Glass is the only material that creates surface area without visually reducing space. A glass table occupies space yet remains light. The trade-off is that every decision remains visible: tone, edge, and cleanliness.
Clear, Smoked, or Bronze
Clear glass almost disappears and reveals everything beneath it, including carpet patterns and cables. Smoked glass is tinted grey, calms the downward gaze, and appears significantly less technical. Bronze glass leans towards warmer tones and pairs well with brass and wood, while grey smoked glass is better suited for nickel and black. For display cabinets, the tone also determines how prominently the contents are featured: in clear glass, the collection takes center stage; in smoked glass, the furniture does.
Safety Glass and What It Means
Furniture glass is almost always single-pane safety glass. It is thermally tempered, making it significantly more impact-resistant, and in case of breakage, it shatters into blunt crumbs instead of splinters. Two things follow from this: a tempered pane cannot be cut or drilled afterwards, and localized impacts on the edge are more dangerous than uniform pressure. Therefore, the edge is the most delicate part during transport.
Edges
The edge finish determines both appearance and safety. A polished edge is smooth and shiny, while a bevel is angled and has a classic look, especially on mirrors. Raw or merely seamed edges do not belong on a visible piece of furniture. For display cabinet doors, it is also worth examining the hinges and stops, as these determine whether a door will still close flush in two years.
Weight and Placement
Glass panels are heavier than they appear. A large-format panel should be carried by two people and always upright, never flat, as it would otherwise sag under its own weight. On the frame, the panel must rest evenly on all supports to avoid point loads. On uneven floors, glides should be placed under the frame before the panel is laid.
Streak-Free Cleaning
The most reliable method involves two steps: first, wipe with a slightly damp cloth, then follow with a dry, lint-free cloth. Use glass cleaner sparingly and never spray it directly onto the surface if wooden or metal frames are nearby, as alcohol can damage lacquer and display cabinet fittings. Limescale stains from hard water can be removed with diluted alcohol, but never with limescale remover near stone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is single-pane safety glass?
Thermally tempered glass. It is more impact-resistant than regular glass and shatters into blunt crumbs in case of breakage. It cannot be cut or drilled afterwards.
Smoked glass or clear glass?
Clear glass reveals everything beneath it and appears the lightest. Smoked glass calms the downward gaze and appears less technical. Bronze glass pairs well with brass and wood, while grey smoked glass suits nickel and black.
How do you clean furniture glass without streaks?
In two steps: first, wipe with a slightly damp cloth, then follow with a dry, lint-free cloth. Never spray cleaner extensively onto surfaces next to wooden or metal frames.
Personal advice
We advise you personally and online. Send us your room dimensions or a photo at info@casa-luxury.de and we will put together a suitable selection for you.
Glass at Eichholtz: Smoked Glass, Edges, and Safety: Models from the Collection
A selection from the categories discussed on this page. Each image leads to the product page.
Further in the guide: Eichholtz Display Cabinets · Eichholtz Coffee Tables · Eichholtz Brass · Eichholtz Care