Glass Door Furniture FAQ
Original
glass door furniture dated back to the Victorian Age and the style was that of a
plain round glass knob on a simple brass rose.
Modern designs still include the original round glass knob, but also available
are coloured and shaped knobs together with faceted (cut glass) designs. Many of the modern day designs
are available on chrome, brass and even gold plated roses rather than just the brass rose used
originally.
The glass style of door furniture was a feature of the emerging Middle Classes
from 1900 onwards. Glass finger plates were introduced to compliment the glass
knobs and were recognised as a symbol of civilisation and gentility at the time.
Used today glass door furniture would certainly add a touch of
class to any property!
Q. Are there different types
of Glass door furniture?
A. Yes, there are many different styles and types available. Typically crystal
glass in clear shapes and faceted shapes, together with tinted or coloured glass
and occasionally you will find glass with small bubbles throughout. Crystal is a
type of glass with a high lead oxide content, this glass has a very high
brilliance and shows "cutting" to greatest effect. There are many techniques
used to add colour and patterns to glass, most involve the introduction of metal
oxides into the material. Whilst hand made glass nearly always has a few
small bubbles, this feature can be used as a decorative technique. The effect is
usually achieved by adding chemicals to the glass which react to produce random
air bubbles during the melting process.
Q. Does Glass furniture need any maintenance?
A. This type of furniture needs very little maintenance. Glass is very
durable and could only really be damaged by abrasion or impact in normal domestic use. If the
furniture has a brass or chrome rose then follow the procedures for this type of
finish as described in Brass Door
Furniture FAQ or Chrome Door
Furniture FAQ. Remember that any brass element of the furniture is likely to
be lacquered and should be treated as described in the Brass Door furniture FAQ.
Q. How should I care for my
Glass furniture?
A. Glass furniture should be regularly dusted with a soft cloth. Occasionally
it should be cleaned using a mild non-acid soap and warm water, a soft dusting cloth can then be used
to enhance the surface. Do not use window cleaning sprays, abrasive pads,
scouring compounds, acetone, petrol, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, lacquer
thinner or any solvents to clean this type of
furniture as whilst some of these may not be damaging to the glass itself, there
is a chance of damaging the rose or associated parts of the handle.
Q. Why haven't I bought any of
this robust, trouble free door furniture?
That's a very good question, why haven't you? If you have any reasons
why you wouldn't buy it please email
with your feedback.
DISCLAIMER
Bernards makes every effort to ensure that the information contained in our FAQs
is correct and accurate. We can however accept no responsibility for any errors
or omissions or their subsequent effects. Indeed if you find any please let us
know, we appreciate any advice or comments to improve these pages.
Copyright © 2000 [Robert Bernard & Son Ltd]. All rights reserved.
Revised: July 18, 2007
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