Glass blocks for decoration. Glass block partitions in the apartment photo

Glass blocks have regained popularity and show their new facets. Once upon a time, blocks were only building materials, but now their function is more decorative. Now glass in the interior is used to give it ethereality and weightlessness, sparkle and gloss. There are quite a few options for its organic use: from classic walls to the most extravagant ideas.

Fortunately, the current raw materials give space to the thoughts of designers. Modern glass blocks have little in common with those strange dull blocks that used to be found everywhere. Today they are produced in completely different tones. But the leaders are completely transparent blocks (by the way, most often, because of the relief, they are still opaque). So the choice is wide.

When the soul desires something supernatural, then you can resort to blocks with internal filling or stained glass elements. Since the glass block is empty inside, of course, it can be filled with decor (shells, starfish, flora elements, photo). But such blocks are used as accents, inserts into certain surfaces.

Using glass in the interior - we understand its advantages!

Using glass blocks in the interior, designers rely on their undeniable advantages. For starters, interior glass allows light to pass through and doesn't reduce some of the light in the home. This is the undeniable advantage that other materials do not have. Also, glass blocks refract the transmitted light, so the glass blocks in the interior resemble huge ceiling lamps and this effect makes the room quite impressive.

In addition, glass blocks in the interior can be opaque. It is this feature that made this material so popular in the design of bathrooms and window openings.

Another useful feature of the blocks is their practicality when embedded in a variety of surfaces, whether it be a partition, floor, walls or even furniture. In addition, they are invulnerable and do not pose a threat. It remains to find out only one thing: so how to use glass blocks in the interior of the apartment correctly?

The use of glass blocks to create walls

Nowadays, many apartment owners are often re-planning the interior space of their home, getting rid of some walls and replacing them with glass block partitions. It is especially important to use such walls in rooms without windows, for example, in poorly lit corridors. And the corrugated surface of the blocks will be a kind of protection from prying eyes.

In addition, glass in the interior makes the room visually lighter and more airy. It is also important that glass blocks are still not widespread enough, which means that your home will be exclusive. Glass blocks are characterized by only one relative drawback: they are coldish and devoid of "soul". Moreover, something even resemble ice in cubes.

That is why glass blocks are combined with other materials to create more global partitions. So, two-thirds of the wall can be made of drywall, and the rest can be made out of glass blocks. Often, elements of them appear in places of protrusions or rounding of walls. Such details turn into accents that enliven the interior design.

Use of glass block partitions

The blocks are attractive because thanks to them you can freely and quickly build a partition of any parameters. Its upper part can be flat or in the form of steps, pyramids, etc. Partitions are often built in bathrooms, and at first glass in the interior was really used only in the bathroom area.

Advice: glass blocks in the bathroom area look as harmonious as possible. They echo the shape of ceramic tiles without causing dissonance. In addition, water is not afraid of glass, and not completely transparent blocks help create “intimate zones”.

Increasingly, glass blocks are used for the construction of shower enclosures, as they are made of a safer material than glass sheets. They are also used to separate zones, which is very practical, especially in a large family.

A partition made of glass blocks can also separate zones in other rooms: in the kitchen, it makes sense to separate the working area from the dining room, and in the room - a sleeping place from the living room.

Partitions in the premises can be created entirely from glass blocks, or combine several materials. Undoubtedly, both options are beautiful, but the second looks spectacular.

Creating windows from glass blocks

Glass blocks are also actively used to create internal windows. Definitely, blank walls do not contribute to excessive illumination of the house, but the windows between the rooms, made of glass blocks, help to say goodbye to this trouble.

At the same time, the glass in the interior also performs a decorative function, since the interior windows, on the deserted surfaces of the walls, resemble bizarre panels. Such windows can separate the living room from the corridor or kitchen, separate the bathroom from the toilet or from the shower room, etc.

Naturally, glass blocks are also used for glazing windows facing the street. But often these are blind windows, with the help of which you are unlikely to be able to ventilate the room or enjoy the scenery.

However, such windows give room for amusing experiments. After all, a window can be given a bizarre shape, and glass blocks inserted into a complex shape refract light in a stunning way. Your window will shimmer like a diamond, creating a unique atmosphere in the house, as well as an interior worthy of a photo of the best glossy magazines.

Production of glass products to order in Almaty, if you are interested in the interior with the use of glass and the specifics of its use.

Modern glass blocks allow you to build both functional and decorative structures. The glass block partition in the room transmits and diffuses sunlight well, giving the interior lightness and airiness, but at the same time providing the necessary privacy. The material is durable, water and fire resistant, high heat and sound insulation, safety and does not require additional finishing. A wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors, degrees of transparency and textures will satisfy any requests and tastes. The wall for zoning the living room-bedroom can be completely lined with blocks or other materials with glass windows and inserts.

Partitions made of glass blocks in the room:
▪ 01

Partitions with windows and glass block inserts:
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Studio apartments of square, rectangular and corner layouts

Glass blocks in the interior (design)

In Soviet times, glass blocks were not often used to decorate rooms and facades of buildings.

Yes, and the choice was small - often the glass block was a structure made of uneven and cloudy glass. But today on the market there are a lot of glass wall blocks and windows made of glass blocks of various shapes and all colors of the rainbow.

