Author: Tim Janssen

4 Simple Mirror Tricks to Make a Small Room Feel Larger

Mirror Tricks for a Small Room

Does a room in your home feel somewhat cramped no matter how you arrange your furniture? We may have the solution for you. Mirrors! We don’t mean a magician with mirrors and smoke, though. We mean getting a custom mirror made by Janssen Glass & Door specifically for your problem area. Here are four tips on how you can use custom mirror solutions to make a small room appear larger.

When choosing the style of mirror to use, take the entire room into consideration. You can have a simple, classic and clean mirror with no edging and a simple frame, or you could have an antiqued and muted reflecting mirror with raised edging and a painted frame. Plain and simple to gilded gold – it all depends on the decor in your room.

Propping

mirror propped against the wall behind a glass table

Propping a large floor length mirror behind a piece of furniture in small spaces visually creates a larger space.

Whether you prop it behind a regular chair, an overstuffed chair, or an entry table, make sure to use a mirror that is the same width of the furniture and about twice as tall.

This will give the piece prominence and make it feel purposeful rather than like an afterthought.

Entryways are great places to try this as they are the first impression your guests experience and they give you a convenient place to take a quick wardrobe once-over before you walk out the door to face the world.

To be on the safe side, it’s best to attach the mirror to the wall with brackets even if you are resting the mirror on the floor.

Related Read: New Ways to Bring Light Into Your Home Using Glass & Mirrors

Positioning Is Key

double mirrors in bedroom positioned so light is duplicated

When deciding on where to place your oversized mirror for the biggest size-boosting properties, place it on the same wall, or a neighboring wall to a natural light source.

This placement will allow natural light to be reflected back into your home, thereby increasing your perception of light and space in the room.

If you place an oversized mirror on a wall directly across from a natural light source, the light will bounce directly off of the mirror and right back out the same window. This will leave you with the same measly light you had in the room to begin with.

Use the Light

Place a mirror behind a light source. Whether it’s behind a candle, a pendant light, or a bedside lamp, a mirror will help to maximize the light’s reach while creating an almost magical effect.

Duplicate Windows

Create another window by placing a mirror at an angle next to the real deal.The reflection maximizes the effect of natural light and pleasant outdoor views, allowing you to appreciate them from multiple angles.

Make a Mirror Wall

mirror wall

Mirror wall! Now, we’re not talking about covering the entire wall in one big mirror. While that can be a bit too much, using mirrors as a design element can add a fun, interesting feel while expanding the visual space in the room at the same time.

There are three approaches you can use to create this effect. Simply hang a collection of similar small mirrors (in the same way you would use pictures).

When hung in a grid pattern, this creates a fun window effect. You can hang large panels of antiqued mirrors (this breaks up the reflection and reads almost more like art than mirror). Or you can use a single large framed mirror. The trim will give the mirror context rather than leaving your guests to figure out whether that’s really a wall or another room.

Other Tips to Make a Small Space Seem Larger

colors-for-windows

Skip Window Treatments
Heavy curtains can make the windows seem smaller and also let less light into the room. Let the windows speak for themselves and keep the look light and clean. Streamlined.

Use Lighter Colors 
Lighter colors make a small space seem airy and open. Dark shades will close it in.

 

Paint Walls and Trim Similar Colors
Paint your walls, trim, and detailing in different shades of one color, such as white, off-white, and beige to expand a room. You can also try pairing gallery white walls with a very pale gray on trim and detailing. By not defining the specific parts of the wall, it all blends expanding the visual palette.

Reduce Clutter
Fewer items will make the room seem larger. Keep accessories and smaller pieces of furniture to a minimum.

Float Your Furniture
Sometimes the natural inclination when trying to make a room seem bigger is to push the furniture against the walls creating an open space in the middle. Try angling your bed or “floating” the sofa in the living room. Breathing room around your furniture lends the appearance of more space. Experiment and have fun!

To create a custom mirror piece to help bring new light and space to a room in your home, call Janssen Glass & Door today at 913-677-5727.

5 Creative Ways to Incorporate Glass into Your Outdoor Space

pivoting glass doors for patio

If you’re looking for a way to make your patio stand out, consider adding some custom glass features. Yes, glass! Believe it or not, there are a number of ways glass can help you put your own personal stamp on your patio, taking it from ordinary to unexpectedly extraordinary.

Don’t believe us? Give some thought to these 5 creative ways of using glass on a patio and you’ll begin to get an idea of what we’re talking about when we say that glass can take your patio up a notch.

