5 latest glass trends in interiors

In a throwback to all things Art Deco, fluted or reeded glass came on to the interiors scene in 2021 and there's no signs of the trend abating. It's being used in everything from cabinetry to shower screens, and it offers a textured alternative to standard opaque glass. 

Mal says while it's being commonly used in cabinetry, he's seeing designers embrace it across the kitchen space. 

"Fluting seems to be all the go in kitchens at the moment, everyone's fluting their islands."

Image Glass' Gina Collins says narrow-reeded glass compliments the fluted aesthetic we're seeing on kitchen islands.

"There's a broad-reeded and a narrow-reeded option but the narrow-reeded has a more modern look. It creates an opacity without it being frosted or filmed, which is ideal if you want a glass look, but you want to hide items inside the cabinetry."

The beauty of glass, when compared to other materials used in kitchens and bathrooms, is that the surface isn't easily damaged due to its hard-wearing nature. That's why it is now being used for more than just cabinetry and splashbacks, says Mal. 

"The coloured glass is fantastic for that because it's so durable and hard-wearing and it looks really nice, it gives you a bit of a floating feel, with a bit of LED lighting across the front of it."

It takes an element of the kitchen that is typically quite utilitarian and makes it into something quite special, says Gina. 

"It's the difference between a glossy and a matte lipstick. You've got your standard matte toe-kick in melamine, and then you've got glass, giving you something a little bit more glamorous."

Glass toe-kicks also come in a matte finish for those who want to dial the effect down.  

Bespoke cabinetry with glass frontages is no longer just for the kitchen. Mal says he's finding clients want this treatment for spaces throughout the home, including their wardrobes.

"In wardrobes people are now wanting glass on the front of the wardrobes... so they can show their handbags and nice shoes, but still keep the door, which obviously keeps the dust down."

Many clients are going for a contemporary, slick and modern look, but there are some that are being more creative with glass.

"I'm tending to do more modern/contemporary, although we've just sent off for production cabinetry that's got glass doors on it with a lacework pattern on the front, and that's a very traditional look."

However, not everyone wants all of their wardrobe items on display, says Gina, and if you are like her, a smokey mirror glass can be a great option to elevate the look of wardrobe doors without revealing everything behind it. 

Printed glass has been around for well over a decade, and it involves having an image printed on the back of the glass. It's a great way of getting the look you want – for example, a marble slab splashback look – at a fraction of the cost. 

People are getting more and more creative with this option, says Mal, and he's seeing local artists' work being used as the backdrop for splashbacks and other glass applications. 

"There's some really nice [interiors] that are being done with prints by Flox... it is something that you can play around with."

However, he warns it's important to consider whether the artwork needs to have mass appeal.

"I've seen one where they've had a family photo used on the splashback, which might be great at the time, but if you go to sell the house no one's going to want someone else's family in their kitchen."

Printed glass is a really easy way of creating a bespoke feature in your kitchen, says Gina. 

"It may be abstract, geometric, a landscape photograph – whatever image you choose, it's a piece of art that you're creating."

Mirrors have always been a popular way of increasing a sense of space and depth, for example, at the back of cabinetry. But the latest trend for antiqued mirror glass takes this look to the next level, offering a smokey, textured look that adds depth and character to any space.

Mal says it works well in interiors with a traditional aesthetic. But it's not just limited to traditional architecture. Gina says it works well in classic contemporary and minimalist interiors, too.

"We've used it in apartment foyers, bathrooms, powder rooms and at-home bars. It's not just for the kitchen, it's a great option if you want to create a sophisticated look in any interior whether it's contemporary or traditional."

Discover more creative ways you can use glass in interiors with Image Glass