Hi, I’m Melany, and I work in marketing for Eastern Glass Block. If you told me a few years ago that I’d end up working in marketing for a glass block company, I definitely would not have believed you.
Marketing? Yes. Glass block? That part was not exactly on my radar.
When I first started working here about a year and a half ago, I knew basically nothing about architectural glass block. If someone asked me what it was used for, my answer probably would’ve been something like, “Basement windows?”
And honestly, that was about as far as my knowledge went.
I didn’t know there were different patterns, sizes, privacy levels, colors, installation methods, shower walls, partition walls, decorative blocks, or all the random ways people use glass block in their homes and businesses.
Now I know way more about it than I ever thought I would. And somehow, along the way, I started actually liking it. Like… really liking it.
There are projects I see now where I immediately think, Wait, I would actually put that in my house.
So instead of making this a super technical blog about glass block, I wanted to share my experience learning about it and some of the things I genuinely think would be really cool to have in a home or commercial space.
Because apparently, I have glass block opinions now.
I Definitely Thought Glass Block Was Kind of Old-School
I feel like this is probably what a lot of people think when they first hear “glass block.”
You picture an older bathroom, a basement window, or something that feels a little dated.
That was definitely my first impression too.
But after seeing more projects, I realized it really depends on how you use it.
I’ve seen glass blocks used in modern bathrooms, curved shower walls, home bars, accent walls, colorful designs, and spaces where people just want more natural light without giving up privacy.
And that’s when I started thinking…
Okay. Maybe I judged glass block a little too quickly.
If that’s kind of how you picture glass block too, take a look through some of our project photos before you completely rule it out. I promise there’s a lot more you can do with it than the basement windows we all picture first.
A Glass Block Shower Wall
This is probably one of my favorite uses.
Before working here, I genuinely had no idea people were still doing glass block showers.
Now I totally get it.
Especially the curved ones.
There’s something about a curved glass block shower wall that makes a bathroom feel different without making it feel overly complicated or trendy.
And the privacy is a huge plus for me.
Clear glass showers can look beautiful, but sometimes I’m like… does everything really need to be completely visible?
Glass block lets light come through while still giving you more privacy depending on the pattern you choose.
Personally, I love that.
And if you’re currently remodeling a bathroom, this is definitely one of those ideas I’d recommend looking at before automatically choosing clear shower glass. Even just seeing a few glass block shower designs might completely change what you picture for the space.
A Glass Block Wall Between Spaces
This is another idea I never would’ve thought of before working here.
Instead of using a completely solid wall to divide two spaces, you can use glass block to create separation while still letting light come through.
That just makes sense to me.
I love bright spaces, so I think this would be really cool between a bathroom and dressing area, along a hallway, near a staircase, or even as a smaller accent wall.
You still get some separation without making the space feel closed in.
Cute and practical.
We love both.
If you have one of those awkward areas in your house where you’re thinking, I want to separate this, but I really don’t want another solid wall, send us a photo of the space. Sometimes it’s easier to figure out what could work when you can actually see the area.
Colored Glass Block as an Accent
I did not know colored glass block was even a thing when I first started here.
And no, I’m not saying I want an entire rainbow glass block wall in my living room.
But as an accent?
I actually think it could be so fun.
A few colored blocks in a bar area, bathroom, home office, or statement wall could add personality without taking over the whole space.
I feel like people are starting to want their homes to feel a little more personal again instead of everything looking exactly the same.
A small glass block accent could definitely give you that “wait, that’s actually really cool” moment.
If you like the idea but aren’t sure how bold you want to go, looking through the different glass block colors and patterns is probably the best place to start. You might find something way more subtle than what you were imagining.
Bathroom Windows Make So Much More Sense to Me Now
This is probably one of the most practical things I’ve learned.
You want natural light in your bathroom.
You also want privacy.
Pretty simple.
Glass block gives you both.
Depending on the pattern, you can let plenty of light into the room without feeling like your bathroom window is putting your whole life on display.
Before working here, I never really thought about why people used glass block in bathrooms.
Now I’m like…
Oh.
