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In or Out? Glass Shelves

100108_glassshelves.jpgWe spotted these glass shelves over at Bo Bedre and were reminded of our parents' old house in the 80's where glass shelves were installed in front of a mirror in the designated wet bar area. In fact, we had a similar setup in our old condo in West Hollywood that we promptly removed. But after taking a look at this entire apartment with its floating shelves against a white wall, we're wondering whether or not glass shelves could make a comeback? What do you think?

[ Photo from Bo Bedre ]

 
 

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Comments (11)

more should than *could* although it is more expensive than wood. I love the airy feel glass shelves give a room, I'm so over those wenge colored shelving...I wanted to place some in my kitchen but they were a budget breaker:(

posted by coco on 2008-10-01 12:56:23
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I love glass shelves in bathrooms, although if you want them to look good, you really have to windex them frequently.

Given a choice, I'd rather have wood or painted wood shelves, but I think in a tiny apartment glass would be a good way to add storage with adding a lot of visual clutter.

posted by lurker2209 on 2008-10-01 12:57:13
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One of my biggest annoyances is glass in decor. I know, I know. Glass top tables and glass shelving are more unwelcome in my home than a hunter green gingham couch.

posted by Kimber on 2008-10-01 13:05:24
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Speaking as someone with both the wenge shelf and the glass shelf, I can tell you whole-heartedly that both are a pain to keep clean.

That said, the glass shelves I have are on a wall directly under a recessed light. If they weren't glass, only the top shelf would be illuminated. The glass allows everything to be displayed nicely.

That said next time around I'm just going to put in more lights :)

posted by Joey on 2008-10-01 13:08:53
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My apartment has a mirrored bar, complete w/ glass shelves. I hate glass shelves (the dust!, and the clank it makes when you replace a bottle).

In a bathroom, a little medicine cabinet like place, I think it would look fine. Or maybe in a kitchen, by a window, for herbs. But other than that...?

posted by ashleym (aka autzve on flickr) on 2008-10-01 13:17:18
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I chose glass shelves for the same reasons you mention. They help to keep an open look and they can look sleek and modern.

I used cable kits from the container store and had glass custom cut to my measurements. Overall, the price would be comparable to custom made shelves in other materials. Not Ikea prices but still modest.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/art_chel/1802512122/in/set-72157602246616922/

posted by art on 2008-10-01 13:36:42
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I don't think glass shelves can ever go out of style. Having said that, I think they work best in small doses and to hold accent pieces.

posted by Aldyth on 2008-10-01 13:51:42
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I love the glass shelves in my new bathroom, over the comode. Wood shelves would have made the space claustrophobic.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/2903359258_30eb74fa9b_b.jpg

posted by paintitbright on 2008-10-01 13:56:51
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No for me - can't get past the 80's reference. And I really don't like unframed glass in general.

posted by ammanda on 2008-10-01 14:56:39
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Ewe, I really dislike glass shelves. To me it just screams 80s and bachelor pad. Sorry. :(

posted by saltylibrarian on 2008-10-01 18:41:07
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some are fine. some are 80s. i think if they are done in a modern way, they can be very nice.

posted by mariegael on 2008-10-02 00:17:56
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