4 min readCertain design trends are always going to ruffle feathers, like wall-to-wall carpet, open floor plans, and brown paint in the bedroom, to name a few. And, judging from our recent Instagram comments, glass blocks need to be added to that list.
In response to a post about vintage architectural details that are having a major comeback, many commenters were shocked, even horrified, by the inclusion of glass bricks. And while we hate to break it to you again, many designers stand by that statement.
“Glass block suffers from an association problem more than a design problem,” Rachel Robinson of Dunham Robinson tells House Beautiful. “It had its moment—used a certain way, frequently—and that trend left a strong visual imprint that can read as dated now.”
The same could be said for plenty of once-ubiquitous design features. Take wood paneling: After being overused throughout the 1970s and '80s, it's returned as a rich, sophisticated element that homeowners and designers now actively seek out.
Curious how glass blocks can feel fresh, we asked designers to share how they incorporate them into modern homes. Ahead are their best tips for making these light-catching architectural accents feel current.
The Beauty of Glass Blocks
Designer James Huniford of Huniford Design Studio sees glass bricks “as an opportunity to rethink how walls can function within an interior.” Instead of looking at them solely as dividers of some sort, they introduce light, texture, and architectural interest in ways that are honestly hard to replicate.
“Strip away the nostalgia, and what you're left with is actually a pretty inventive, versatile building material with properties nothing else quite replicates,” Robinson adds. “It's structural, it diffuses light beautifully, and it can provide privacy without sacrificing brightness.”
In a recent Brooklyn brownstone project Robinson worked on, glass blocks ended up serving multiple uses at once. “We needed infill where existing windows sat too close to the lot line to be technically allowed as windows,” she explains, and their solution was to use fire-rated glass bricks in place of the old windows. They function as real, code-compliant walls that also allow natural light to pour through.
Robinson’s team ended up loving the look so much that they expanded the openings even more. “In the end, the glass block became a kind of backdrop and bridge—the connective tissue between the home's original historic bones and the contemporary furnishings we brought in.”
How to Use Glass Blocks in Your Space
Glass blocks are chameleons, meaning they can look great alongside any design aesthetic. “Set against rich woods and dark lacquers, it can lean into an Art Deco sensibility,” Robinson says. “Paired with earthy terracotta, it starts to echo midcentury warmth. Set against soft pastels, it reads as thoroughly contemporary.” The common thread is intentionality—glass blocks shouldn’t be an afterthought.
Whether you’re lucky enough to inherit these bricks in a move or you want to add them to your existing space, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure they don’t look out of place.
Don’t Make Them Compete
Though these blocks are often translucent, they’re still a bold design choice and shouldn’t compete with colors or patterns around them. “Pair glass block with tones that feel soft and enveloping rather than loud—colors that work alongside the block's diffused light rather than fighting it for attention,” Robinson says.
Play With Scale
There’s a standard type of glass block that many people think of when putting them into a home, but Robinson suggests playing with this feature more. Don’t simply go with the square, wavy module; instead, opt for large formats, unexpected proportions, or a textured finish to make it feel more intentional and interesting.
Create Unexpected Contrast
Because glass blocks are so versatile, they pair well with any aesthetic, but if you’re going for a more contemporary look, Robinson says to pair them next to something unusual. Think a dark lacquer finish, a saturated primary hue, or a soft pastel. “The tension is what makes it feel fresh.”
Treat Them as Architecture
Don’t simply think of glass bricks as decor; treat them like architecture. “The more it functions as a genuine structural or spatial element—a wall, a partition, a light source—the less it reads as a nostalgic material choice,” Robinson adds.
Huniford explains that he’s been using glass blocks in his work for years and continues to love it as a versatile architectural material. “Most recently, we installed them in a West Village residence, using them to separate a kitchen from a living room where the kitchen lacked natural light, allowing light to filter through while maintaining a connection between the spaces,” he says. Not only does this glass-block wall invite in a bit of that natural light, but it also adds to the moody, lounge-like feel of the entire home.