Obviously.
This is also where choosing the right pattern actually matters, because some give you more privacy than others. If you’re replacing a bathroom window and privacy is your biggest concern, we can help you figure out which block makes the most sense instead of just guessing based on a photo online.
A Glass Block Home Bar
Hear me out.
Glass block under a bar countertop.
Maybe some lighting behind it.
Cute, right?
Currently adding that image to my Pinterest board…
This is one of those ideas I never would have thought of on my own, but once I saw examples of it, I completely understood the vision.
Depending on the rest of the design, it could feel modern, retro, fun, or a little more dramatic.
It’s definitely something I’d consider if I was designing a space where I wanted one feature to stand out.
And honestly, if you’re working on a home bar, basement, or entertainment space and want something that doesn’t look exactly like everyone else’s, this is one of those applications worth saving for inspiration.
And Yes, I Finally Understand Basement Windows
I have to give basement glass block windows their moment.
Because honestly, this was the only glass block application I knew about before I started working here.
And while they might not be the most exciting thing on this list, I understand why people use them now.
You get privacy.
You still get natural light.
They can add security.
And for a basement window, it just makes sense.
So yes, I officially respect the basement glass block window now.
Growth.
If you’re actually here because you need to replace an old basement window, we have options for that too — and you don’t have to already know the exact size, pattern, or setup you need before reaching out. That’s literally what we’re here for.
Now I Notice Glass Block Everywhere
This might be one of the funniest things about working in the glass block industry.
Once you learn what you’re looking at, you start seeing it everywhere.
And I don’t just mean in houses.
I’ll be out at a restaurant, walking through a store, in a hotel, or just driving somewhere and randomly notice a glass block wall, entrance, partition, or window.
At this point, I’ve become the person who stops and takes a picture of it.
Photo creds by…ME
Half the time I’m sending the photo to my boss, Ron, like, “Look! More glass block!” just to prove that I really do notice it everywhere now.
What I’ve started to appreciate even more is how much glass block is used in commercial spaces.
It can be used to separate areas without completely blocking light, add privacy, create a really cool architectural feature, or just make a space feel different from a standard solid wall.
And sometimes it’s in places where I never would have noticed it before working here.
A stairwell.
A restaurant entrance.
A storefront.
An office.
A hallway.
Even an older building where the glass block has probably been there for decades.
Before working at Eastern Glass Block, I probably would have walked right past all of it without giving it a second thought.
Now I’m looking at the pattern, the layout, how the light comes through, and how it fits into the space.
Basically, I can’t unsee it now.
That’s Probably My Favorite Part of Working Here
I came into Eastern Glass Block knowing almost nothing about the actual product. I was coming in from the marketing side.
Over the last year and a half, I’ve learned from coworkers, customer questions, contractors, project photos, videos, and just seeing so many different ideas come through. And I’m still learning. But I think coming into it without much glass block knowledge actually made it more interesting. I didn’t start out already loving glass block. I had to see what people were doing with it first. And now there are quite a few things I would genuinely use in my own home. Which still feels kind of funny to say.
So… Have I Become a Glass Block Girl?
I fear the answer might be yes. Would I have expected to have opinions about glass block shower walls, patterns, and privacy levels? Definitely not. Do I now? Yes! But if you’re someone who hears “glass block” and immediately thinks of an old basement window, I completely get it. That was me too. There’s just so much more you can actually do with it.
And after seeing everything I’ve seen over the last year and a half, I already know one thing:
If I ever design my own dream bathroom, I’m at least considering the glass block shower.
And if any of these ideas made you think, Wait… could I do that in my house? send Eastern Glass Block a photo, an idea, or even your Pinterest inspiration. You don’t need to know the glass block terminology or exactly what you need.
Trust me, a year and a half ago, I didn’t either.
Thinking About Using Glass Block?
Start your project today!!
Whether you’re planning a home renovation or managing a large-scale commercial build, our team is here to help every step of the way.
Call us at (800) 635-1226 or email egbman@easternglassblock.com to get started with your free design consultation today.
Leave a Reply