In our article, you will learn what decorative glass blocks are and why glass blocks in the interior are a good design solution.

Glass block design

Glass blocks in the design of the room

Interior experts, not without reason, believe that modern transparent glass blocks and colored glass blocks often give visual lightness and airiness to the room where they are installed.

If you like experiments, then you can purchase an LED glass block with internal inserts or with stained glass pictures.

Since the glass block itself is hollow, you can put various decorative things in it, for example, stars, seashells, dried flowers, and just photos. Although it is more appropriate to use such decorative glass blocks only as an insert into a wall or ceiling.

By using glass blocks for design, you get a lot of advantages:

1. A window made of glass blocks transmits and refracts light, unlike drywall and brick partitions.

Thus, the glass blocks in the interior look like large lampshades, which makes the room spectacular.

glass block window

There are transparent glass blocks that let in daylight, but the "photo image" does not. This is logical, why should strangers see what they are not allowed to see? This advantage of glass blocks made it possible to use them for decorating windows in bathrooms. 3. Glass blocks in the interior are convenient, because they can be built into absolutely any surface. For example, illuminated glass blocks can be used as a great decoration for partitions, walls, windows, floors and even furniture.

You can learn more about other equally interesting features of glass blocks with photos in the article on our website “Glass blocks in an apartment - sizes and prices”.

What can be made from glass blocks?

Walls, partitions can be made from glass blocks, or transparent glass blocks can be used to create window structures.

In addition, you can use colored glass blocks to decorate walls or create stationary furniture from glass blocks and much more. But first things first.

Illuminated glass blocks to create walls

Glass blocks are decoration for the wall

A wall of glass blocks will allow enough sunlight to pass through.

Moreover, corrugated glass wall blocks will protect from prying eyes. And also such wall blocks do not look heavy, which visually simplifies the entire space.

It's no secret that glass is cold and looks "soulless", which is why glass blocks resemble ice cubes.

Designers advise: if you decide to build a huge wall, then it is better to combine glass blocks with some other material. For example, let one third of the wall be made of transparent or colored glass blocks, and two thirds of drywall sheets.

A wall of illuminated glass blocks can be used to separate zones in an apartment, for example, a bedroom from a living room or a kitchen-dining room from a working area.

Glass wall blocks for creating partitions

Glass block partition in the bathroom

Glass blocks are good because thanks to them you can quickly and beautifully build a partition of any width and height.

In this case, the top of the partition can be curly, for example, stepped, pyramidal, or uniform.

Read more about this in the article on our website "Glass blocks for partitions".

Usually, glass blocks are used to create partitions in the bathroom, where they are most harmonious. After all, glass is not afraid of moisture, and the blocks are not completely translucent, which allows you to create a so-called.

n. "intimate zone".

Read more about this in the article on our website "Glass blocks in the bathroom".

Designers advise, like walls, to build partitions only in certain styles, for example, urban, loft, high-tech, and in classic decor they will look ridiculous.

Decorative glass blocks to create a window

Bathroom with glass block wall

Inner glass block window

i.e. it is a window construction between rooms, which brings additional light, and is also a decoration for empty wall surfaces.

To create windows, LED glass block is used, which will perfectly fit into such rooms that separate each other, such as a bathroom and a toilet or a shower room in a large bathroom, a living room and a corridor or a kitchen, a bedroom and a pantry.

Of course, glass blocks are also used for glazing window structures that go outside.

However, you won’t be able to enjoy a beautiful view from such a window and you won’t be able to ventilate the room with its help, because.

Glass blocks in the interior

to. such designs are usually produced deaf.

Decorated wall made of glass blocks - photos attached!

Glass blocks as inserts in the wall in the shower room

Glass blocks are also used as wall inserts. Often these blocks are "embedded" in the wall structure, and not through.

In another way, they are also called point glass blocks, which are used in fragments. But there should be few such glass blocks: one “brick” per sq. m. walls.

Colored glass blocks are used as an insert in wall structures and with internal photographic images, which give the premises brightness and originality.

Glass blocks to create stationary furniture

Glass block kitchen island

Glass blocks in the interior (photo) are a very convenient thing.

From them you can build a wide variety of structures. For example, a fixed island in the kitchen, a bar counter or in the bathroom - a beam under the washbasin.

Any furniture made of glass blocks looks impressive and solemn. There is only one drawback here - you can’t rearrange with furniture made of glass blocks; but is it necessary?

Other options for using glass blocks - photo

Glass block bath screen

From glass blocks you can create a screen (space) for a bath.

This can be done in two ways: lay it out of glass blocks or just decorate with them.

Such options for the use of glass blocks in styles are appropriate: modern and minimalism.

In addition, glass blocks are placed under the steps of podiums and stairs, and they also decorate an empty space near doorways. And sometimes in the kitchen, a working apron is covered with blocks of glass, or a false fireplace is laid out of them in the living room.

In a word, there is room for a designer soul to turn around!

Glass blocks in the interior: their price is different, but affordable even for a person with a modest income. Read more about this in the article on our website "Glass blocks in the apartment - sizes and prices."

