Why Glass Shelving Is the Smart Choice for Ottawa Retail Stores
Brick and mortar retail establishments are always looking for ways to make their space more attractive to shoppers and drive more sales. One highly effective method is to replace traditional wooden racks or shelves with tempered glass shelving. Sleek, modern, and versatile, glass shelving puts the focus squarely on your products — not your fixtures.
Our glass experts can provide you with any type of glass you need for your retail store, including custom glass solutions tailored to your space and brand.
What Types of Glass Can I Use for Shelving?
Both annealed glass and tempered glass are available for shelving applications, but there are important differences to understand:
- Annealed glass — standard glass that, when broken, shatters into sharp shards and poses a safety risk
- Tempered glass — breaks into smaller, rounded pieces that are far less likely to cause injury, and is significantly more durable than annealed glass
For retail environments where customer safety is paramount, tempered glass is always the recommended choice. For displays requiring even greater strength or sound dampening, laminated glass is another excellent option — it holds together even when cracked, making it ideal for high-traffic retail spaces.
Glass shelving complements any store’s décor effortlessly. It’s neutral in colour and design, allowing your merchandise and branding to take centre stage.
The Benefits of Glass Shelving in Retail Stores
Beauty
Simple yet elegant, glass shelves focus attention entirely on the product you’re displaying. Unlike bulky wooden fixtures that compete with your merchandise for the customer’s eye, glass virtually disappears — letting your products shine.
Versatility
Easily available in any size and shape, glass shelves can create a unique display arrangement or fit seamlessly into a traditional layout. They can transform a boring wall display into an eye-catching exhibit of products or information. For showrooms and boutiques, pairing glass shelving with glass walls or dividers creates an open, modern shopping experience that encourages browsing.
Space Efficiency
By utilizing vertical wall space with mounted glass shelves, you free up valuable floor area for customers to browse comfortably while still showcasing a generous amount of product. Wall-mounted shelves also leave room for display cases, glass furniture pieces, and other essential elements of your shop.
You’ll have a competitive edge when you incorporate items like glass cubes and glass table tops in strategic areas of your store to create layered, multi-level product displays.
Cleanliness
Glass shelves are incredibly easy to maintain — simply wipe them down with a soft cloth and glass cleaner. Unlike wood, they won’t absorb stains, odours, or moisture, and they’ll look as good as new for years to come.
Lighting
Using glass shelves means the lighting in your store can focus attention on your merchandise rather than being absorbed by dark wooden cabinets or opaque shelving. Glass allows light to pass through, creating a brighter, more inviting shopping environment. For stores with large window displays, pairing glass shelving with non-glare glass ensures product visibility without distracting reflections.
Customization
Glass shelves can be custom-cut to work in all types of spaces — including awkward nooks, corners, and crannies that would otherwise be wasted space. With custom glass cutting and edging services from Centennial Glass, you can get shelves sized precisely to your requirements. Add sandblasted or etched finishes for a frosted, branded look, or choose from various textured glass options to match your store’s aesthetic.
Glass Shelving Beyond Retail — For Your Home Too
Because of their versatility, glass shelves are making their way into residential spaces as well. Floating shelves in bathrooms, living areas, bedrooms, and kitchens add unexpected design elements that will leave your family and friends impressed by your creativity.
In bathrooms, glass shelving pairs beautifully with glass shower enclosures and mirrors for a cohesive, spa-like feel. In living rooms, glass shelves combined with a glass back splash or decorative glass furniture create a modern, open atmosphere.
Just be extra cautious if you have small children in or around the spaces — tempered glass is always the safest option for residential shelving.
Get Custom Glass Shelving from Centennial Glass
Whether you’re outfitting a retail store, restaurant or bar, office, or your own home, Centennial Glass has the expertise and product range to deliver exactly what you need.
We proudly serve businesses and homeowners across Ottawa, Kanata, Orleans, and all surrounding areas.
Contact Centennial Glass today to discuss shelving options, custom glass solutions, and get a quote for your project!