A quick guide to industrial style glass partitions

The industrial style glass and window look has been making a return recently and has become very popular not only on external windows and doors but also to internal black frame partitions and screens. The black grid framing (also known as banded glazing) used on glass partitioning adds a factory style look to any space without losing its' clean, modern appearance. It's also great for smaller, closed rooms and offices as light and space can still flow between areas. In this guide, we will look at how and where you can use the industrial style glass framing or banded glazing in internal partition or screens both in homes and commercial spaces. We will also look at the different types of partitions available in this style and how these can affect your budget.

Above: Industrial style glass partitioning used in a lounge, with double doors on hinges

How and where to use industrial style glass partitioning

Industrial glass framing "look" is linked to architectural styles from the start of the 20th Century, such as Art Deco. In partitioning, it can also be compared to the Japanese Shōji style walls (built using a grid of light timber frames with translucent paper material). However, as can be seen with recent trends, this decorative grid-style partitioning is versatile enough to work in most modern spaces and buildings.

There are many ways industrial style glass screens can be used and how it can play an active role in your space, for example by:

• Creating subtle divisions without it feeling cramped

• Allowing more light and space to flow between areas

• Using the decorative grid to enhance your interior design

• Creating a private, quiet area when acoustic glass or double glazing is used to reduce noise levels

• Giving your space an industrial, stylish modern look

• Creating a sense of openness, ideal for small spaces

Other benefits are:

• Industrial style glass partitioning can be easy to install, taken down and moved (ensure you use an experienced, reputable glass installation company)

• High ceilings are not usually an issue

• The crossbars and grid pattern can be changed

• There are various styles, materials and colours available (black or dark grey are the most popular colours)

Above: Industrial style glass partitioning (installation by Prism Glass)

Above: Horizontal and vertical bars used on a mirror to create the industrial black frame look

These glass framing style walls are quite versatile, and there are many applications and places where it can be used, such as:

• ​Shower screens, wet rooms and bathrooms

• Mirrors by face fixing the bars

• Subtle divides between walkways, hallways and other rooms

• Open-plan kitchens to avoid smells in other places

• Lounges, game rooms and TV rooms, so the sound does not travel to other parts of the house

Black steel framing and glass work well in areas with exposed brick, concrete, stone, timber, painted walls and more. Thus, the system works well in homes, offices, shops, restaurants and cafes.

Above: Industrial effect glass partitioning used in a home (installation by Prism Glass)

Types of industrial effect glass walls and costs

There are many types of industrial style partitions; the main two are framed glass partitions and frameless decorative grid partitions. Framed glass partitions consist of a grid formed of mullions (vertical profiles), transoms (horizontal crossbars) and glass (fitted inside the grid). Frameless decorative grid partitions are simply strips or bands of flat aluminium trim fixed to the surface of the glass partition (on both sides) to form the grid "look" of industrial style glass partitioning.

In terms of costs, frameless decorative grid partitions are the cheaper of the two options. This includes materials and installation costs. Many other factors may affect your costs, some of these are types of doors used, sound reduction (acoustic glass or double glazed), site conditions, bespoke features (for example RAL colours not available off the self) and more.

This article should be viewed as a guide, it's impossible to cover all aspects of partitioning. It's essential you speak to a reputable and experienced glazing company, like Prism Glass, who will be able to advise you further and explain the installation process to you. You can view our wide range of glass jobs and services on our projects page and services page. If you would like to know more about industrial style glass partitioning or would like to discuss your glazing project, please contact us today.

About the writer: Paulo Ferreira has extensive experience in project management and worked at Prism Glass for two years, where he managed glass installation projects and day to day operations. He also has extensive experience in financial services. His skills include graphic design, branding, content marketing and blogging.

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