Photo gallery of interiors with glass block walls and partitions

Glass blocks are not only a wonderful decorative element, but also quite a functional material.

It can be used to decorate bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms, fold functional partitions and even use it as an additional sound and heat impervious layer.

From the past to the present

People who made the times of the USSR probably remember the glass blocks for partitions, which could often be seen in the entrances.

Translucent walls made of flat slabs perfectly decorated the interior and served as a solid wall. Today, many designers have decided to return such a useful material, but in a different version.

Pictured are decorative glass blocks

Why are glass blocks good?

They have a variety of colors and textures, which allows them to be used in a variety of interiors: from bathrooms to cabinets.
Glass blocks in the interior are highly durable and able to withstand significant loads.
This allows you to use them for the construction of decorative walls and partitions. In addition, they are quite simple to replace without dismantling the entire wall.
The material is highly soundproof and perfectly retains heat. In addition, they are waterproof and quite fire resistant: they can withstand almost an hour with direct exposure to fire.
The installation of wall blocks can be carried out independently, without inviting the master. When working with them, neither paint nor plaster is required, in addition, it is convenient for them to give an unusual shape.
A variety of glass blocks plays into the hands of designers: glossy and matte, transparent and opaque, plain and with pictures, smooth and embossed.
By combining a variety of options, you can create whole pictures or visually correct the shortcomings of the room.

Scope of glass blocks

You can build a wall of glass blocks or lay out a wall with them in any part of the house, giving the interior lightness and airiness.

Partitions in the bathroom made of glass blocks will allow you to separate the bathing area, separating the shower part, and in the kitchen - dividing the room into a place for cooking and a dining room.

Note!

Reflected in the glass, sunlight will fill the room with comfort and spring mood, and drops of water will beautifully settle on it.

Small glass blocks can be placed on the wall above the stove or near the sink, hiding the walls from moisture and heat.

The latter option can be used in any room if the walls are too thin to let in cold and sounds.

Lay out a panel or a simple pattern from them a centimeter from the wall and enjoy the warmth and silence.

Glass blocks in the interior of the apartment: 85 photo ideas

If the room is too large, it can be easily divided into several parts using translucent walls. Refracting, reflecting or transmitting light, they will give the room an unusual look and make it more functional, dividing, for example, a nursery into a play area and a sleeping area.

Pictured are glass block partitions

Unusual use of glass blocks

In addition to the above methods, you can use decorative glass blocks in a more curious way, making them an arch between the corridor and the rooms.

Using light, reflective parts, you can easily turn a dark, narrow hallway into a bright and joyful place, and an exit to the main part of the apartment into an intriguing portal.

In addition to the standard arch, you can build an unusual relief wall that will complement the interior and decorate it, adding a twist to the overall look.

Block partition

But a simple wall and an arch is far from all that can be thought of from this amazing material.

An interesting feature will be glass block furniture: a bathroom screen, a washbasin console, a bar counter or a niche in the dining room. And although it will be impossible to move such “furniture”, it will please you, even standing in one place.

They can also lay out a ladder, a false fireplace, door and window openings, interior windows and much more.

In the photo glass blocks for partitions

Do it yourself

For those who decide to use this unusual material in the interior, there is great news: the installation of glass blocks is not difficult and is quite accessible to everyone.

You do not need any special equipment or skills - just simple accuracy and patience, as well as some materials that can be found in any hardware store, will suffice.

You will need:

glass blocks of the right size;
special glue or glue for tiles.
You can use other solutions, but it is better to use moisture-resistant and refractory mixtures;
mounting crosses, suitable in size;
reinforced stainless bars for a stronger grip;
level;
grout for seams;
transparent silicone sealant;
rubber mallet.

In the photo, laying glass blocks with your own hands

Before starting work

The first step is to determine the dimensions of glass blocks, mounting crosses and rods using the example of masonry walls. Standard sizes of glass blocks are 19cm x19cm x8cm or 24cm x24cm x12cm.

Thanks to the standard dimensions, building a wall is much easier and more convenient. Mounting crosses are also divided by size: 2, 5, 10 and 16 mm. For the wall fit the smallest - 2 mm. It is better to take rods with a diameter of 4-6 mm.

Note!

Before starting installation, the floor on which the wall will stand must be thoroughly cleaned of dirt and dust so that debris does not get into the adhesive solution.

It is worth preparing all the materials in advance and stocking up on time: you will need to wait for the glue to completely harden.

Measure 1 centimeter from the wall in advance and draw a line - the entire wall that you build with your own hands will pass along it.

Glass blocks in the wall

Please note that glass blocks usually come with a protective film that protects their wide sides from adhesive and damage.

It should be removed only after the adhesive solution has completely dried. If there is no film, it is recommended to make it yourself using adhesive tape.

When choosing an adhesive, give preference to the adhesive of the same brand as the glass blocks.

This will make the installation process easier and faster, and will also have a positive effect on the quality of the result.

Glass blocks in the bathroom

Let's get started

Before starting laying, do not forget to wrap each glass block in film on the flat sides so as not to spoil their appearance.

You need to start by laying out the first layer of blocks. Check the evenness of the surface with a level and correct if necessary. Insert mounting crosses between the seams to make the glass block partitions even and beautiful, and continue laying the second layer. Also check its level and put the third layer. Stop.

