A bevel is the angled, polished edge cut around the border of a piece of glass. Light enters the angled edge and is split into soft colours, so a bevelled panel throws small rainbows across the walls and floor on a sunny day. Bevelled glass is a traditional favourite for front doors and sidelights because it lets in light and looks rich without any colour.
How bevels are used
- In leaded designs. Individual bevels, in squares, rectangles, triangles, diamonds and curves, are arranged as clusters in a leaded panel, often with clear or textured glass around them.
- As a single panel. A bevelled mirror or a bevelled glass panel in a door or window.
- In doors, sidelights and fanlights. Where light is wanted and the pattern is part of the entrance.
- In furniture and cabinets. Bevelled glass is used in display cabinets and glazed doors.
Traditional and overlay bevelled glass
Bevelled glass is a leaded light, and it is made in two ways. In the traditional form, each bevel is set in lead came. In the overlay form, the bevels are bonded to a sheet of toughened safety glass and lead is applied around them, with any overlay colour or texture, to give the leaded look on a rigid base. See how bevelled glass is made for the detail.
If a customer needs double glazing, a traditional leaded bevelled panel has to be encapsulated: it is sealed inside the cavity of the double glazed unit, between two sheets of glass, where it cannot be touched. An overlay bevelled panel is different. The bevels and lead sit on the outside of the unit, so the bevels can be touched and felt. The unit can be made single, double or triple glazed.
What suits what
- Victorian and Edwardian homes. Bevelled clusters in a leaded door or screen are the classic choice.
- 1930s homes. Geometric bevel arrangements and sunburst designs.
- Modern homes. A simple bevelled border or a small cluster in a plain panel gives a subtle effect.
Choosing a design
- Bevelled glass is clear, so check privacy. Add textured glass, an etched panel or a coloured border where the view in matters.
- Large clusters make a bold feature, while small ones add a quiet sparkle.
- The effect depends on the light. Bevels are best on doors and windows that get some direct sun or are brightly lit from inside.
- Consider the lead or other framing. Dark lead gives a traditional look, while a thin, light frame looks lighter and more modern.
Looking after bevelled glass
Bevelled glass needs only normal cleaning, with attention to the angled edges, where dust gathers.