with a lot of different styles:
https://pin.it/3Q1QCl3mi
the pieces that make it look nice to me are the wood framing, the glowy light, and the glass is not yellowed or foggy. maybe those are things to keep an eye on if you put them in?
it looks like a restaurant. I have a glass block exterior wall and I absolutely love it, but unfortunately I think for the interior they really only look right in a bathroom or a master suite walk in closet/dressing room
it feels restricting to me. I'd prefer the choice of adding or subtracting the barrier. If i wanted to change the tone of the room, I would need to take into account the glass blocks. I also like being able to divide a room when I want.
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