Now it will be necessary to leave the masonry for a while so that the glue has time to harden properly. Check the setting time on the packaging: usually an hour is enough, but some mixtures take longer.

Glass block partitions

Before moving above the third layer, it is worth strengthening the partition.

Take a reinforced rod and carefully place it on the crosses, being careful that it does not come into contact with the glass blocks - this will avoid rust. Recheck the evenness of the wall and continue laying.

This is the laying of glass blocks with your own hands.

Having reached the very top, leave it for the night, and preferably for a day, and why cut off all the extra corners and grout the seams. After the solutions have completely dried, you can carry out wet cleaning and remove the protective film from the blocks.

Illuminated glass blocks

Even though the glassblock adhesive cures fairly quickly, within a couple of hours, it is best to leave it on overnight.

Thus, he will have time to firmly grab the blocks, and the wall will become much stronger.

Glass blocks in the interior video:

About 30-40 years ago, the window openings of school gyms were “decorated” with clumsy glass blocks, where they honestly carried out their service: to the best of their transparency, they let in light and withstood a direct hit by the ball.

Glass blocks in the interior of the apartment: original ideas for your home

Time has gone forward, new technologies have come, and glass blocks have changed with them. They still let in sunlight and can protect against ball impacts, but the variety of shapes and shades has greatly expanded the scope of this building material.

Material Features

The variety of shapes and colors, coupled with the lighting characteristics of this material, are complemented by such important properties as:

strength;
incombustibility;
moisture resistance;
heat and sound insulation.

Important factors when choosing a material are also the ease of maintenance and the relative cheapness of glass "bricks".

The combination of the above qualities attracted close attention of architects and designers to glass blocks.

The updated material began to be actively used in the construction and decoration of cottages, apartments, offices ... Of course, it is not possible to build a load-bearing wall of glass blocks, but any other partitions are quite suitable for this material. Glass blocks in the interior of the apartment can also be used to fill window openings and as an element of decor.

Scope of glass blocks

Most often, glass blocks are used in the design of the bathroom, where they decorate windows, enclose areas of showers or hide piping.

The glass squares of the blocks have something in common with the squares of ceramic tiles, and the presence of inserts of a different shade or texture in a homogeneous wall made of glass blocks gives the interior a unique individuality.

Another direction in the use of the material is panoramic windows, which looks especially good when creating verandas in country houses.

Another original solution for a cottage is a flight of stairs fencing, and both the space under the stairs and the walls of the staircase can be finished with blocks. The material is also suitable when creating a pool bowl ...

However, glass blocks are also used in small apartments.

The material is especially relevant when redevelopment of internal walls: by decorating a corridor with glass blocks, you can give it an elegant look and let in natural light, or by combining a room and a kitchen into a single space, using a wall of blocks, you can zoning the space.

And you can also support the glass wall by using glass blocks to decorate the bar counter.

The breadth of the assortment allows you to buy glass blocks that are suitable for your style of the room.

Properly selected glass blocks will give the interior lightness and add sunlight to the room.

Glass blocks in the interior: application

When it comes to glass block, we sometimes recall the nostalgia of obsolete porches of old houses, public canteens, hospitals and baths of the Soviet era.

Today, glass blocks in decoration are not uncommon, but they are already showing themselves in a new quality and in a modern style, gaining their popularity in the industry of decoration and interior design, as they say, everything new is a well-forgotten old.

In a modern apartment, glass blocks have found application in the interior design of a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom (shower), as well as for zoning rooms indoors, in the form of walls and partitions, giving the interior of a room in an apartment a fabulous atmosphere and additional comfort.

In this article, we want to tell in detail the areas of application, installation and installation technology, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of glass blocks, supplementing and commenting on the material with photos and videos with recommendations, where you can pick up some interesting fresh ideas and solutions for interior design and zoning your apartment.

The use of glass blocks in the interior of the apartment

The idea of using glass blocks in the interior was born not so long ago, although they have been used as a building material for half a century.

Today, interior designers do not miss any even the smallest opportunity to translate fresh ideas into their projects, one example of this is the use of such material in a living room.

Thanks to new technologies, glass blocks have found their second wind, corrugated, frosted, colored, as well as glass blocks with inserts of various shapes and sizes have appeared, which can transform any interior beyond recognition, give freshness, lightness and distinctive beauty.

Glass blocks in the bathroom.

Glass blocks in the interior of the apartment photo

Thanks to its light-toning insight, letting in only particles of light and diffused colors, decorating the interior with glass block bathrooms has become very popular and fashionable now.

On the other hand, it is a convenient material for zoning and dividing space, creating an atmosphere of privacy and comfort, this method is especially suitable for dividing a shower or bathroom.

In addition, glass blocks are a very safe and smooth material, that is, it is impossible to get hurt on the edges. There can be no question of moisture resistance, since it is made entirely of glass.

In the kitchen. Along with a large number of options for colors, shapes and sizes, glass blocks are successfully combined in the interior space of any kitchen, even a very small one.

Above the sink, a glass block panel of three-dimensional dimensions will look great, and above the gas stove, a mosaic of small squares.