1. Glass “Walls”

custom glass lit with led lightsYour patio or porch is like an extension of your home, so treat it like one.

This creative patio design uses sandblasted glass and LED lights to create an enclosed space that offers privacy by day and a spark of colorful drama by night.

2. Pivoting Glass Doors

Rather than the usual sliding glass or French doors connecting your living space to your patio, open up the inside of your home to the great outdoors by installing pivoting glass doors. Blur the space between indoors and outdoors and add an unexpected modern flair to a patio that’s right off the house.

 

3. Frosted Glass Patio Cover

Frosted Glass Patio CoverA patio cover is a great way to allow you to stay on the patio even when an occasional rain shower passes through.

But instead of shading the area with a solid cover, consider using frosted glass panels in a wooden frame to allow some filtered light to come through, keeping the patio or deck bright and welcoming even on a partly cloudy day.

This will allow you to enjoy a panoramic view from any vantage point on your back patio.

 

4. Glass Pool Surround

frameless glass pool wallYour scenic backyard shouldn’t be closed off with a bulky barrier around your pool, don’t obstruct it with a heavy wood or steel railing.

Use custom glass railings to enclose your pool instead of a solid or chain-link fence. This contemporary tempered glass enclosure creates a clean, modern effect for your outdoor living space.

And don’t worry about glass railings being more fragile, we use special safety glass for these projects, which is extremely strong. If it is somehow broken, it crumbles safely into large, round chunks instead of splintering into jagged edges like normal glass.

 

5. Glass-Topped Patio Table

glass table top for patio tableIt’s amazing to see how many creative ideas for table bases people can come up with, and there’s no better way to show off a unique table base than with a custom-cut glass top.

Instead of going with a store-bought patio table, make yours one-of-a-kind and special!

We can make a glass table top to lay over an existing table, which helps create more stability for food and drink to sit on, or we can cut an entirely independent glass piece for a completely unique look.

We can also create any glass edge type you’d like to complete your custom glass table.

If you have an idea for a special glass patio feature or enhancement, call Janssen Glass & Door at (913) 677-5727. We serve the entire KC Metro and provide a custom glass shop with experienced craftsmen and designers ready to turn your unique glass visions into reality!

Digitally Printed Glass: The New Futuristic Alternative to Stained Glass

janssen-glass-digitally-stained-glass-commercial-buildingForget the cookie-cutter mentality–we’re in the age of personalization. Whether it’s our phones, our home, or our office, we like to make our lives feel unique and reflect our personal style. This new glass trend is attracting the attention of businesses and homeowners alike by breaking barriers and adding yet another aspect of customization to our lives, where the only limitation is your own imagination. Continue reading to learn more…

What Is Digitally Printed Glass & How Is It Done?

janssen-glass-digitally-printed-frameless-glass-shower-doorDigitally printed glass is a method of using ceramic paint to add images, patterns, or text into flat glass surfaces using ceramic glass printing technology. The process begins with a high-resolution image being sent to a specialized printer mounted on a track, under which glass panels are added. Unique software is used to tell the printer the size of glass pane being used; among other details such as if the image will be in black and white or color.

The printer then copies the image onto the glass precisely using a revolutionary type of ceramic ink. The glass pane is then transferred to an oven for thermal curing. Once complete, the ink will be weather proof, scratch proof, UV resistant, and nearly impossible to remove from the glass. This means it will remain vibrant and damage-resistant for years to come. Accidents can always happen, but luckily, when disaster strikes, repair and replacement is both easy and cost-effective compared to other glass methods.

Where Can Digitally Printed Glass Be Used?

janssen-glass-digitally-printed-marble-glass-kitchen-backsplashWith features such as adjustable transparency and opacity, which are used to create subtle textures or the tiniest of details within a photo, the possible uses for this new glass technology are endless. Here are some examples:

  • Home: Imagine adding your family’s beach photo to your shower door or privacy panels with exquisite nature scenes to separate spaces. Try amping up your kitchen with a new back splash (like the one to the right) printed to look like marble that gets people talking while remaining easy to clean and sanitize. Another great option is to have an old, cherished family photo digitized and printed for extra durability.
  • Commercial: At work, branding your company logo on the outside windows can make a huge impact. Entire entryways can have a faux brick texture to set a welcoming mood. Or a faux salt aquarium to set the mood in a dentist’s waiting room without the maintenance. Print your store hours right onto the glass door panels and add permanent safety reminders on the bathroom mirrors.
  • janssen-glass-conference-room-digitally-printed-glass-new-technologySchools. Many classrooms can be personalized with fun and contemporary images to keep an open feel while helping to minimize distractions. You can also add soothing scenes or colors to the windows of your classroom to help ease students into productivity.
  • Churches: Many churches are known for having beautiful stained glass, but many are starting to opt for digitally printed glass instead. Why? Digitally printed glass can give the exact same effect as stained glass, but it’s easier and more cost efficient to install and it’s much faster, easier, and cheaper to repair.

