Are you looking to curate a chic and classy look in your living room? If so, glass furniture may be the clear (see what we did here?) choice. There are many design advantages of glass furniture—such as glass occasional tables, including glass-top coffee tables, glass sofa tables, glass end tables and more—making them an ideal fit for many living spaces.

Glass furniture exudes sophistication and elegance. It’s also a surprisingly versatile material that works with many different design styles. An elegant glass coffee table with curvy, dark wood legs is ideal for a traditional style space; while a bold coffee table with geometric lines and a crisp glass top can bring the drama to a contemporary living room. Pair a glass top with distressed wood legs, and you have a perfect occasional table for a casual or country style space.

There are also visual benefits that come from its transparent nature. Since glass is clear, it can create a spatial illusion and seemingly enhance your living space. This makes it an idyllic choice for small spaces, like your downtown condo or city apartment. Glass can also allow better light distribution throughout your room, which can help brighten up your living room.

You can further enhance the spatial benefits of a glass top table by choosing a table with subtle curves and light metal or wood, bringing a soft and airy feel into your living room. A round glass coffee table can add an intriguing and inviting décor element to your space. Plus, you can create an easy sense of balance in your living room by choosing a matching set of glass occasional tables: such as a glass coffee table and two end tables; or a glass coffee table, sofa table and end table set.

Mixed messages

Today’s homes feature all types of mixed materials; and it’s easy to stay on top of this hot trend with a glass top occasional table. Glass has a way of enhancing and drawing out the beauty of other materials, making it an ideal pairing with wood, metal and more. You can even choose a real conversation starter with a piece that mixes three materials, such as a well-crafted veneer legs, tempered glass and a metal base. Or get a one-of-a-kind look with a table that pairs marble, metal and glass for an on-trend, yet timeless appearance.

Breaking down the cons

While there are many advantages of glass coffee tables, there’s an obvious disadvantage as well. Of course, glass is much more breakable than solid wood or metal coffee tables. If you have young kids or other rowdy inhabitants, it’s probably best to avoid glass furniture—such as glass top coffee tables, as well as glass home décor, or at least keep the latter out of reach.

Of course, accidents can always happen, even without young kids in the house. A tempered glass coffee table is a good choice for many busy living rooms. These coffee tables are more durable than normal glass, and break into round pieces without sharp edges if an incident does occur.

Another con of glass is that it requires more maintenance. Glass is susceptible to fingerprints and other smudges, as well as scratches and chips. However, these are easy problems to solve. Glass can be effortlessly wiped down with your favorite glass cleaner and a trusty cloth, and you can use coasters to minimize scratches. These steps will help keep your glass looking sparkling and smooth.

With the proper care, the glass occasional tables of your choice can continue bringing style and sophistication into your room for years to come.