Using Glass as a Decorative Feature in Your Ottawa Home
Glass has always been an integral feature of architecture. Since the advent of modern design, glass has occupied an even more central role in both structure and decoration. Traditionally, glass was primarily employed in stained glass, windows, observatories, greenhouses, and skylights. That has changed dramatically — today, glass is used as decoration in spaces that were traditionally built with heavier, more conventional materials.
If you’re an Ottawa homeowner seeking to add more glass accents to your home, there are plenty of options. For those who prefer minimalist designs, mirrored walls or custom glass table tops will give you the sleek, modern look you want. For warmer styles, a custom glass piece — like a glass back splash or decorative glass shelving — can set off any room with personality and charm
Types of Glass for Home Use
When starting a glass project, one of the most important questions is what kind of glass you should choose in terms of durability and strength. Skip the hardware or big box store as your first stop — the glass sold at these establishments is generally not thick enough for secure, long-lasting home applications.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is often used in outdoor settings and bathrooms because it is highly durable. The surface is treated with heat and chemicals to be break-resistant. If it does break, it shatters into small, rounded pieces rather than dangerous sharp shards — making it a much safer option for high-traffic areas. It is significantly stronger than standard annealed glass of the same thickness, which is why you’ll find tempered glass in skyscrapers, glass shower enclosures, and glass stairs and railings.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is made from layers of thinner glass bonded with a plastic interlayer. This construction makes the product far less likely to break apart on impact, and even if cracked, the interlayer holds the glass in place. Laminated glass is commonly used for facades, floors, soundproofing, and glass balconies and railings where both safety and aesthetics matter. It also pairs well with acoustic glazing applications for homeowners looking to reduce outside noise.
Where to Use Glass in Your Home
Living Room
The living room or great room is one of the most popular spaces to enhance with glass. If you love mirrors, consider custom shapes and designs — whether modern geometric or classic rectangular — to add visual interest. For a truly dramatic statement, a glass wall or divider can transform an open-concept space into a showpiece while maintaining natural light flow throughout the room. Glass furniture pieces such as coffee tables and side tables also add elegance without making a room feel heavy.
Bathroom
Glass in the bathroom minimizes the risk of mould or mildew formation and is simply easier to keep clean than many alternatives. A high-quality glass shower door paired with subway tiling creates a modern, eye-catching look. You can explore different configurations using our shower design tool to plan the perfect enclosure for your space. Add mirrored cabinets for another attractive and functional choice, or browse our selection of shower hardware and finishes to complete the look.
For homeowners who want to add character throughout the home, textured glass options — from reeded patterns to satin finishes — offer privacy and visual appeal for doors, partitions, and cabinetry.
Remember to consider custom glass pieces for a trendy, personalized touch when planning your next remodel.
Ready to Choose Your Glass?
Custom glass in Ottawa is a great way to enhance the look and feel of your home. Whether you’re looking for a unique mirror, a glass wall, a custom shower enclosure, or decorative glass accents, Centennial Glass has the options and expertise to make your home stand out.
We proudly serve homeowners across Ottawa, Kanata, Orleans, and all surrounding areas. With the right glass shop, you can trust that your glass will be durable, beautiful, and secure.
Contact Centennial Glass today and start creating your custom glass project!