Serving the Stuart, Jensen Beach, Port St. Lucie Area
Using glass is an effective decorating tool. However, homeowners don't always use glass and mirrors to their best advantage. In fact, not only are glass and mirrors easy to maintain — you literally only have to wipe them down — but they can make small spaces feel roomy and bright. All of these qualities are ideal for a home bar.
If you plan to install a home bar, consider adding glass and mirrors. Below are some ways you can use these materials to augment your design.
One of the reasons glass makes a space feel roomier is because it's transparent. Therefore, the glass installation offers no visual barrier. This quality is ideal for large installations in a small space, such as the shelving that will hold the liquor for your home bar.
You may decide on a recessed shelf to conserve room. You can replace the wooden shelving with glass, which will lighten up the overall installation. Adding backlighting to the recessed area enhances the effect.
If space permits, consider installing the glass shelves out from the wall. The contractors can use a system of discreet brackets so that the only real visible material is the glass. Such bar shelving will seem to float along the wall, offering an airy appeal.
Whether you choose recessed or protruding shelving, you can augment the look with a mirrored backbar. As the name suggests, the contractors use a custom-cut mirror as the backdrop for the shelving.
Using a mirrored backbar has several benefits. For one, the mirror looks lighter than wood or plaster, thus enhancing the airiness. Likewise, mirrors reflect light, which can brighten up a dark corner. Additionally, mirrors reflect space. Therefore, a mirrored backbar can give the illusion that your home bar is bigger than it actually is.
Even when an area is spacious enough, such as in a commercial bar, designers often turn to mirrors for décor. Indeed, many commercial bars feature a statement mirror that's integral to its décor. If you want to give your home bar similar wow factor, consider an oversized mirror that serves as the centerpiece of your design.
You'll need to decide on your chosen décor style. More modern styles will favor geometric mirrors with minimal or no framing. However, some traditional styles, especially those you'd find in pubs, call for statement frames.
If you choose the frameless mirror, you can install it as the backbar to your shelving. Just ensure the deliberate shape is obvious behind the shelves. However, if you choose a purely decorative mirror, look for a hanging location that reflects the bar. This locale will ensure better cohesion between the bar and the rest of the room.
Glass blocks are a lot newer to the world of building materials than sheets of glass. Also called glass bricks, these blocks are installed by stacking. Because their shape is so defined, they blend well with contemporary styles. However, glass blocks were popular in mid-century design, so they work well for retro styles, too.
One way to incorporate glass blocks into your home bar design is by using them for the bar itself. Essentially, you'll have the contractors build a half-wall out of the blocks. They'll then top it with your choice in countertop materials. You can also install LED lighting behind the wall to achieve different glowing effects for when you entertain.
The countertop may seem a surprising area for using glass. However, such a material is ideal for the home bar because it's naturally stain-resistant and impervious to mold. You'll also have little upkeep with a glass countertop.
While you can choose clear glass, manufacturers make glass panes in different colors. Manufacturers can also manufacture the blocks to resemble other materials. As with glass blocks, you can also install lighting so that it creates attractive backlighting.
Augment the look and performance of your home bar by using glass and mirrors in the design. Let Monterey Glass Specialists Inc.help you with your custom glass and mirrors.
Monterey Glass Specialists Inc.
851 SE Monterey Road
Stuart, FL 34994
Phone: 772-283-1999
Fax: 772-283-1919
Email: montereyglassspecialists@gmail.com
Business Hours:
Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Professional license number: MC296