About Us
Glass Design Solutions LTD is an award-winning, glass specialist based in Elland, West Yorkshire. We are at the forefront of innovation in glass design solutions and we are always one step ahead of our competitors and industry standards.
FAQs
What it is: Foam backing is a padded layer applied to the back of a mirror, adding a cushioning effect. This layer protects the mirror from minor impacts and provides a bit of shock absorption if the mirror experiences vibrations or accidental bumps.
When to choose it: Foam backing works well in spaces where the mirror might be subject to regular, light impact or where you might want a bit more cushioning for installation. It can also help protect the walls behind the mirror, preventing scratches or marks.
Main benefits:
- Impact protection: Ideal for mirrors in places where they may be knocked or vibrated slightly.
Wall-friendly: Adds a buffer between the mirror and the wall, which can prevent unwanted marks or damage.
Yes, but it's not as simple as bevelling a straight-edged mirror. Bevelling a round mirror requires specialized equipment and expertise, which is why relatively few companies in the UK offer this service. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Bevelling? Bevelling is the process of grinding down the edges of a mirror at an angle to create a sloped, polished edge. This enhances the look of the mirror and adds a sophisticated finish. While straight-edged mirrors are bevelled using a relatively straightforward process, curved or round mirrors require a different approach.
How is a Round Mirror Bevelled?
- Precision Cutting – The mirror must first be cut into a perfect circle using highly accurate machinery to ensure a flawless edge.
- Specialized Bevelling Machines – Standard bevelling machines are designed for straight edges and use a conveyor system to feed the mirror through grinding wheels. For round mirrors, a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) bevelling machine is required. These machines hold the mirror in place and rotate it while the grinding wheel follows the curve to create a consistent bevel.
- Complex Calibration – The machine must be precisely calibrated to ensure the bevel angle and depth are uniform around the entire circumference. Unlike straight-edge bevelling, this process requires careful coordination between the rotation of the mirror and the grinding tool.
Why Don’t Many UK Companies Bevel Round Mirrors? Bevelling round mirrors is a niche service that requires specialized equipment and expertise. Here’s why many manufacturers don’t offer it:
- Expensive Machinery – CNC bevelling machines for round mirrors are significantly more costly than standard bevelling equipment. For businesses that don’t frequently work with round mirrors, investing in this machinery isn’t always practical.
- Time-Intensive Process – Bevelling a round mirror takes more time and precision than bevelling a straight-edged mirror, making the process more labour-intensive and costly.
- Limited Demand – While round mirrors are becoming more popular, the demand for bevelled edges on these mirrors is still relatively low. Many manufacturers find it difficult to justify the expense of offering the service.
- Specialized Expertise – Operating CNC bevelling machines requires skilled technicians. Achieving a uniform bevel on a round mirror demands a level of precision that goes beyond standard bevelling processes.
Why Choose a Bevelled Round Mirror? Despite the challenges, bevelled round mirrors are highly sought after for their refined look. A bevelled edge enhances their visual appeal, making them a stunning focal point in spaces such as:
- Bathrooms
- Hallways
- Living rooms
- Hotels and luxury interiors They work well in both contemporary and traditional settings, reflecting light in a way that adds depth and elegance to a room.
Where Can You Get a Bevelled Round Mirror? Since this service is specialized, you’ll need to find a manufacturer with the right equipment and expertise. At the time of writing, the only company we know of in Yorkshire that offers this service is Knaresborough Glass. www.knaresboroughglass.co.uk
Conclusion Bevelling a round mirror is possible, but it requires precision machinery, skilled technicians, and a time-intensive process. Because of this, only a handful of companies in the UK provide the service. If you're looking for a bevelled round mirror, be sure to seek out a specialist to ensure a high-quality finish.
Bevelling is the process of grinding down the edges of a mirror at an angle to create a sloped, polished edge. This enhances the look of the mirror and adds a sophisticated finish. While straight-edged mirrors are bevelled using a relatively straightforward process, curved or round mirrors require a different approach.
