Glass table tops are an elegant and functional fixture that can elevate your space both in form and function. You've probably seen them featured in magazines and are thinking of getting one for yourself. So, how much do they cost? How do you make sure you're getting your money's worth? We have researched answers to find out.
The cost of your tabletop depends on multiple factors: The size, cut, and finish would all contribute to the cost of glass. The thickness, durability, and general quality of the glass tabletop would also increase the cost. All in all, the range could cost you between $100-$500.
There are many unique designs that can increase the price of glass table tops. You would also need to weigh whether you could do without certain features or if you need to add more, depending on your lifestyle. Keep reading below to learn more about the most sought-after qualities of glass tabletops.
What to Look for in Glass Table Tops
Glass tabletops are sleek fixtures that can make your space look more polished and clean. They are best incorporated into spaces with a modern and cosmopolitan design, such as home offices or structured living rooms.
These tabletops brighten up the space and give the illusion of more space since the surfaces are clear. This quality is ideal for smaller spaces that you want to look polished.
You want your tabletops to be durable, have a clear and solid color; and something that won't age easily. After all, you've purchased a glass tabletop and not an aging material like timber and metal.
Color and Finish
Adding color and finish to your glass tabletops is a great way to make them look more elegant. You can have them custom-made and have them painted on the surface or the underside, depending on the finish you want.
Can you color the glass yourself?
If you've already purchased your glass tabletop, you can try painting it yourself. It can be a bit intimidating, but the results will be worth it.
First, you'll need to prepare the glass. Clean it thoroughly so no oil or impurities would hinder the paint from fully adhering. Store-bought glass cleaners could do the job excellently.
Apply a color-bonding primer to make the paint stick. This is essential since glass is non-porous, so without the primer, the paint would slide right off.
What paint type to use for glass tabletops?
The best paint to color your glass tabletop with would be mirror spray paint. This is easier to apply, but you need to make sure that you coat the surface evenly. You don't want darker splotches in random areas to make the glass look messy.
Apply this paint on the underside of your tabletop and coat in several layers if necessary. You can add your own creative flair to it and have it painted in different colors if you're confident you can pull it off!
Don't forget to seal your tabletop after painting it so it won't peel over time.
Size and Shape
You need to consider the shape that suits your space the most. You can have the glass cut into a shape that you want, although this may cost you more.
Here are the options you can choose from:
- Round
- Square
- Rectangular
- Triangular
- Octagon
- Oval
Most pre-made options are in round, square, and rectangular shapes since they are the most common choices. Other shapes need to be custom-made to fit your preferences.
Although you can choose the most uniquely-shaped glass, you want to choose the glass that is the most functional. You need to determine how you'll be using the table first to choose the best shape.
For example, triangular glass tabletops are best used as living room coffee tables since they have a decorative appeal that won't be needed much. It would be impractical to have the shape in a dining room table since it's an awkward angle to dine in.
Tabletops that will be hosting multiple people, such as meeting tables or dining tables, need a rectangular, round, or oval-shaped glass. These shapes allow for a wider and larger cut, and people can comfortably communicate at these tables.
Read: "What Size Dining Table For A 10x10 Room?"
Do Glass Tabletops need to have Tempered Glass?
Having tempered glass for your tabletop is the best choice if you want it to last longer and to be able to handle impact well. Tempered glasses have been heat-treated so they could have a longer lifespan and a stronger surface.
If your tempered glass does break, it would be safer compared to regular glass. Regular glass breaks into thick shards, which can be dangerous if someone accidentally steps on it. Meanwhile, tempered glass only breaks into thousand small pieces that are less likely to hurt someone.
What causes the tempered glass to break?
Tempered glass is very difficult to break. However, accidents happen, and it's inevitable for the most durable glasses to shatter.
Chipped edges that have been overlooked during installation can cause spontaneous breakage on tempered glass. This is why it's important to only choose a reputable contractor when purchasing glass tabletops.
Thermal stress can also cause tempered glass to shatter suddenly. Heat makes molecules expand, and if you suddenly place a boiling pot on your tabletop, the glass won't be prepared enough for the sudden expansion and suddenly break.
This is why it's important to put a buffer between hot dishes and glass tabletops. A hot dish in a thick ceramic bowl placed on a table mat can prevent this from occurring.
Read: "Do Glass Coffee Tables Scratch Easily?"
Glass Table Top Vs. Glass Table Cover -- What's the difference?
Glass table tops and table covers differ only on how they're placed. Glass tabletops are placed directly over the table legs, and you use the glass itself as the table.
Glass table covers, on the other hand, are placed over existing material. It is meant to cover the main surface. This is often done for expensive wooden tables to prevent them from getting scratches and dents.
The glass should fit over the table surface perfectly so it won't be misaligned. This is also important to prevent people from accidentally running through the sharp edges of angled tables.
Types of Tabletop Glass
Glass tabletops do not only come in different shapes, sizes, and colors--they also come in different types of glass. The best glass depends--as always--on how you're going to be using the table. Here are the different types of tabletop glass that you can choose from.
Clear Glass
Clear glass tabletops are the most common type of glass tabletops. They have a clear, elegant, and aesthetically versatile look that you can place in any room. It's important to have them treated with tempered glass so they would have a protective quality that can withstand any condition.
Clear glass can show fingerprints and dirt easier, so be sure to clean it regularly. Fortunately, glass surfaces are low maintenance--they only need to be cleaned with either a damp cloth or a glass cleaner, and their luster is restored.
Light will reflect better over a clean surface, making your space look airy and light.
See this clear glass tabletop on Amazon.
Low-E Glass
Low-E Glass means Low-Emissivity. This means that the surface has a slight green or grey tint that indicates it only allows visible light to enter through it. This coating is often used on materials that require thermal insulation.
Low e-glasses prevent UV and infrared from piercing through. On windows, that means more insulation. On tables, that means a slower transfer of heat. Low e-glasses are less prone to shattering due to thermal shock because of this quality.
This tabletop is not as clear as regular tempered glass tabletops. In this case, you'll slightly be compromising on visual quality for durability. Observe your lifestyle and weigh which quality is a priority for you.
Tint Glass
Tinted glass tabletops are self-explanatory: they already have color. The tints are often in a dark color, so they can be prone to thermal stress. If you choose this glass tabletop, avoid putting bowls filled with hot content over it.
Final Thoughts
Glass tabletops are an elegant option for your home. The quotation you'll be getting from a contractor depends on various factors, so make sure you know your priorities so you'll get the tabletop that's perfect for you.
As with all home fixtures, maintenance is key to making your investment worth it.