In the interior of the bedroom. Interior designers do not stand still, they use every opportunity and zest to realize their design ideas and fantasies.

Glass blocks in the bedroom not only harmonize with the overall interior of the room, scattering or refracting light, but also give a certain kind of soothing coolness and silence, having such characteristic properties as soundproofing.

In addition, such fire glass blocks are safe.

If you have a large kitchen, then this material can be considered as a good option for zoning the room itself into the dining room and kitchen, while not depriving the adjacent space of light.

Glass blocks in the hallway. The entrance hall is considered one of the small and narrow rooms, the design of the hallway with frosted and corrugated glass blocks can visually increase the area of \u200b\u200bthe room, and inserts from colored blocks can complement the interior, making them like a decor element.

A great option in the apartment and the idea of creating a glass block arch instead of a door between the living room and the hallway.

In the interior of the living room and hall. Modern glass blocks allow you to give the interior of the living room and hall an unusual beautiful and cozy look, using multi-colored inserts.

In addition, some windows can be laid with matte views, while they will let in 50% of the light, and between the living room and the hallway, you can design a partition with bends from transparent or corrugated glass blocks, which will naturally give the interior of the rooms an exquisite style.

Glass block walls and partitions

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, as for zoning a bathroom.

Commonly used materials for such structures are brick, wood, drywall sheets, aerated concrete blocks, glass and glass blocks. This article will focus on one of the most optimal and aesthetic material for such purposes as glass block.

The use of glass blocks in the interior as a wall and in partitions has its advantages:

Excellent material for decorating walls and partitions.
The distinctive quality of glass blocks from similar materials is the presence of a variety of shapes, colors, textures and patterns.
It has excellent light transmission and light scattering effect.
Before choosing a glass block, you should accurately determine their future purpose. That is, blocks with a glossy surface transmit light well (translucent), matte ones muffle, 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 soundproofing. Due to the internal sealed air space, glass block walls perfectly absorb noise, and also perfectly retain heat.
Fire resistance.
They are considered one of the fire resistant materials as they can withstand direct fire for up to an hour without melting or cracking. Tellingly, the walls of glass blocks in a fire situation can serve as a reliable barrier against fire until the arrival of firefighters.
Ecology.
Glass blocks are an environmentally friendly building and finishing material. In fact, they are made from pure natural raw materials (quartz sand processed into glass) that 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, that they do not need to be painted and plastered, and it is also convenient to give unusual shapes and curves to walls and partitions.

Technology of installation and laying of glass blocks

Installation and laying of such material is undemanding and quite simple, if you follow the technology and make a little effort, then you can do it yourself with laying, for example, a small partition, in an hour.

For laying and mounting glass blocks, it is preferable to use a special glue, but if for some reason it is not at hand, you can use ordinary masonry mortars such as tile adhesive or, on the very edge of the cement-sand mortar, but taking into account that the composition does not there were large grains of sand.

The base before laying glass blocks should be cleaned of dirt and dust, if necessary, leveled.

In advance, you need to prepare mounting plastic crosses (standard sizes 2.5,10 and 16 mm), reinforced stainless steel or galvanized rods (4–6 mm in diameter) to reinforce the masonry, a rubber mallet, level, colored grout for joints and silicone sealant, preferably transparent colors.

The very first block (standard glass block dimensions 19x19x8 and 24x24x12 mm) is laid from the side of the wall, taking into account that the expansion joint between the wall and the block does not exceed more than one centimeter.

Next, the following blocks are laid so that the seams between the blocks are even, use mounting plastic crosses, preferably 2 mm, since the wall or partition made of glass blocks in this case will look very rich and beautiful.

Please note that every third row must be reinforced with reinforced rods.

Reinforced rods must be laid on the mounting crosses and in no case should they come into contact with the glass block, in order to avoid rust and corrosion.

After each laying a row, it is required to check the level for evenness. For a better fight of the whole structure, after the third row, let the solution dry. If this is an adhesive mortar, then an hour is enough, and for a cement-sand mortar it will take at least a day.

After all the work done on building a wall or partition from glass blocks, it will be possible to chop off the protruding outer plates and rub the seams with colored grout.

Basically, many glass blocks already come with a protective film against the protection of the adhesive composition of the mortar and physical impact during installation. The protective film should be removed only after the completion of all the work done, and best of all during wet cleaning.

Glass blocks are called hollow sealed materials in the form of bricks, which consist of two half-blocks of glass. Use this material for decorative decoration of the room. Partitions between rooms, decorative inserts and other elements are made from it.

Glass blocks are durable, environmentally friendly, and fire resistant material, light passes through them freely, which makes the room more spacious and open.

Glass blocks can be of different colors and structures, this allows you to combine different types of material, and get the original surface. In care, the material is not picky, it can be washed with water or glass products can be used.

standard glass block size

Glass blocks of a standard type have a thickness of 7.5-10 centimeters, its weight can reach 4.3 kilograms.

The shape of such material can be rectangular or square.

The dimensions of a glass block of a standard type can be 19 * 19 * 8 centimeters or 24 * 24 * 8. Also, the material can be purchased in the form of halves, which have dimensions of 19 * 9 * 8 centimeters or 24 * 11.5 * 8.