When deciding between glass and acrylic for projects like furniture, displays, windows, or protective barriers, it's important to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each. Both materials offer unique benefits, but they differ in durability, cost, appearance, and practicality. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.
Pros and Cons of Glass
Pros:
- Clarity and Aesthetic Appeal
- Glass provides unmatched optical clarity with a crisp, professional look. Unlike acrylic, it does not yellow over time, making it a preferred choice for high-end applications such as display cases and windows.
- Scratch Resistance
- Glass is highly resistant to scratches, which helps maintain a clean and polished appearance over time. This makes it ideal for surfaces that experience frequent use, such as tabletops and windows.
- Heat Resistance
- Glass can withstand high temperatures without warping or discoloring, making it suitable for applications near heat sources, such as kitchen backsplashes and protective panels for stoves.
- Stain Resistance
- As a non-porous material, glass resists stains and is easy to clean. It is also chemically resistant, making it a practical choice for laboratories and areas requiring frequent sanitation.
- Recyclability
- Glass is fully recyclable and can be repurposed indefinitely without losing quality, making it an environmentally friendly option.
Cons:
- Fragility
- Glass is prone to shattering upon impact, even when reinforced or tempered. This makes it less suitable for environments where safety is a top concern.
- Weight
- Heavier than acrylic, glass can be more difficult to transport and install, requiring strong support structures that may increase costs.
- Cost
- Glass is generally more expensive to manufacture, transport, and install than acrylic, which can be a limiting factor for large projects.
- Limited Flexibility
- Unlike acrylic, glass is rigid and cannot be easily molded into curved or complex shapes without specialized processes, adding to production time and expense.
Pros and Cons of Acrylic
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Acrylic is significantly lighter than glass, making it easier to handle, install, and transport—especially for large projects like retail displays and partitions.
- Impact Resistance
- Acrylic is much more resistant to breaking than glass. While it can scratch more easily, it will not shatter upon impact, making it a safer option for public spaces, homes with children, or sports facilities.
- Cost-Effective
- Acrylic is generally more affordable than glass, both in raw material costs and installation. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious projects like outdoor signage and temporary installations.
- Flexibility and Malleability
- Acrylic can be molded into various shapes, allowing for creative and custom designs that are difficult to achieve with glass.
- UV Resistance (With Coatings)
- Certain types of acrylic with UV protection resist yellowing and degradation from sunlight, making them a viable option for outdoor applications.
Cons:
- Scratch-Prone
- Acrylic is more susceptible to scratches than glass, requiring special coatings or regular maintenance to keep it looking pristine.
- Less Optical Clarity Over Time
- While acrylic starts out clear, it can become cloudy or yellow with prolonged exposure to sunlight, especially if not treated with UV-resistant coatings.
- Heat Sensitivity
- Acrylic is more sensitive to heat and can warp or melt under high temperatures, making it unsuitable for applications near direct heat sources.
- Chemical Vulnerability
- Certain cleaning chemicals can damage acrylic, causing clouding or small surface cracks. Using the right cleaning products is essential to maintain its clarity.
- Less Prestige
- While functional, acrylic does not have the same premium feel as glass. For high-end applications, glass remains the preferred choice.
Which Material Is Right for You?
The choice between glass and acrylic depends on the specific needs of your project:
- Choose Glass if you prioritize clarity, scratch resistance, and heat resistance, and if you can accommodate its weight and fragility. It is best for windows, display cases, and high-end furniture.
- Choose Acrylic if you need a lightweight, impact-resistant, and cost-effective material that is easy to install and shape. It is ideal for protective shields, signage, and areas where safety is a concern.
Conclusion
Both glass and acrylic have their advantages, and the right choice depends on your priorities—whether it’s aesthetics, durability, cost, or ease of handling. By considering your project’s specific requirements, you can determine which material best suits your needs.
