There’s no denying that glass coffee tables are gorgeous. However, they’re not exactly maintenance-free. That said, if you’re hesitant to purchase a glass coffee table because of the potential upkeep, chances are it’s not as involved as you think. To demystify the care surrounding glass coffee tables, we’ve created a quick go-to guide. Read on for tricks and tips to help keep your glass looking first-class!
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Place it out of Harm’s Way
The number one way to preserve your glass coffee table? Prevent breakage. Keep this in mind when selecting a spot for your table. Keep your table out of high-traffic areas and separate from childrens’ play areas. Also ensure that there’s adequate distance between your sofa and coffee table. Lastly, remind those who might be inclined to use a glass coffee table as a footrest that last fragile stand-ins are highly recommended.
Protect the surface
Glass won’t water-mark like wood, but don’t think that means you can get by forgoing coasters. Glass will scratch easily, so make sure you use coasters as a buffer when setting down drinks or plates. Adhere felt pads to the bottom of your coffee table decor, as well. Pads are a must for objects with sharp corners or wooden bases — but hey, why not apply them to the bottom of your coffee table books as a little extra insurance as well?
Use shock absorbers on the feet
Pop furniture pads onto the feet of your coffee table to help absorb shocks that could potentially shatter it. Whether it’s a slammed door or wrestling kids, sudden, jarring movements can create an impact that has the potential to fracture your table. Additionally, choose pads with some grip to prevent your table from sliding in the event of direct contact.
Dust often
True or false — dust can scratch the surface of your glass table? Unfortunately, it’s true. But not without a caveat: dust that’s left for a long period of time and pressed into the surface by books, coasters, or decor is more likely to scratch. This is all to say, dust your glass coffee table often. Glass experts recommend using a microfiber cloth along with a homemade cleaner composed of one cup of water, one tablespoon of vinegar, and one cup of alcohol. To keep dust at bay between wipe-downs, run a fabric softener sheet over the glass every few days — they’re reported to be dust bunny kryptonite.
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Lead photo by John Merkl / Styled by Jody Kennedy / At the home of Allison Speer, designed by Allison Caccoma
