How Glass Partitions Can Save Your Sanity This Holiday

If you’re like a lot of families, you may have in-laws, cousins, aunts, and uncles coming over to spend the holidays together. Whether due to your house’s size or proximity, everyone is going to be congregating at your place.

You may have one guest bedroom, but it’s certainly not enough to hold all this extra family. What do you do? You’ll have to get creative about sleeping accommodations, of course.

Privacy is also an issue during this extended stay. You only have so many bedrooms and bathrooms. It seems like everywhere you turn, there’s somebody around when you really just want a moment alone.

Glass partitions from CGD Glass Countertops are just what you need this holiday season. These will create more space, provide privacy, and contain your extra family members.

Here’s how.

Use Partitions to Separate One Room into Two

If bedroom space is limited, you may have guests sleeping all over the place, like on the couch and the floor. Give everyone a sense of their own space with a glass partition in the middle of a spare bedroom. This way, family members can go through their own routines (whether that’s staying up late or getting up very early) without interrupting your other guests.

Close Off Your Home Office with a Partition

It’s important to spend time with family during the holidays, but you still have to get some work done, too. If you have a lot of kids or other needy relatives competing for your time, keep your office space private with a glass partition.

If you don’t have an office door, or if your home office is in a corner of the room, this will really let people know you mean business.

Keep the Kitchen Prep Productive Via a Partition

If you have a large kitchen and no kitchen island, you can easily situate a glass partition in this room as well. You might want to split up the space between the countertop and the oven and then form a type of cooking assembly line.

For instance, one family member might make cookie dough, pass this to you, and then you put the cookies in the oven. This prevents too many people from bumping elbows during cooking, which would frustrate anyone.

Create a Separate Dressing Space with a Partition

With so many people staying over, privacy becomes an issue. Glass partitions around the house allow your family members to get changed and do other private routines easily without the risk of being seen.

Glass partitions are incredibly versatile, as you can see. Not only that, but these are stunningly beautiful, too. They make a great addition around the house beyond the holidays. Whether you want to create drama and use the partition for decoration or you just need some privacy, these are a must-have.

To get started ordering your glass partition today (customizable according to your specifications), contact us at CGD Glass Countertops. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

Five Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Bathroom Countertops

Compared to the kitchen or the bedroom, you probably don’t really give your bathroom much attention. After all, unless you’re taking a luxurious bath, you’re pretty much in and out of there.

Yet recently, when you were giving the bathroom a thorough cleaning, you realized that some parts of it were in disarray, specifically the countertop. You’re not sure how it happened, but the once passable-looking countertop you had when you moved in has steadily become an eyesore.

If this sounds like an all-too-familiar nightmare, don’t stress. It’s just time for a change. Here are five signs it may be time for a bathroom countertop upgrade.

1. It’s Ugly

Listen, maybe you picked your bathroom countertop yourself years ago. Perhaps it was there since you’ve moved in. Regardless, the décor and style is not trendy anymore. Now, every time you walk into your bathroom, you cringe.

It doesn’t have to be this way. By choosing a timeless material like glass, you know you’ll love your bathroom countertop now and years in the future.

2. It’s Too Big

Some bathroom nooks are tiny and some just look tiny. Few things make your bathroom feel more claustrophobic than a poor layout.

If your toilet is in one corner and your shower in another and your countertop is directly across from that, it’s tough to maneuver around. A bulky bathroom countertop may have worked for you once, but now you want to slim it down.

3. It’s Falling Apart

Stains, water damage, subtle cracks from years of wear and tear…if you’re seeing these on your bathroom countertop, you pretty much have no choice but to remodel. These unappealing signs of damage may be small now, but with continued use, your counterpart could fall apart.

It’s better to replace it of your own volition than being forced to later. The latter scenario is not fun for your wallet.

4. There’s Mold

Whether the pipes are old and have started to develop mold or it’s the exterior or interior of the countertop that’s got the stuff, you can’t ignore this issue. Mold is a health hazard, and can irritate preexisting issues like allergies and asthma.

If you see mold on your bathroom countertop, you need to prioritize a renovation stat.

5. The Hardware Is Rusted

Those nickel-brushed or copper sink or cabinet handles seemed like a nice decorative touch at the time, but you didn’t think about their long-term looks. After being exposed to water again and again, your metal hardware has now rusted or corroded. It’s terrible to look at and use.

Glass can handle the water exposure without corroding. It’s easy to clean, too, which means you can prevent mold and other unwanted stains.

Are you ready to get started designing the bathroom countertop of your dreams? If so, contact us at CGD Glass Countertops. We’re a Toronto-based glass manufacturer that designs custom glass products, mostly countertops. We also make decorative glass doors, glass panels, partitions, sinks, and backsplashes.

To learn more, give us a call today!

Add Drama to Any Room with Suspended Glass Ceilings

Whether you’re a homeowner with a taste for the divine or you’re a commercial business owner who’s trying to make an impact, suspended glass ceilings are the way to go. These create a sense of drama in any room, from offices to kitchens, livings rooms, and bedrooms.