Glass blocks in the interior: glass block partitions, laying, installation, photo

Glass blocks can be triangular or angular in shape, they are used to decorate decorative columns and other elements.

Proper installation of glass blocks

Glass blocks are laid in two ways: cement and frame. The first method is used when it is necessary to equip a large and strong structure or partition, that is, when building walls or window openings.

The frame laying method is more complex and expensive, but has a spectacular appearance, unlike the cement method.

With this method, cement is practically not used, this greatly facilitates the entire structure.

Cement method of glass block laying

With the standard laying method, a special type of cement is used, which has a uniform and high-quality structure, it does not contain large grains of sand, since these elements can leave scratches on the block.

For work, it is necessary to prepare spacer crosses and metal rods that have a cross section of up to 6 millimeters.

With the help of spacer crosses, the same distance is obtained between the stacked blocks. Also, cross elements help to make the wall stronger and more rigid. The rods serve as a reinforcing element that strengthens the entire structure.

First of all, the initial row of glass blocks is laid, then the cement composition is spread, the metal rod is laid, and the following glass blocks are installed.

If the area of \u200b\u200bthe structure being erected is too large, then the rods are laid not only horizontally, but also vertically.

Crosses for spacers are placed between the blocks, in their connections.

The caps of these elements should look out, and after the material is completely dry, they are removed by chipping. When laying glass blocks, it is necessary to use a building type level so that the structure is even.

Laying is carried out in three rows with breaks for a day, while the cement composition has time to harden and harden well. If this is not followed, and more than three rows are laid, then the structure may shift or fall apart.

Laying glass blocks in a frame way

First, determine the size of the glass block partition.

Then a frame of wooden elements is installed in this place. During the manufacture of the frame, all cell sizes must be accurate, glass blocks will be placed in them.

The frame is fastened with glue or twisted with special hardware. The frame is painted in the desired color, and left to dry.

The frame can be made separately, and then installed in finished form in the intended place, secured with dowels or anchors to the wall, floor and ceiling.

After that, they start laying glass blocks, they are placed in each cell from bottom to top.

When all the cells are filled with glass blocks, they are fixed with silicone. It is applied to the junction of the glass block and the wooden frame, while the elements will not fall out of the main structure.

The silicone type sealant is colorless, so the colored elements do not deteriorate. After eight hours, this is the time during which the silicone dries completely, the partition is considered ready.

Today, more and more often you can find glass blocks in the interior of rooms decorated in various stylistic directions. Due to its good performance and aesthetic qualities, this finishing material can be used to create partitions, windows, walls and doorways, which will make the design elegant, original and spectacular.

The glass block is a hollow three-dimensional block created from fused glass plates with a thickness of about 10 mm. The product can have a square, triangular, round or rectangular shape. The first option is the most popular. Glass blocks are characterized by dimensions 190x190 and 240x240 mm, thickness 80-100 mm. The weight of the product depends on the dimensions and averages 3-4 kg.

Glass blocks - photos clearly display different options - they can be transparent or matte, with a smooth or embossed surface, glossy, matte or with a mirror finish, which affects the light-scattering effect. Manufacturers produce products in a variety of colors, ranging from calm neutral shades to bright flashy colors.

Due to the special design, they are characterized by a number of distinctive advantages. Due to the air inner layer, the sound permeability of the material is reduced by 60-70%. The product is simultaneously characterized by good light transmission, and thanks to the dense glass, the outlines of the silhouettes behind the wall of glass blocks are blurred, which makes it impossible to spy on what is hidden from prying eyes.

The material is characterized by high strength, resistance to cracking, smooth surface and environmental friendliness, as a result of which it can be used for the construction of partitions in children's institutions. Products have increased moisture resistance, good thermal insulation, resistance to condensation and temperature fluctuations, which makes it appropriate to use glass blocks for partitions in bathrooms, saunas and swimming pools.

Glass blocks do not require special care. The surface is able to withstand an unlimited number of cleanings with any detergent.

Made of glass blocks looks very original and stylish

However, this material is not without drawbacks. Among the main negative points, one can single out the significant weight of the product, which is why it is not recommended to build walls from glass blocks with an area of more than 15 m². In addition, the installation of elements is very laborious and requires certain skills and knowledge. Another disadvantage is the high cost of products. You can buy a glass block from a domestic manufacturer for an average of 150-200 rubles. A product of European quality will cost 300-450 rubles. The cost of a decorative element varies between 1200-1500 rubles. a piece.

When using glass blocks in the interior, one should be guided by the main rule: everything should be in moderation. This material is able to bring translucent beauty and icy chic into the atmosphere, filling the room with cold at the same time.

Glass blocks should not be used in interior design in the style of classicism, baroque, empire, renaissance or gothic. The material will be appropriate for more concise areas, such as electrics, minimalism, eco-style, pop art, hi-tech, modern, art deco, country and urbanism.

When using glass blocks, you must be guided by certain recommendations:

cold glass should be proportionally combined with warm finishing materials, such as wallpaper, laminate, fabric, in a ratio of 1:10 for residential premises;
in rooms where glass blocks are used, there must be decorative accessories made of wood, fabric or forging elements;
colorless transparent products should be balanced with bright saturated tones;
when using glass blocks as elements for glass, it should be remembered that the structure created from this material has a decorative function, and is not a multifunctional element.

