Glass staircases have grown in popularity in recent years and for all the good reasons. They look aesthetically pleasing, are easy to install and add value to your home. But there is more to glass staircases than meets the eye. As anyone with one will tell you, it’s a pain to maintain a glass staircase, not to mention the constant fear of breakage if you drop something heavy. But that doesn’t mean you should stay away from glass staircases completely. It depends on whether the pros outweigh the cons in your mind.
The pros:
This is really simple. Glass staircase looks aesthetically pleasing. It just makes the place look better. It doesn’t matter what anyone says. A glass staircase always adds value to your home both aesthetically and monetarily. That being said, aesthetically pleasing is not the only thing that’s good about a glass staircase; here are a few others:
Variety: Glass staircases come in a variety of designs. Given the recent surge of interest in glass staircases, there is something for everybody. Whether you want a modern-looking staircase that gives a chic feel to your house or a rustic staircase that screams vintage, you can find the right option for your home.
Lighting: The number one reason why glass staircases look better and make the place look better is lighting. Since glass allows light to pass through it, it illuminates the overall room and the house. This is especially true if the staircase has a window, which lets in even more natural light. This adds an element of surprise to your home and makes it feel bigger than it actually is.
Opens up the space: Glass staircases are the best way to open up a space. If you have an entrance hall or foyer that is relatively small, getting one of these will instantly make it look bigger and better too!
Easy to clean: Cleaning a glass staircase is just as easy as cleaning glass. You simply need to wipe it down with a damp cloth and then dry it off.
Unrestricted view: Glass staircases are great because you can see through them. This makes the house feel more open and airy. The effect is amplified if there’s a window or skylight that lets in plenty of natural light. And if you like the view from your staircase, you are in for a treat.
As good as glass staircases may sound, there are two sides of the same coin, and glass staircases follow suit. Here are the main problems associated with having one of these stairs at your house:
Expensive: The biggest problem is that they are costly. Not only do you have to pay for installation but also maintenance which can be very costly depending on what type of staircase you choose. If any part breaks or needs regular cleaning, the costs will add up quickly, so make sure that you’re ready for them before buying one.
Risky business: Another con about glass staircases is how dangerous they actually are. Even though the glass used in the staircase is sturdy, it’s still fragile and can break into pieces if dropped or hit with something heavy like a bowling ball! If that happens to you, good luck finding every piece because some of them are small enough to be practically impossible to find without tearing your house apart.
Requires regular cleaning: Glass smudges easily. And if you don’t clean it regularly, or worse yet, neglect to do so for a long time, it will make your house feel grungy! Even though this is relatively easy to fix by simply cleaning the staircase as often as needed with a cloth damped in plain water, it’s still an inconvenience that shouldn’t be ignored.
Not safe: If young children are running around, they might not understand that glass stairs can break. You also need to worry about pets because their nails can scratch up any staircases, including ones made out of glass.
Slippery: Glass is not the most secure material. They tend to be slippery, especially right after cleaning. So, if you have children or senior citizens, it might be best to avoid glass staircases.
Routine checks of breakage: You should always have a glass professional check your glass staircases at least once a year. That way, they can spot any potential problems and fix them before they become costly issues later down the line. Scheduling regular maintenance can be fun for a couple of years, but things don’t stay the same throughout.
Lack of privacy: If you like to have the space all to yourself, this might not be the best option. The transparency of glass makes it so that anyone can see through these stairs anytime! If something private is going on in your house and you don’t want others watching or seeing what’s happening, a glass staircase isn’t the right choice.
Glass staircases are fantastic to have in your house, but you need to consider all the cons that come with them. They can be costly if something breaks and needs constant maintenance, which adds up quickly over time. Also, this might not be the best option if you have children or pets. And if you love privacy, they may not be the best option for you.