Expert Tip: Use digitally printed glass to add tint to the windows of your business or home to minimize sunlight and help reduce cooling costs!

Digitally Printed Glass vs. Stained Glass

New stained glass windows at St Mary's Church in Darwin
New stained glass windows at St Mary’s Church in Darwin

For centuries, humanity the world over would unanimously agree that few sights are as stunning as a full mosaic of stained glass. Similarly, little could compare to the delicate lattice-work of etched glass. These two kings of glass art worked to instill a sense of royalty, money, and power from onlookers of such pieces. However, as the saying goes, heavy is the crown.

Though they are both beautiful in their complexity, these titans of the glass world don’t come cheap, and don’t hang around for cheap either. If your stained or etched glass is broken, it can cost anywhere between $177-$402 in stained glass repair. Stained glass also needs regular maintenance such as re-grouting of the glass panels, and re-leading of the mosaic itself. Etched glass doesn’t fare any better, with costs being so high, repair estimates aren’t normally listed.

These are just a few ways customers are utilizing this new technology. If you’d like to learn more about what digital printing can bring to your home or business, give Janssen Glass a call at (913) 677-5727 or contact us online today!

How to Create the Glass Gallery Wall of Your Dreams

janssen-glass-gallery-wall-living-room-styleWe’ve all got one. That sad, blank wall that’s begging for some extra attention. Whether it needs something to brighten it, make it look interesting, or make it the focal point of the room, you can do it all with a gorgeous gallery wall. You’ve seen them all over Pinterest, but what about creating one in your own home? Here’s how to make it happen.

janssen-glass-stairway-gallery-wallDecide What You’d Like

First thing’s first, what do you want to add to your gallery. Whether it’s glass framed art or family photos, nature scenes, prints, or paintings; the options are endless.

Different sized frames or equal sized ones are a matter of personal choice as is using different shapes beyond squares for the overall feel. Glass floating shelves are another option to consider in your gallery. Whether you choose to make it themed, or a beautiful combination of all the things you love, either way there are no rules to follow so have fun!

Related Read: How to Protect Glass When Painting (Without Using Tape)

Play Around Until It’s Perfect

With your gallery pieces ready, place them on the floor just below or near the wall you wish to use. Move them around, add or subtract pieces until you have a design that you love. One hint is to start with the largest or your favorite piece first (perhaps a gorgeous mirror to maximize the space), make that your centerpiece, and work out from there.

If you feel like you have a pattern you like, but aren’t ready to nail it into the wall quite yet, use newspaper to finalize your decision. Cut to the size of each piece you plan on putting on your wall and hang with painter’s tape to mimic the pattern you just laid out. It may sounds tedious, but this way you can get a good idea for spacing and what it will look like overall. This also leaves you the opportunity to move things around before it’s “set in stone.”

Related Read: How to Spruce Up Any Old Coffee Table

Last But Not Least

When you’re finally ready, it’s time to complete the product. Gather your tools and make sure you have a level and a ruler handy to avoid crooked edges and inconsistent spacing. Remember, there are no rules to go by while creating your gallery wall. If you love it as a whole, and the individual pieces within it, consider it a success!

Need help with some glass elements for your gallery wall? Contact the experts at Janssen Glass and see what custom-made glass shelves or unique mirrors we can create for your unique project!

The Top Bathroom Remodeling Trends of 2017

It’s the start of a new year, and with it comes new trends in remodeling. If you’re looking to refinish your bathroom with the latest and greatest, then you’re in luck, because we’ve put together a handy list that includes just that.

Radiant Flooring

Heating your bathroom shouldn’t ever be a problem if you use radiant floor heating. Luxury comes with warm toes on a cold winter’s morning, and this little bit of extra will never go wrong. It also makes your house a hot commodity at resale because future buyers simply love this added feature (especially in the colder climates).

Frameless Glass Doors

janssen-radiant-flooring-bathroom-remodelSimple, elegant and clean is the way to go when choosing your glass shower doors. Frameless doors add value to your home with their beauty and impact. The trick is getting them installed perfectly, which is easily done by hiring a professional (as the glass is heavy and breakable, it’s best to have someone who knows what they’re doing), such as the ones at Janssen Glass. Frameless doors are the newest trend in showers, giving your bathroom an automatically updated feel.

