Decorative Glass for Pubs, Shops, Restaurants and Offices

Booth Dividers with Oak Leaves and a Compass

Decorative glass has long been part of commercial buildings. Victorian pubs used etched, brilliant cut and stained glass in windows and screens to give privacy, to light the room and to create an inviting atmosphere. Today shops, restaurants, hotels, offices and surgeries use it in much the same way, for the same reasons. Looking at these examples is a good way to discover what suits a building before a scheme is commissioned.

Where it is used

Windows and doors. Etched or leaded panels give diners and customers privacy while keeping the entrance bright.
Screens and partitions. Decorative glass divides a room without closing it off, and carries light from one area to another.
Signs and branding. Etched and sandblasted glass is widely used for names, logos and patterns.
Reception and waiting areas. A feature panel or glazed screen can set the tone.
Bars and restaurants. Brilliant cut, etched and stained glass continue the Victorian pub tradition.

Row of etched windows with scrolling leaf patterns in a bar — Etched windows with scrolling leaf patterns in a bar. See it in the gallery

Stained glass panels in wooden frames above a circular bar — Stained glass panels above a circular bar. See it in the gallery

Shop window with large sandblasted watch case design — A shop window with a large sandblasted watch design. See it in the gallery

Curved glass counter screen with carved swirls — A curved glass counter screen with carved swirls. See it in the gallery

Hotel lobby glass partition sandblasted with swirling patterns — A hotel lobby partition with a swirl pattern. See it in the gallery

Etched globe on restaurant glass — A globe pattern on restaurant glass. See it in the gallery

What to consider

Safety and regulations. Safety glass and fire-rated glazing may be required for doors, screens and some partitions. Check with the supplier and building control.
Wear and cleaning. Busy premises need glass that is easy to clean and stands up to knocks.
Privacy. Decide how much of the room should be visible from the street.
Listed buildings. Original glass in older pubs and shops may be protected, so seek advice before changing it.

Historic examples

Victorian pubs are among the best places to see decorative glass in everyday use. Beyond pubs, the Willow Tearooms in Glasgow show how leaded glass can run through a whole commercial interior. See the page Willow Tea Rooms, Glasgow.