Options for using glass blocks in the interior of an apartment: photos of design solutions

Today, glass blocks have become often used in interior design. With their help, you can bring to life original and bold ideas, it is beneficial to play with light. In the interior of an apartment, glass blocks can be used to create partition walls, furniture elements, decorative accessories, to decorate walls, windows and floors.

During the overhaul of an apartment, it often becomes necessary to redevelop the premises, which allows you to plan the living space in a new way, choosing a more convenient option for placing rooms. In this case, they are an interesting and original solution, which at the same time does not burden the space.

You can fill the room with light and air by decorating the window opening with glass blocks. It will be possible to get the maximum effect when combining the design with lighting, which is clearly demonstrated by photos of glass blocks in the interior of the living room and bedroom. The material is often used to create an internal window between the bathroom and the kitchen, allowing the first room to receive some of the natural light.

A non-standard solution is to use glass bricks as a floor covering. In this case, the surface of the products should have a rough texture, which will eliminate the possibility of slipping. They can also be used to create podiums.

The use of these elements allows the production of furniture designs. For the kitchen, you can make a bar counter or an island; for the bathroom, it is recommended to form glass blocks under the sink.

Important! Despite the fact that glass furniture looks extraordinary and original, it cannot be moved to a new place, since the structure is created permanently.

Various techniques for decorating walls made of glass blocks

It is recommended not only to use glass blocks for the construction of load-bearing partitions, but also to decoratively veneer the surface of the wall with them, thereby successfully beating the design of the apartment. In rooms that are deprived of natural light, such as dark halls, corridors and lobbies, a backlit glass block wall will not only be a functional element, but will also become an additional source of light. However, such a design technique will not deprive the room of an atmosphere of detachment and seclusion.

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Features of the finishing material. Product varieties. Mirror panel in the interior of premises for various purposes. Laying tiles.

The rounded glass structure will look interesting and unusual, which will noticeably enliven the interior design. It is also advisable to decorate various ledges in the wall with glass blocks, thanks to which you can visually expand the expanses of the room, making it airy and light.

The original solution is to decorate the surface adjacent to the stairs leading to the second floor, which is clearly shown in the photo of the wall made of glass blocks. A fake fireplace in the living room will look unique. With the help of glass blocks, you can also decorate a niche in the wall, which will undoubtedly draw attention to the elements that are in it.

Useful advice! For residential premises, when creating a glass block wall, products should be combined with other materials: drywall, chipboard or PVC panels.

Transparent glass or tinted inserts with backlight on the wall surface will look spectacular. Also, the material can be used to decorate the doorway in the living room. Here you should use elements with interior decoration in the form of pebbles, shells, herbariums or extraordinary installations, which should be selected taking into account the overall design concept of the room.

Glass blocks are preferably placed pointwise, thereby decorating the wall. In this case, one tile should be located on a plot of 1 m². This option is often used in the kitchen when making an apron. In the living room, one of the walls can be decorated with multi-colored blocks, thereby creating a decorative panel or a kind of picture on its surface.

The use of glass blocks for partitions

The main direction of use of glass blocks is the zoning of the premises by creating partitions. This contributes to the division of the total area into several small open areas. In this case, a lighter, free environment is provided, not cluttered with solid structures.

Partitions can be of various shapes: trapezoid, pyramid, oval, circle with holes made in the form of steps, arches or ziggurat. The glass structure can have different heights and widths. With the help of these elements, one should not only zone the room, but also create limited spaces in the form of showers or dressing rooms.

Useful advice! In small narrow rooms, it is advisable to arrange partitions made of glass blocks, since transparent structures contribute to an optical increase in the dimensions of the room.

When choosing the type of glass block to create a partition, the purpose of the room should be taken into account, since individual elements differ in the degree of light transmission and the nature of the light-scattering effect. The glass transparent design is ideal for creating a dining area in the kitchen.

To protect a cozy bed in the living room, it is better to use matte elements. In the bedroom, a multi-colored glass partition can separate the boudoir area or wardrobe. Also, the design will ideally fit into a room combined with a bathroom, for which any version of glass blocks is suitable.

Use of glass block partitions in the bathroom

In the interior of the bathroom, glass blocks look very organic. The rationality of using products is due to the strength, moisture resistance, environmental friendliness of the material, which at the same time is characterized by good transmittance of reflective ability and remains opaque at the same time.

With the help of glass blocks in the bathroom - the photos clearly confirm this - you can separate the toilet bowl and organize a relaxation zone in the bathroom, which is a rational solution for combined bathrooms. Here it is better to use matte products that have sufficient impenetrability and do not visually overload the room. The partition in this case should be straight or curved, reach the middle of the height of the room or reach its ceiling.

With the help of glass elements, you can also make a screen for a bathroom or protect a place for water tonic procedures. Today, more and more often in modern apartments you can find shower cabins made of glass blocks, which have various designs, which makes the design of the room extraordinary and exclusive. At the same time, this design solution can significantly save money. In this case, the material can also be used for flooring, in which lighting should be additionally mounted, which is clearly shown by photos of glass block showers.