That said, we understand that a suspended glass ceiling is no small undertaking. In this post, we’ll explain exactly what these ceilings look like (or can look like), their benefits, and where you can get them.

What Are Suspended Glass Ceilings?

Suspended glass ceilings are a specialized service offered by CGD Glass Countertops, its sister company. These ceilings, despite their name, do not have to cover a room’s preexisting ceiling (that is, unless you want them to). If they don’t, they will often be affixed to a thick metal pole that hooks into the true ceiling, creating a layered look to any room.

What Do They Look Like?

That’s the fun part about these ceilings: their look is up to you! This is the time to let your interior designer out.

You can decide to add lights atop or beneath the suspended glass ceiling, creating beautiful illumination. Your glass ceiling can be large, mid-sized, or smaller. You can choose from almost any color of the rainbow, from demure copper hues to vivid reds or blues.

You’re not limited by shape, either. If you want a square or rectangular-shaped suspended glass ceiling, that choice is yours. You can also design these ceilings to be round, oval, triangular-shaped, or almost anything else. If you want them hung at an angle or just installed straight up, you also get that choice.

What Are Their Benefits?

There are nearly countless benefits to a suspended glass ceiling. Here are some to think about as you make your decision:

• There’s so much versatility with these glass ceilings. These work in a commercial environment such as an office, hotel lobby, museum, restaurant, or bar. At home, you can get a suspended ceiling in your entryway, living room, entertainment room, kitchen, or bedroom.
• Illumination from a lighted suspended glass ceiling adds a new dimension to many rooms.
• By getting a glass ceiling installed, you create a fresh, fun atmosphere in any room without having to spend time on a pricy remodel.
• For businesses and homeowners, these ceilings are an uncommon decorative choice and make for a great conversation piece.
• Suspended glass ceilings could increase a home’s curb appeal.

Where Can You Get Suspended Glass Ceilings?

If you’re looking for suspended glass ceilings for your home or commercial business, contact us at CGD Glass Countertops in Toronto. We’re one of the only companies to offer such a one-of-a-kind service.

We specialize in all things glass, designing and manufacturing the items ourselves according to our customer’s specifications. Our other products are decorative glass doors, panels, partitions, sinks, backsplashes, tabletops and bartops, bathroom and kitchen countertops, and kitchen islands.

If you’re ready to get started designing your ideal suspended glass ceiling, contact us today. Once we know more about the scope of your project, we can offer you a quote.

Back to School Time Means More Cooking: Does Your Kitchen Need an Upgrade?

Summer is finally over. While that means no more beach days or vacation hours, for families with kids, it also means back to school time.

You may have gotten through the summer by cooking in the backyard on your grill or going out to eat more often. Now though, the kids will need packed lunches and homecooked, hearty meals so they have the fuel to excel in school.

The start of the school year (and the fall season) is the perfect time to assess your kitchen to decide if you need an upgrade. Here are some areas to start with.

Countertops

When you get busy in the kitchen, your countertops are often the first to show signs of wear and tear. Whether it’s stains, chips, or pockmarks from years of cooking and cutting, it’s okay to be tired of your countertops.

With glass countertops, you won’t have to worry about the above issues. Glass is generally stain-resistant; when you make a mess, simply wipe it up with a damp paper towel. There are no crevices or holes for food and bacteria to hide.

By upgrading your boring kitchen countertop to a glass countertop, your whole kitchen will look much classier.

Backsplashes

Cooking can be messy. Luckily, backsplashes exist to catch water and cooking liquid so your walls don’t stain. The problem is though, metal and wood backsplashes don’t hold up well. Metal can start to rust and corrode, and wood can become warped and soggy. Yuck.

Glass backsplashes, available in a variety of patterns and colors, are a great alternative. These will never rust or warp, making glass a durable choice for the kitchen. If you notice your backsplash has gotten a little dirty, again, use a wet paper towel and some cleaner to wipe away stains.

Sinks

The sink is one of the most important parts of your kitchen. This is where you store dishes and clean them. Since sinks are so important, it’s no wonder they’re so expensive. That may have prevented you from upgrading your old, brittle metal sink even though it’s been there for decades.

Treat yourself. A glass sink is easy to clean and adds so much sophistication to your kitchen. With such a beautiful sink awaiting you every day, you almost won’t mind having to do the dishes. Almost.

Kitchen Islands

As a luxury item, your kitchen island should be a standout part of your eating space. Yet if you choose a kitchen island made of materials like wood or metal, the island may be looking a little worse for wear. Instead of being a source of pride like it should be, you feel embarrassed whenever you walk into the kitchen and see your sad kitchen island.

It definitely sounds like it’s time for an upgrade. A glass kitchen island can often be designed and decorated to your exact specifications if you shop with the right glass manufacturer. This means you can select colors that match your kitchen, adding a cohesiveness to the room.

