Glass Block Decorating Ideas

Glass block is a building unit that defines space and diffuses light in both home and commercial facilities. Sometimes seen as "retro," glass block has many uses for home decor that can take advantage of its versatile look and brick-like construction. Whether it's clear glass or colored, recovered or new, glass block can add an unexpected touch in your home with just a little effort. Does this Spark an idea?

Window Dressing

Use glass block in a small structure to filter light. Take six glass blocks, and using contact cement, glue them into a pyramid design with three blocks on the bottom, two in the next row and one on top. Remove the handle from a standard window so that the glass rests flat against the window, and place the blocks on the window ledge to create a faux glass block window with flair.

Furniture Accents

Make your own durable coffee table or side table. Take a 16-inch-by-48-inch piece of MDF board and paint it black. Purchase some simple but strong coffee-table-height table legs and paint them black. Attach them to the bottom of the MDF board with table leg brackets. Glue six 8-inch-by-8-inch glass blocks to the top of the MDF board with contact cement and allow to dry.

Small Decorative Containers

Create useful glass block planters or containers by gluing blocks together with contact cement. Use one block for the bottom, and sit four additional blocks around the perimeter of the block to create the container. For a deeper box you can add another layer of glass blocks or make a wider box by adding additional squares to the bottom. These containers will be heavy, so place them in a location where you won't have to move them too often.

Light Them Up

Glass blocks are hollow, so you can fill them with lights with just a little effort. Drill a hole in the side of a glass block with a masonry bit and a roto-drill. Rinse out and allow to dry overnight. Push a string of 20 Christmas lights into the block to create an illuminated square. Wrap with a festive bow to create an otherworldly gift look for decorating.