Adding a glass top table can be one of the easiest ways to instantly enhance your kitchen’s style. With their lightweight look and sleek, reflective surfaces, glass top tables create the illusion of a more open and airy space. They also provide a contemporary touch to both modern and traditional decor. But besides just looking great, glass top tables offer many practical benefits for busy kitchens.
Glass tops are durable, scratch-resistant, and surpringly tough. They’re built to handle the rigors of everyday use. Clean-up is a breeze, as spills and messes can be quickly wiped away. And glass tables come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and designs to complement your existing layout. Keep reading to discover why glass top tables are the clear choice for stylish and functional kitchens.
Pros of Glass Top Kitchen Tables
Easy Maintenance
One of the biggest perks of switching to a glass top kitchen table is how low-maintenance they are. The non-porous glass surface simply wipes clean with a damp cloth and resists absorbing stains the way wood tables can. Forget about having to bust out wood polish to keep it looking pristine. Glass tops allow you to quickly wipe up spills like red wine or pasta sauce before they have a chance to soak in or leave a stubborn ring.
Glass doesn’t harbor bacteria the way some surfaces can, so regular cleaning helps keep the table hygienic. For an even deeper clean, glass tops can handle most commercial cleaners without issue. No need to worry about damaging the finish. Just a quick spray and wipe leaves it sparkling.
Durability
Today’s glass top tables are made from tempered glass, an incredibly durable material designed to withstand heavy daily use. The tempering process strengthens the glass by heating it to incredibly high temperatures and then rapidly cooling it. This prestresses the surface so it can handle significantly more impact before breaking.
In fact, tempered glass tops are about four times stronger than standard glass sheets. They are remarkably resistant to scratches, chips, cracks, and can hold up well in busy kitchen environments. Solid wood or laminate tables are more prone tocuts and dings over time.
Tempered glass also stands up well to heat. As long as you use standard precautions like trivets and hot pads, the glass surface won’t crack under the heat of hot pans the way some materials can. You don’t have to worry about ruining the table every time you take a dish out of the oven.
Style
Beyond the practical benefits, glass tops also add beauty and visual appeal to kitchen spaces. The lightweight look of the transparent glass creates an airier, more open aesthetic. It reflects light to make rooms appear brighter and more spacious, perfect for small kitchens.
Glass tops come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and framing. Choose from clean lined modern styles or transitional tables with curved edges and elegantly tapered legs. Coordinate with your existing kitchen finishes like adding a glass top table to match granite or quartz countertops.
While some associate glass with stark, ultra-modern designs, glass top tables can also lend an upscale feel to classic kitchens. The transparency allows wood grain, metal accents, or other base materials to show through for a hint of traditional charm. It’s an easy way to get a contemporary update without a total redesign.
Considerations For Glass Top Kitchen Tables
While glass tops offer many benefits in kitchens, there are a few factors to keep in mind depending on your space and needs:
Placement
Since glass tops are so sleek and prone to smudging, they may not be the best choice as a main kitchen prep space or messy arts and crafts area. They work best as a spot for quick breakfasts, casual meals, or the occasional baking project where ingredients are measured out first.
Also consider the amount of leg room needed around a standard height glass table. Allow ample clearance so chairs can slide out without banging the edge. For tight kitchens, a bar height glass table provides seated dining while taking up less overall footprint.
Size
When shopping for glass kitchen tables, be sure to take careful measurements of your current space. A table too large will make the kitchen feel cramped, while one too small won’t allow enough room for place settings and serving dishes. As a general guideline:
- 36-42 inch wide tables can fit 2-4 chairs in cozy kitchens
- 48-60 inch widths comfortably seat 4-6 for family meals
- Larger expansive tables work best in dedicated dining rooms
Picture the table in the room before purchasing to ensure it fits your layout and needs. Don’t forget to measure chair widths too for ample leg room.
Materials
While the glass top itself should be at least 1/4 inch thick for durability, also consider the base material. Metal bases like stainless steel or powder coated steel add sleek, contemporary flair. Wood brings natural warmth and accentuates dining charm.
For a lightweight feel, glass pedestal-style bases eliminate bulky legs. Or opt for a glass top breakfast nook with built-in benches for a cozy dining experience. Mixing glossy glass with matte finishes like granite prevents a space from feeling too slick.
Popular Styles of Glass Top Kitchen Tables
To choose the right glass top table for your home, consider the shape, size, and base style:
Round Glass Top Tables
Perfect for cozy breakfast nooks or kitchens with limited space, round glass top tables provide intimate seating for 2-4. They create warm, welcoming dining experiences and make conversation easy without a distracting corner. The uniform shape also lends a contemporary flair.
Round glass tops allow for easy reach across the surface for passing dishes or playing board games. But the curved edges mean maximizing every inch of surface area is more challenging.
Rectangular Glass Top Tables
Featuring clean lines and sleek, uniform edges, rectangular glass top tables are ideal for eat-in kitchens or dining rooms. They’re optimized to make the most of available space, with room to comfortably seat 4-6 diners depending on size.
Place rectangular glass tops against walls or islands to save space in galley kitchens. The straight edges make meal prep easier too. But the longer shape can make conversation harder for diners at opposite ends.
Glass Top Breakfast Nooks
For built-in casual dining, glass top breakfast nooks maximize unused kitchen corners. The cozy bench seating and smaller table size are perfect for a morning coffee or quick family meals. Look for nooks with storage benches to stash tableware when not in use.
Built-in glass top nooks save floorspace against walls compared to freestanding tables. Just be sure to allow enough walkway clearance. Corner placements with windows or views create delightful spaces to enjoy meals.
Glass Top Kitchen Islands
Islands with glass tops offer the best of both worlds: extra kitchen prep space and room for 2-4 bar stools on the opposite side. The spacious surface accommodates food prep, buffet service for gatherings, and casual dining in one multi-functional piece.
Glass top islands should be at least 48-60 inches wide for ample surface and leg room. They create light, open hubs for conversation as you cook. Just avoid glass on the working side where heavy chopping happens.
Glass top tables offer the perfect blend of style and functionality for contemporary kitchen designs. Their gleaming surfaces instantly modernize a space while still being durable and practical for daily use. And they come in a range of shapes and sizes to suit your needs.
When shopping for a glass top table, be sure to check the thickness of the tempered glass top – 1/4 inch is a sturdy minimum. Look for beveled edges to prevent chipping. And stick to mid-range size options unless you have a very spacious kitchen.
Consider mixing warm woods or metallics in the base and chairs to prevent an icy, sterile feel. The design possibilities are nearly endless. With the right glass top table, you can add a bright and eye-catching focal point to gather around for meals and memories.
Are you convinced on the benefits of glass top kitchen tables? Browse our wide selection of styles and sizes to find your perfect fit. Let us know if you have any questions – our team is happy to help you choose the right table for your home.
