At one time glass was considered as cold and static. Today's decorators have learned how to blend glass with color and light to create mood and bring life to a room. A new glass, UltraGlas, can be shaped into textured sheets and panels with raised designs.

It is used in everything from tabletops and windows to mirrors and showers enclosures. UltraGlas adds drama and elegance to every d'cor without creating a crafty or homemade atmosphere in the home.

UltraGlas comes in sheets that can be used for making everything from furniture to lamp shades. It also comes in tiles that can be used anywhere that normal tile is used, including the floor.

The fundamental design element of glass is its ability to manipulate light and color. Opaque, textured, colored, etched, and stained glass has limitless uses in today's homes. Textured glass can be used over a window to create an open concept bathroom. It can be used as a backsplash in the kitchen.

Opaque and textured glass is a perfect cover for a glass table when the homeowner is tired of looking at their feet through the table. It also hides smudges and fingerprints on the glass.

Glass tile can be used in areas where it can be combined with lighting to create an artistic and delicate room. A wall, floor, counter, table, or divider can be covered in tile. Then, experiment with different types of lights, hues, and intensity of light. Different lighting and laminations will reflect and refract differently.

Light on a smooth surface will reflect, adding space to the room, opening up space. Light on a textured or etched glass will refract, breaking the light apart and opening up the different colors. These colors are an intangible element that can add a subtle aura to a room without any garish or bold elements.

Glass was once etched with horse glue. Today, it is etched with lasers, chemicals, and can even be stenciled. Etching glass breaks up large expanses of glass, finishing the room. It also adds an artistic aspect to the room without cluttering the d'cor with figurines, pictures, and knick-knacks.

Decorating with glass is about elegance and sophistication. Glass is perfect in areas where minimalist design is favored over clutter and intense color. A modern room can appear sterile and institutionalized without adding color. However, adding pictures, rugs, and knick-knacks can ruin the room.

Combining glass and light, in the right combination, can add colorful hues to a room without competing with the clean lines and simple styles.

Glass can also bring life to more cluttered designs like French or English Country. It can be difficult to recreate these designs and maintain a livable environment. Glass can eliminate the clutter, while maintaining the high level of interest and color. Glass can reflect the designs and figurines back into the room, creating the illusion of a riot of color and texture, without actually overwhelming the room.

Glass is the new ?art.? When used correctly, glass can bring sophistication and design luminance to any room.