How Glass Can Improve Your Outdoor Living Space This Spring
With spring arriving in the Southwest, now is the perfect time to prepare your outdoor space for the warmer months ahead. Whether you’re looking to create a sleek modern patio, make the most of your garden views, or add a stylish feature to your outdoor area, glass is an excellent material to enhance both aesthetics and functionality.
At Union Glass, we specialise in bespoke glass solutions that can help transform your outdoor space into a bright, open, and inviting area to enjoy throughout the season. In this article, we’ll explore how glass balustrades, garden mirrors, glass canopies, and other innovative solutions can elevate your garden or patio this spring.
Enhance Your Patio with Glass Balustrades
Glass balustrades are one of the most stylish and practical ways to enhance an outdoor space. Unlike traditional fencing or railings, glass balustrades provide an unobstructed view of your garden while offering safety and wind protection.
– Maximise Natural Light: Glass balustrades allow sunlight to flow freely, keeping your outdoor space bright and open.
– Durability & Safety: Made from toughened safety glass, balustrades are strong enough to withstand the elements while maintaining a sleek appearance.
– Low Maintenance: Unlike wooden fencing, glass does not rot or require repainting—simply clean it with a glass-safe solution to keep it looking pristine.
Perfect for patios, terraces, and raised garden areas, glass balustrades are a modern addition that enhances both safety and style. At Union Glass, we offer bespoke designs to fit your space, ensuring a seamless look that complements your outdoor environment.
Use Garden Mirrors to Create the Illusion of More Space
If you have a small garden or courtyard, adding a well-placed garden mirror can make your outdoor space feel larger and more dynamic. Reflective surfaces bounce light around, giving the illusion of depth and making even the smallest garden feel more expansive.
– Brighten Shaded Areas: Place a mirror in a darker corner to reflect natural light into shadowed spaces.
– Add a Decorative Feature: Frosted or antique-style glass mirrors bring a unique design element to outdoor walls.
– Enhance Greenery: Positioning a mirror opposite plants or flowers creates the impression of a lush, vibrant garden.
Using a weather-resistant mirror designed for outdoor use will ensure long-lasting results while adding a touch of elegance to your space.
Shelter Your Space with a Glass Canopy or Pergola
Springtime in the Southwest can bring unpredictable weather, and a glass canopy or pergola allows you to enjoy your outdoor area come rain or shine.
– Weather Protection: A glass canopy provides shelter from rain showers while still letting in plenty of natural light.
– Stylish Addition: Modern and minimal, glass canopies complement any exterior design without blocking views.
– Customisable Options: Choose clear or tinted glass to control the amount of sunlight filtering through.
For those looking to entertain outdoors throughout the season, a glass canopy is a fantastic addition to patios, garden seating areas, or outdoor kitchens.
Upgrade Your Outdoor Dining Area with Glass Windbreaks
If your garden or patio is exposed to coastal or high winds, glass windbreaks offer a practical and stylish solution. Commonly used in restaurants and cafés, these transparent barriers provide shelter from the wind while maintaining an open and airy atmosphere.
– Protect Outdoor Seating Areas: Reduce wind exposure while keeping views unobstructed.
– Increase Comfort: Ideal for al fresco dining areas, allowing you to enjoy outdoor meals without being disturbed by the breeze.
– Versatile Design: Can be installed as freestanding panels or integrated into existing structures.
Union Glass supplies and installs glass windbreaks tailored to your space, ensuring your garden remains a comfortable place to relax throughout spring and summer.
The Benefits of Using Glass in Outdoor Design
Using glass in your outdoor space offers multiple advantages:
✔ Minimal Maintenance – Unlike wood or metal, glass won’t rust or deteriorate over time.
✔ Weather Resistance – Toughened safety glass is designed to withstand varying conditions.
✔ Sleek & Modern Look – Glass seamlessly fits into both contemporary and traditional outdoor designs.
✔ Versatile & Customisable – Available in clear, frosted, or tinted finishes to match your personal style.
Sustainability & Energy Efficiency
Choosing glass features for your outdoor space can also contribute to a more sustainable home. Glass allows for greater use of natural daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Additionally, toughened glass is fully recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
For more information on sustainable design choices, visit the Centre for Sustainable Energy.
Conclusion
As spring arrives in Plymouth and the Southwest, now is the perfect time to upgrade your garden, patio, or balcony with elegant glass features. Whether you want a sleek balustrade, a decorative garden mirror, or a practical glass canopy, Union Glass has the expertise to create stunning and durable outdoor solutions.
Get in touch with Union Glass today to explore how our bespoke glass installations can transform your outdoor space for the season ahead. Let’s bring your vision to life with high-quality, expertly crafted glass solutions designed to enhance your home or business.

01752 664418
sales@unionglass.co.uk
Union Glass Centres The Glassworks 31-32 Emma Place Plymouth PL1 3QT