Modern staircase trends come and go, but the glass staircase has remained a firm favourite for decades.
Offering the perfect blend of safety and style, it’s easy to see why, and glass staircase elements work wonderfully in pretty much every property.
If you’re considering incorporating glass into your staircase design, it’s important you’re aware of all the pros and cons so that you can make the best decision for your home.
Here, our staircase specialists at Abbott-Wade explore the pros and cons in detail to help you make the most informed choice.
Style pros and cons
Glass staircases offer many aesthetic advantages for all homes, including:
- Enhanced lighting
One of the best things about glass staircase panels is their ability to allow more natural light to flow through your hallways.
Staircases are often located in darker areas of the home, and limited light can make your space look dull and feel unwelcoming.
However, with more natural light coming in through the windows and flooding your hall, stairs and landing, your home will feel much brighter, more hospitable and even a little larger, which is particularly advantageous if you’re working with limited space.
- Elevated style
As we touched on earlier, glass staircases are guaranteed to look great in pretty much any home.
Whether you’re upgrading the rest of your interior and want a modern set of apples and pears to match, or your traditional oak staircase is in need of a refresh adding glass panels is sure to give your stairs the boost they need. And, what’s more, it will look great in both contemporary and traditional settings.
- Unrestricted views
If you’ve just finished decorating, the last thing you need is an old, worn-out staircase acting as an eyesore and putting a damper on the rest of your décor.
With glass panels, there are no obstacles between your line of sight and the rest of your interior, so whether you choose to create a gallery wall, or opt for a statement wallpaper, you’ll be able to see your handiwork from wherever you’re standing.
Despite these benefits, there can be some drawbacks to be aware of:
- Limited privacy
Yes, a glass staircase can make your home feel more open and spacious, but in certain settings, your privacy may be compromised, allowing nosy neighbours a front-row seat to all the happenings in your hallway.
To combat this, consider the placement of your stairs in relation to your windows, think carefully about how much outsiders can see when peering inside, and look into options – like curtains or blinds – you can invest in to prevent prying eyes.
- Maintenance challenges
Glass is notorious for showing marks, which can be a pain if you have small children fiddling with the glass, or pets pressing their noses up against the glass.
Whilst glass balustrades are super easy to keep clean, they require frequent touch-ups to maintain their crystal-clear surfaces.
So, be sure to weigh up whether this is right for you and your lifestyle because there’s no point in picking something you don’t have the time, patience or energy to keep on top of.
Safety pros and cons
Contrary to popular belief, glass staircases are one of the safest options for your home.
Some important safety benefits include:
- Increased visibility
With more light coming in through the windows and your hall, stairs and landing spaces are much brighter and more visible.
A well-lit staircase means fewer accidents, so you don’t have to worry about anyone taking a tumble and, potentially, seriously injuring themselves.
- Durability
When considering glass staircase panels, many people worry about cracking and shattering.
But, being made from laminated glass, this would not be the case.
Laminated glass is much stronger than standard, everyday glass, and it’s extremely unlikely to break.
All glass staircase panels are also marked with something called a Kitemark – a universal symbol of quality – and are approved by the British Standards Institution. So you can rest assured that they’re safe to use in your staircase design.
There’s one main drawback when it comes to safety:
Slippery surfaces.
If you’re planning on swapping out wooden treads for glass ones, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks due to the smooth, slippy surfaces, and take proper precautions to prevent accidents.
For example, a non-slip finish should be applied to glass treads to provide more grip for you, your family and guests when making their way up and down the stairs.
Ready to design your dream glass staircase?
Whether you’re ready to take the next steps after learning more about the pros and cons of glass staircases, or you need more information to help you decide, our experts are here and would be more than happy to help.
We’ve been designing and manufacturing high-quality glass staircases for decades, and are the best-placed team to offer advice and recommendations.
Give us a call today on 01744 634 442 or email us at info@abbottwade.co.uk and we’ll be in touch to answer your questions or offer a FREE, personalised quote!
