---
title: "10 Trendy Ways to Use Glass Block in Your Home Design"
date: "2013-10-03"
modified: "2018-07-20"
authors:
  - name: "Jennifer Noonan"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/jennifer-noonan/"
url: "https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/10-trendy-ways-to-use-glass-block-in-your-home-design-46196/"
categories:
  - "DIY"
  - "Furniture & Design"
tags:
  - "decor"
  - "materials"
  - "windows"
---

# 10 Trendy Ways to Use Glass Block in Your Home Design

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/10_Trendy_Ways_to_Use_Glass_Block_in_Your_Home_Design.jpg>)

### Dress Up Your Deck

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/slide2.jpg>)
*prweb.com*

Sections of glass block pavers can visually break up dark [decking](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/23-design-ideas-to-make-your-deck-a-destination-49965/>) material and make a space feel lighter. Glass pavers are different from glass blocks used in vertical applications, and they must be installed in a special grid apparatus—but they achieve the same stunning design.

### Display Pretty Flowers

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/slide3.jpg>)
*valeaston.com*

Some crafty glass blocks are hollow with a removable insert for closure. Pop out that insert, fill the block with water, and voilà—you have a square, modern vase that makes any flower arrangement look fresh and vibrant!

### Define Your Garden

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/slide10.jpg>)
*studioh-inc.com*

Create a striking tableau by using glass blocks to define a [patio](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/2448-patio-pavers-101/>) space. Mixing sizes adds to the architectural beauty of the blocks' form. They will enhance the surrounding stonework while providing a visual counterpoint to the verdant landscape.

### Belly Up to the Bar

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/slide4.jpg>)
*metroglassblock.com*

Cap a short glass block wall with a countertop, and you have yourself a bar. Glass blocks are typically joined together with mortar, much like a brick wall. Alternatively, many glass block manufacturers offer a mortarless system, which lets DIYers achieve a professional look without professional masonry skills.

### Divide a Room

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/room-divider_gailgreeninteriors.jpg>)
*gailgreeninteriors.com*

Erect a wall of glass blocks to serve as a room divider. The glass block not only provides an interesting design element, it also allows light to filter through to interior spaces.

### Build a Backsplash

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/slide1.jpg>)
*pricklypearbloom.word press.com*

A single row of glass block makes a smart backsplash for a kitchen island. Install according to manufacturer’s instructions and trim with a piece of wood or countertop. Here, the glass blocks add the perfect finishing touch to a cooktop, delineating the food prep space and separating it from the rest of the kitchen.

### Enhance an Entryway

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/slide9.jpg>)
*billfryconstruction.com*

Embed glass blocks in an entryway for a modern twist on traditional sidelights. The blocks' textured finish provides privacy while still admitting light into the foyer.

**Related:** [**14 Eye-Catching Options for Your Front Door** ](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/10-welcoming-front-door-paint-colors-46830/>)

### Save Your Pennies

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/slide5.jpg>)
*nobigdill.com*

A hollow glass block makes a perfect piggy bank. What better way to motivate saving than to watch that block fill up with cash? Personalize it with a name or a savings goal, and you’ll be swimming in dough in no time.

### Enclose a Shower

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/slide8-1.jpg>)
*nwccraftsmen.com*

Glass blocks work especially well in the bathroom, because they provide privacy while still letting light pass through. A bonus: They are easy to clean! A solution of warm water and mild dish soap does the trick; clean the grout the same way you clean any other grout in the bathroom.

**Related:** [**8 Ways to Clean Stained Grout** ](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/cleaning-grout/>)

### Light Up the Dark

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/slide7.jpg>)
*etsy.com*

Transform a glass block into a night light by painting or gluing a graphic onto it and then inserting a light or a strand of twinkle lights. (Drill a hole in the back of an architectural block to thread the cord; for a craft block, simply remove the insert.) Now you’re ready to light up the night.

## Author
A confessed DIY junkie, Jennifer Noonan writes about home improvement, gardening, and all things do-it-yourself. The recipient of degrees in International Relations and Library & Information Science from Syracuse University, Noonan has worked in media and related fields for over 15 years, including her time at [MTV Networks](<https://www.paramount.com/about/brands/mtv>), where she served as Manager of Digital Programming at [Nickelodeon](<https://www.nickelodeon.com>). Today, Noonan lives in Delaware with her husband and daughters, where she is ardently teaching the next generation how to use power tools.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-noonan-ab62a05/>)