If you’re ready to redesign any of these parts of your kitchen, give us a call at CGD Glass Countertops. Based in Toronto, we specialize in customized glass items for residential and commercial use. Contact us today to learn more or get a quote.

Commercial Glass Door Uses: Our Five Suggestions

We’ve said it before, but it’s always worth repeating: in the commercial sphere, your individuality is what sets you apart from the competition. Your brand is yours and yours alone, and no one else can touch that.

Today, with Internet marketing so pervasive, some commercial businesses put less focus on their bricks and mortar locations. This is a mistake, as this commercial space should be one of the main hubs where your brand is represented the most.

One way you can introduce your brand is through commercial glass doors. Here are five different business types and applications to inspire you.

1. Restaurant Entrance

The restaurant entrance is the first glimpse that consumers get into the establishment’s interior. First impressions certainly count, so make sure yours is impactful with glass doors at the entrance.

These can be branded with your restaurant’s name or just subtly decorated around the edges. Guests will appreciate the elegance of these doors, and it will put them in the mood for a classy and memorable dining experience.

2. Hotel Lobby

Hotels are often all about opulence, especially in their lobbies. After all, this is their chance to show the customer what their hotel experience will be like. Large, cavernous lobbies with artwork and decorative flourishes from floor to ceiling are the order of the day.

That said, boring doors will detract from the ambiance these hotels are trying to create. By adding beautiful glass doors to your hotel’s entrance, you’ll complete the look of your lobby.

3. Museum

Museums, especially those that focus on artwork or historical artifacts, are often curious, unique buildings meant to draw in customers. While these may not always appeal to the younger crowd, decorative glass doors in a museum will certainly resonate with adults who are looking for an educational experience at said museum.

These doors will also let the sunlight in, showing off certain exhibits.

4. Upscale Retail Store

Retailers are often in cutthroat competition with one another, trying to outsell each other to win the customer’s loyalty. Retail stores today take great care with their window displays to draw in passersby outside.

Another way to draw in passersby is with a stunning glass front door bearing the name of the retail store. This is certainly something the competition hasn’t yet thought of, giving you a leg up.

Much like the museum example above, these beautiful glass doors will filter in more sunlight, making your store offerings seem almost ethereal.

5. New Business

Last but certainly not least are the startups and other new businesses that dot any city landscape. Although you might not think you have it in your budget, if you work with a glass manufacturer and producer like CGD Glass Countertops, you’ll find a glass door is more affordable than you thought.

You can also use this as a branding opportunity and as a means of keeping employees productive. After all, all those florescent lights give people a headache after a while.

If you’re interested in getting glass doors for your commercial space, contact us at CGD Glass Countertops today.

Just How Safe Is Glass Decor?

You’ve heard a lot about glass décor, perhaps by reading this blog or an industry magazine. Your interest is definitely piqued, but you have one major question, and it pertains to safety.

Is glass décor safe? Can you trust that your glassware like tables, doors, and even furniture won’t shatter?

The answer is yes and no.

Wait, why such a complicated response? Because there are a lot of factors that can go into how safe a glass product is. These include the reputation of the glass manufacturer, the thickness of the glass, and the user’s behavior.

We will now explore all three factors more in-depth.

Reputation of the Glass Manufacturer

You know the old saying that you get what you pay for? When it comes to home décor, rarely is this truer.

If you buy a cheap item, such as a glass table or shower enclosure, you can’t expect it to last forever. The reason the cost is so low is because the manufacturer likely cut corners to produce the item. That means durability and reliability come into question.

To prevent wasting your time and money, research glass manufacturers ahead of time. At CGD Glass Countertops, our reputation is unmatched. We produce a wealth of glass items, including home and commercial glass décor. These items are customizable, too.

Glass Thickness

It almost goes without saying that the thinner your glass is, the more likely it is to break. Again, though, this mostly comes down to the manufacturer. Not all thin glass is fragile, but it certainly does depend.

Yet you may find that thick glass doesn’t necessarily fit every home décor item you want. So what do you do? Do you take a gamble on thinner glass or opt for something you might not really like?

At CGD Glass Countertops, you don’t have to. Our customization begins from the moment you begin planning your glass accent piece. We let you choose the thickness based on the desired measurements of the planned item.

The current glass thicknesses we offer are ½-inch, ¾-inch, one-inch, and one and a half inches. With these thicknesses, you can choose your glass item your way so you’ll be happy with it for years to come.

User Behavior

Another major factor that determines glass longevity is user behavior.

While glass may not be as fragile as a feather, it is breakable. If you’re not careful with it, you could shatter your glass item.

That means, as the owner of said glass item, you should generally avoid the following behaviors:

• Using glass surfaces like bar tops, tabletops, and countertops without a coaster or other protection
• Using a knife directly on these surfaces
• Slamming shut glass shower doors
• Generally acting rough with glass surfaces

You should also encourage your family members—especially children—to be careful around these glass items.

Even the thickest and most well-constructed glass items can break with improper use and care. The more you look after your glass items, the longer they’ll last.