What it is: Safety backing is a protective layer, often a specialized film, applied to the mirror's back to prevent the glass from shattering into dangerous shards if it’s broken. Instead, the mirror will “hold” together, much like a car windshield.
When to choose it: Safety backing is ideal for any high-traffic or child-friendly area, as well as for larger mirrors that may be at risk of accidental impact. If you’re placing a mirror in a hallway, gym, dance studio, or anywhere safety is a priority, this backing provides peace of mind by reducing the risk of injuries.
Main benefits:
- Enhanced safety: Prevents dangerous glass shards from scattering if the mirror is broken.
- Peace of mind: A must-have in homes with children or pets, or in public or commercial spaces.
When selecting a mirror, most people focus on size, shape, and design—but one crucial factor often gets overlooked: the backing. The right backing can enhance durability, improve safety, and ensure your mirror is suited for its intended environment. Here’s what you need to know about foil backing, safety backing, and foam backing, and how to determine the best option for your needs.
Foil Backing What it is: A thin, protective layer applied to the back of a mirror to shield it from moisture. This helps prevent corrosion and the appearance of black spots over time.
When to choose it: If your mirror will be installed in a humid environment, such as a bathroom or spa, foil backing is essential for long-term durability.
Main benefits:
- Moisture resistance – Protects against damage caused by steam, humidity, and splashes.
- Longevity – Helps keep the mirror clear and blemish-free for longer.
Safety Backing What it is: A specialized film applied to the back of a mirror to prevent it from shattering into sharp shards if broken. Instead, the glass remains held together, similar to a car windshield.
When to choose it: Ideal for high-traffic areas, commercial spaces, and homes with children or pets. It’s especially useful for large mirrors or those installed in places where accidental impact is a concern.
Main benefits:
- Enhanced safety – Prevents dangerous glass shards from scattering upon breakage.
- Peace of mind – Recommended for homes, gyms, dance studios, and public spaces.
Foam Backing What it is: A padded layer applied to the back of a mirror to provide a cushioning effect, protecting against minor impacts and vibrations.
When to choose it: Best suited for mirrors in high-traffic areas where they may be bumped or vibrated, and for installations where added protection for the wall is beneficial.
Main benefits:
- Impact protection – Helps reduce damage from accidental knocks.
- Wall-friendly – Acts as a buffer between the mirror and the wall, preventing scratches or marks.
Which Backing Do You Need? To help you decide, consider these key questions:
- Will the mirror be in a humid environment?
- Yes: Choose Foil Backing to protect against moisture.
- No: Move to the next question.
- Is safety a top concern?
- Yes: Add Safety Backing to reduce the risk of injury from shattered glass.
- No: Continue to the next question.
- Will the mirror be in a high-traffic area or at risk of impact?
- Yes: Consider Foam Backing for extra impact protection.
- No: Standard backing may be sufficient.
- Do you need maximum protection for longevity and safety?
- Yes: A combination of Foil + Safety Backing is a great choice.
- No: Choose the backing that best fits your space.
Combining Backings for Extra Protection While each type of backing offers specific benefits, they can also be combined:
- Foil + Safety Backing – Ideal for humid areas where safety is also a concern, such as family bathrooms.
- Safety + Foam Backing – Perfect for high-traffic areas where mirrors may be bumped, like gyms or hallways.
- Foil + Safety + Foam Backing – The ultimate protection, combining moisture resistance, shatter protection, and impact cushioning.
Final Thoughts Selecting the right backing ensures your mirror stays in excellent condition for years to come. By understanding the benefits of each option and considering the mirror’s location, you can make an informed decision that enhances both safety and longevity.
Foil Backing What it is: A thin, protective layer applied to the back of a mirror to shield it from moisture. This helps prevent corrosion and the appearance of black spots over time.
When to choose it: If your mirror will be installed in a humid environment, such as a bathroom or spa, foil backing is essential for long-term durability.
Main benefits:
- Moisture resistance – Protects against damage caused by steam, humidity, and splashes.
Longevity – Helps keep the mirror clear and blemish-free for longer.