Glass shelves are a great way to add storage space to your home. They are subtle and elegant and go with almost any type of decor. They come in the form of both shelving units and individual floating shelves, which means that they are as versatile as any other type of shelving. Although they are appreciated for their subtle look, however, there are a number of things you should think about before installing glass shelves in your home. Like all glass items, they can be delicate and are prone to scratching and breakage if they are used improperly. With the proper care, however, these shelves can be a beautiful addition to any home.
Choosing the Best Glass Shelves
The biggest factor in choosing glass shelves should be their functionality. Before you install any set of shelving, you need to know where you are going to put it, what it is going to be used for and exactly how many shelves you need. This is particularly important if you want to use floating shelves because these are usually bought and installed in separate pieces. Before you start shopping, you should measure the width of your wall. You should also measure the height of the items you plan on putting on the shelves. This will ensure that your calculations include the space between the glass shelves and that you buy the right number of pieces.
Most floating glass shelves are simple in design. They usually include a shelf of glass placed atop one or more metal brackets. There are a few things you can do, however, to make sure that you get the highest quality glass shelves. Try to find a set that has a scratch-resistant coating. This is particularly important, because items are often scraped along shelving surfaces as you use them. You should also make sure that the shelves come with enough brackets to support the weight of your intended use. If you are buying a long shelf, for example, and it only comes with two brackets, you may want to buy extra support so that your shelves do not collapse or break.
Caring for Glass Shelves
Glass shelves are subject to more wear and tear than many types of glass furniture. Because of this, it is important that you know how to properly care for them. When you buy your shelves, a recommended load weight should be printed on the box. In order to avoid loading your shelves down with too much weight, you should make sure that you stay below this recommended limit. It is also a good idea to avoid using your glass shelves to hold heavy items with sharp corners, especially if you remove and replace the item frequently. These items tend to scratch the surface of your shelves.
Cleaning Glass Shelves
Glass shelves can be cleaned using regular glass cleaner or a combination of white vinegar and water. You should never wipe the shelves with rough fabric or steel wool, as these materials can cause scratching. If you stick to a soft cloth or paper towel, however, your glass shelves should look their best for years to come.