The Do's and Don'ts of Custom-Cut Glass Dining Room Tabletops

Is a new glass-topped table part of your dining room renovation? Before you start this project, take a look at the do's and don'ts of glass dining room table design and use.

Do Think About Scale

How large of a dining room tabletop do you need? Scale is a top factor to consider as you start to plan a custom-cut glass creation. To scale a tabletop to fit your dining room space:

• Look at the room as a whole. A coffee table-sized glass top will usually look off in an oversized or high square footage dining room space - and vice versa. If you have a tiny space, a massive piece of glass will overpower the room and leave your dining area feeling and looking cramped.
• Consider other items in the room. Does your dining room have a china cabinet, chairs, and other items? The more furniture you already have in the room, the more you need to think about the size or scale of the tabletop.
• Compare the base. Do you already have a base for your glass tabletop? The size or scale of the top should coordinate with the base. Not only will this add to the room's aesthetics, but it can also stop a tabletop tipping disaster and the resulting damage.

If you're still not sure how to size the tabletop for the dining room space, talk to a custom glass contractor. The professional can help you to assess your needs, provide you with design ideas, and guide you through the process.

Don't Exclude Different Shapes

Are all dining room tables rectangles? Even though a long, thin rectangle is a popular shape for this type of table, it isn't the only one to consider. Your dining room's new glass tabletop shape options include:

• Square. Do you have a smaller space? If you don't have the open area for a rectangle or you prefer the look of a smaller table, a square-shaped glass tabletop can fit your dining room and match its aesthetics.
• Circle. A circle shape adds an informal feel to your dining space. If your room has a contemporary feel, this geometric form is an option to explore.
• Oval. A long oval creates a different look - but still adds a sense of formality to an elegant traditional or classically styled dining room space.

Along with these types of tabletops, a custom glass contractor may have other ideas. A soft or curved organic cloud-like tabletop, a harsh zig-zag form, or other geometric designs could complement the style of your space. Discuss your design objectives with the glass contractor if you have another shape idea.

Do Add Accents

Is translucent (clear) glass the only option you have for your custom-cut glass dining room tabletop? Crystal-clear glass can create a clean style that matches almost any type of décor. But it isn't your only dining room tabletop option. Whether you want to compliment a classic design or add to an ornate aesthetic, you can accent your glass tabletop with:

• A tint. Tinted glass adds a pop of color - while still giving your table a see-through look. A tinted tabletop is the ideal option for an eclectic style of dining room or a monochromatic contemporary space.
• A frosted look. If you like the clean look of glass but don't want a completely translucent surface, a frosted tabletop gives you the best of both worlds.
• An etched design. Like frosting, this technique gives the tabletop an opaque look. Instead of a full frosted top, consider an etched design or border. This adds an ornate look to your dining room.

The accents don't have to stop at the glass. As you design your dining room centerpiece, plan an accented base that coordinates with the glass. The two parts of your new table should work together. You may want a simple base to accent an etched tabletop or go the opposite route and pair an ornate base with a plain translucent or frosted piece of glass.

Do you need a custom-cut glass tabletop? Contact Palmetto Glass & Mirror Inc for more information.