When we talk about glass, we could be referring to all sorts of types and forms. As it turns out, not all glass is created equal! Today, we'll try to shed some light on the most popular types – their properties, the differences between them, and how to tell them apart. It's not as tricky as it seems!
What types of glass are popular?
The most common type of glass you'll find in most homes is soda-lime glass. This is thanks to its affordable price – but it's worth noting that besides being cheap, it's also significantly more brittle than other types of glass. You shouldn't pour boiling liquids into soda-lime glass tumblers – they might crack under high temperatures. They're best suited for cold drinks and cocktails. Crystal glass, also known as lead crystal due to its lead content, is distinguished by its brilliant sparkle and high malleability. Crystal wine glasses or a crystal whisky tumbler are much more durable than those made from soda-lime glass. All the mentioned types of glass come in various versions – they can be thin or much thicker, completely transparent or coloured, and even specially smoked. FormAdore offers glass in a myriad of forms – so every lover of glass ornaments or tableware will be able to find something that truly takes their fancy!
Different types of glass – what distinguishes them and what are their properties?
There are several types of glass we can identify – if you've been labouring under the misconception that "glass is just glass" and it doesn't matter which one you choose, it's time to take a closer look at their distinctive features and differences. For example, borosilicate glass is renowned for its exceptional thermal properties. Drinks poured into tumblers made of this type of glass retain their temperature for much longer, meaning your tea stays piping hot, and your cold drink keeps you pleasantly cool for an extended period. Bevelled glass, on the other hand, features decoratively ground edges – the surface of the glass is then spectacularly refracted. You can see this, for instance, on glass tabletops of living room coffee tables. Tempered glass, however, undergoes special thermal treatment, which, among other things, increases its resistance to mechanical damage.
How do different types differ, or the art of recognising glass
You've surely wondered at least once how to tell crystal glass from soda-lime glass. We have the answer, and we can assure you it's really quite simple! First and foremost, crystal items are significantly more delicate, yet also up to twice as heavy, owing to the high lead content in the glass. Crystal products sparkle much more brightly and are very transparent – hence their name, linked to mountain crystals that shimmer in the sunlight. Crystal is also usually adorned with many more patterns – carving is much easier in it than in soda-lime glass.
And can you recognise glass by its… sound?
Absolutely! If you're holding a crystal glass item, a gentle tap will produce a sound similar to a bell. Soda-lime glass, on the other hand, emits duller and lower tones. So, all you need to do is gently tap the rim of a wine glass or tumbler to discover what kind of glass you're dealing with. If you're wondering whether you have borosilicate glass, you should pay attention to how quickly liquids in the glass heat up or cool down. As we mentioned earlier, this type of glass retains the original temperature of the drink for much longer.
Brands that create wonders from glass
On the market, you can find several exceptional producers of glass products that will captivate everyone! It's safe to say these are small works of art, crafted with the utmost precision from crystal and other types of glass. The brand Nude specialises precisely in the purest crystalline glass, which perfectly enhances the colour of alcoholic beverages and other drinks. Its products, available at FormAdore, include not only wine glasses and tumblers for spirits, but also jars for the popular 'forests in glass' trend. Hübsch is another producer of glass products – in this case, their unique vases and glass paperweights in various versions deserve special attention. The Polish brand, Huta Julia, operating in the heart of the Karkonosze Mountains, primarily offers extraordinary goblets, carafes, and wine glasses made of crystal glass. Placed on a table or in a display cabinet, they are sure to catch the eye of every guest!
Glass – what other interesting forms can it take?
At the thought of glass, we usually imagine traditional glass vessels, vases, or candle holders. However, it can take on completely different, incredibly original forms. For example, the brand Eva Solo decided to venture into producing glass… bird feeders for windows! This is certainly a complete novelty that for many will prove to be a fantastic alternative to the traditional wooden bird feeder. Window bird feeders made of glass are also an excellent solution for apartment dwellers who don't have the option to place a bird 'house' on a tree in a garden.
Glass is an elegant and timeless product that captivates with its unique sparkle and works perfectly whatever the occasion. FormAdore is a treasure trove of true glass masterpieces that will satisfy even the most discerning customers.
It's also worth taking a look at the brand Holmegaard – they create one-of-a-kind candle holders and festive-themed tableware, perfect for a Christmas Eve table. Among the company's glass products, you'll also find original wine glasses and tumblers, and even… smoked glass phone sound amplifiers!
In the offering of the Bavarian company Nachtmann, you'll discover unique glass perfect for special occasions. These include decorative glass bowls, platters, whisky tumblers, and carafes, which will prove to be an ideal choice for an elegant reception. The brand Kilner, on the other hand, will appeal to anyone for whom stylish kitchen equipment is important. The kitchen glass available in their assortment – such as beverage dispensers, small ornate jars, or glass food storage containers – will add unique charm to your kitchen!
Also noteworthy are the previously mentioned paperweights from Hübsch – the sphere-shaped ones in various colour versions look exceptionally elegant. The Memento Mori decorative figurines from Nude are also interesting – these glass skulls make a great gift for any lover of dark aesthetics or a perfect decoration for a Halloween party. When furnishing your home interiors, it's worth considering glass lamps too, for example, transparent ceiling lamps from Kaspa, resembling elegant chalices, or the Merida model in several colour versions, adorning the room like a soap bubble. Glass products, both those intended for drinks and food, as well as those with other uses, are a class act in themselves. At FormAdore, you'll find everything from ideal tumblers or sets for parties to unique decorative accessories.