The process of building a glass block partition

The construction of a glass block partition in a bathroom, living room or other room will not cause difficulty for craftsmen who have dealt with laying tiles and bricks. However, there are subtleties here. Installation can be carried out in two ways: end-to-end with an adhesive solution, as well as on a special frame module, which is a grid with cells. The second option is easier to implement. Thanks to the modular frame, the future partition will turn out to be of better quality and even. However, such a lattice is difficult to find in the construction market.

As an adhesive solution, a special glue, a mixture for laying ceramic tiles or a cement-sand mortar with the addition of PVA glue at the rate of 200 g per 5 buckets of the mixture, is used, as a result of which plasticity increases.

Useful advice! If transparent glass blocks are used for the construction of a partition, it is better to use a white adhesive composition, due to which the product will have a more aesthetic appearance.

For work, it is necessary to prepare glass blocks of the required size, adhesive composition, mounting plastic crosses, galvanized or stainless steel reinforcement bars, level, rubber hammer, sealant, colored grout.

Algorithm for erecting a partition from glass blocks

Before proceeding with the laying of glass blocks, it is necessary to clean the base and make markings, taking into account the dimensions of the product and the thickness of the seams. To determine the size of the frame, lay out one row of blocks, spreading crosses between them. Next, the installation of a guide metal frame of the required width and height is carried out, which is attached to the enclosing walls, floor and, if necessary, to the ceiling using dowels 50 cm long. During installation, it is important to constantly control the horizontality and verticality of the module.

After preparing the surface, you should start laying glass blocks. The first row starts from the wall. An adhesive no more than 1 cm thick is applied to the lower part of the horizontal surface and the side of the vertical guide profile. Next, the first block is installed, which is pressed into the solution. An adhesive mixture is applied to its side surface and the next element is installed. Mounting crosses are placed between them on both sides, the dimensions of which correspond to the thickness of the seam. The row continues until it stops in a vertical guide located on the opposite wall.

It should be remembered that the adhesion time of glass blocks with mortar is longer than when laying ordinary bricks, so you should wait at least an hour before starting the construction of the next row, which is carried out according to a similar principle. If a cement-sand mortar is used, after installing three rows of glass blocks, the structure should be left to dry for at least 24 hours.

To create a reliable structure, every third row should be reinforced with metal rods, which, when laid on blocks, should not come into contact with them in order to avoid subsequent corrosion. This is controlled by mounting crosses.

After the solution has completely dried, work is carried out to clean the surface from the remnants of the mixture, the protective film is removed from the blocks and the joints are grouted. While the mixture is still wet, clean the glass surface with a soft cloth.

Alternative options for assembling a glass block wall

Instead of a metal frame, reinforcing bars made of galvanized or stainless wire with a diameter of 4-5 mm can be used. They are inserted into each subsequent row horizontally and vertically over the mounting crosses, immersing the rods, which should not come into contact with the glass, into the solution.

If a non-rectilinear glass block shower is being laid, a thicker reinforcing mesh should be installed, which will prevent the complex structure from shifting, and the masonry itself will have a neater appearance. Horizontal rods must be bent, giving them the desired shape. Mounting crosses in this case are located exclusively on the inside of the masonry.

The simplest but most costly installation method that can be implemented to create a partition of hollow glass blocks in a bathroom is to use a wooden or metal module with cells of the required size, where the blocks are inserted. The frame is pre-painted in a suitable color and fixed to the load-bearing wall. Each block is located in an individual cell. The joining points are fixed with a sealant. The design is ready for operation in 12 hours.

Modern glass blocks, thanks to the variety of shapes, colors and textures, are able to transform any room, making the design original and unique. With the skillful use of such a versatile finishing material, with a developed imagination, you can make any boring and ordinary space sparkle with new colors.

in the photo: glass blocks in the interior of apartments

The corrugated glass blocks were especially popular during the era, and while they never went out of style, their great comeback came in the 1980s with the Art Deco renaissance.

What is the advantage of this material? It seems to me that in addition to the stylish appearance, glass blocks provide an advantage for privacy. After all, they let light through while still providing just the right amount of blur.

Today we will show you some modern spaces where glass blocks are used. You will see that this building material can be used to complement a variety of styles. From modern to eclectic. Partitions and piers are the traditional place of application of glass bricks. However, the imagination of designers is not limited to these places. Let's take a look at interiors where glass blocks are used in a stylish and useful way.

1. Glass blocks in the bathroom

Let's start with the bathroom. Traditionally, designers use glass blocks in the interior of this room, using the uniqueness of the material - to divide the space, providing, on the one hand, the privacy created by such a division, and on the other hand, illumination from light transmission.

in the photo: glass blocks in the interior of the bathroom

photo: glass block wall in the bathroom

in the photo: glass blocks in the design of the bathroom

in the photo: glass block window in the interior of the bathroom

in the photo: shower wall from a glass block window

photo: glass block windows in the bathroom

2. Glass blocks in the apartment

Let's leave the bathroom and explore other rooms of the house where glass blocks can create true design magic. In the 1980s, glass blocks, white walls, wood floors and bright artwork combined to create many amazing interiors. Let's take a look at the modern implementation of this magic.