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Whether replacing the top of a table that shattered or looking to breathe life into an old piece of furniture, you are going to need a custom glass piece, is it worth all that hassle? Interior design and architecture magazine Homedit says, oh yeah. Glass tables offer versatility and fit into just about any design scheme. A glass surface is easy to clean and protects the structure of the table from dings, rings and other things that damage it. Consider how custom glass improves a key piece of furniture and how to order it.

Two Ways to Use Glass on Tables

There are two design concepts at play when you talk about a glass top table. A custom glass piece can fit over the top of an existing table to protect the surface. That is really its only job.

The second way you can use glass is as the table top, sitting pretty on a pedestal or wood frame. This is the style of many contemporary dining room set ups, tea carts or coffee tables.

The Design Appeal of a Glass Top

Glass top furniture is an ideal choice for small rooms, because the reflection and the clear top make that room appear larger. Colorful accent pieces sitting on top of the glass reflect to create a unique style. Adding a table runner incorporates a splash of color into the room without covering up the beauty of the glass.

Best of all, a glass table top allows you to upcycle some interesting things. Turn an old, carved door into a dining room table, for example. Just build legs and attach them to the door. Order a custom glass piece that fits over the top to flatten out the surface.

HGTV showcases a distinctive design project that allows you to create a coffee table that glows like a fireplace. You build the box base using wood from the local hardware store. Fill the inside with decorative rocks and battery-operated lights for the glowing effect, and then cover the top with a custom cut piece of glass.

Getting the Right Fit

It's critical you provide the glass cutting service with accurate information when ordering a top for the table. Here are some tips for getting the right fit.

• Measure the table – If it is a square piece, measure the width and length of the top of the table or the frame. If the piece is round, provide the cutter with a diameter size. In other words, measure across the table at the widest point.
• Create a template – If the table is an unusual shape, or you are just not sure about your measurements, trace a template the cutter can use as a reference using white craft paper or newspaper. Just lay the paper over the top of the table and secure it with heavy objects. Use a marker or color to define the edges. Double check your template against the measurements you took just to be sure they match.
• Create a CAD file – If you are computer savvy and familiar with CAD software, you can recreate your table as a 3D model and give the file to your cutter to use as a reference, especially if going to a large chain home design or hardware store.

There are a couple more things to consider when ordering a custom glass table top. What type of glass do you want, for example? Tempered is a practical choice for a table top. How about a smoky tint and fancy edging like rounded pencil grind or beveled? Ask the glass cutter for suggestions on ways to make your glass table top stand out.