Related Read: 5 Questions to Ask before Installing a Glass Shower Door

White Tile

While bold colors are coming into style, white tile has remained classic and stylish. If you’re wanting to make an impact but don’t want to take the risk of new colors, white is the way to go. Buyers love a clean look, and white tiles in any pattern or design are one way of making a statement.

Natural Materials

Organic is on the rise, as is incorporating “green” touches into your remodels. Bamboo flooring seems to be a fan favorite, but other organic touches seem to be making their mark too. The key is to not go overboard, and use the touches as just that.

Smart Storage

When wanting to make a statement with your new bathroom, you need to remember to make it practical as well. The newest trends show smarter storage, with vertical built in cabinets, or decorative armoires. Whatever your decision, the storage is the important part.

Related Read: 7 Quick Tips for a Guest Ready Shower

Brass Accentsjanssen-brass-sink-accents-bathroom-tasks

Brass accents are back in style! To be fair, the seventies touch can be a bit much if you go too far, but brass faucets in a lovely bathroom will add just a little bling to the room. 2017 is promising to bring back this style, as more and more homeowners are finding it appealing.

Geometric Designs

And finally, the latest and biggest in bathroom trends is the introduction of geometric design; the bolder the better. Patterns and designs in the most modern of geometric style are coming into play now, with buyers and remodelers looking for impact.

Remodeling should, of course, be done to fit your needs and style, but if you know you’re going to sell in the future, it’s good to know what trends to follow.

Ready to start your remodel? We’d love to help! Feel free to contact the experts at Janssen Glass today!

7 Quick Tips for a Guest Ready Shower

janssen-glass-shower-ready-for-guestsWhen your friends and family come to Kansas City for the holidays, there are a few things you do to prepare for a successful visit. You clean up, stock the fridge, and hide the good silver. Are you forgetting something? If it feels like you are, make sure to check that your bathrooms are ready for your guests.

  1. Get Rid of the Mold

    Have you been meaning to attack that mildew in your guest shower? Having company come to town might be just the push you need to get rid of the grunge. Here are some tips for getting rid of mold and mildew. If it’s your shower door tracks that are grungy, here is a quick guide to cleaning shower door tracks.

  2. Clean Shower Doors and Curtains

    Whether your shower door is covered in soap scum or your shower curtain is tattered, make sure to either clean or replace them. Here are some glass cleaning tips for shower doors.

  3. Fix That Dreaded Drip

    Don’t keep your guests awake all night with a dripping shower. Here is a quick guide for how to fix a dripping shower.

  4. Check Your Drains

    If your guest bathroom is not used frequently, you may not know that the drain is clogged. Run some water and be sure to clear any drains if there are backups or standing water. You can buy a Zip Strip at your local hardware store for a couple of bucks that will clean hair out of your drain in a jiffy.

  5. Look for Leaks

    Do puddles form around your shower? Glass shower doors are not water tight and normal use tests the sealant around your shower door frame. If leaks are minor, check out How to Re-Caulk Your Shower. If your leaks are larger, it is probably time for a new shower door.

  6. Troubleshoot Low Water Pressure

    Nothing is worse than going to take a shower and having low water pressure! While checking drains and looking for leaks, keep an eye on your water pressure. Are your faucets and showerheads sputtering? Check your hot and cold water separately. If your pressure is considerably lower for hot water, then you should to check your hot water heater and lines.

  7. Can Your Hot Water Heater Keep Up?

    While we are on the topic of things that ruin a shower, having extra guests in your home means your water heater may be put to the test. Rather than waiting for screams coming from the guest bathroom when an issue develops, make sure your hot water heater is in working condition before your guests arrive.

Call Janssen Glass & Door at (913) 677-5727 today to get a new shower door installed before the holidays.

Top 3 Showerheads to Complement a Glass Shower Door

You updated your shower with a new glass shower door, but there’s just one problem. Now all you can focus on when you look at your shower is the dated showerhead fixture. Not only is it an eyesore, its days of use have left it far less functional than you remember. Don’t just muddle through! Replace that showerhead to complement the rest of your bathroom renovations.

Wand Showerheads

Our favorite showerhead for function is the handheld wand style. These fixtures janssen shower head favoritesoften come with a traditional wall mount connected to a hose and allow you to hold the showerhead so that you can position the spray. Wand showerheads are most useful when cleaning your shower or washing a smaller child as you can control where the water goes when rinsing hair.

Ceiling Mounted Showerheads

The Huot Residence in the Oriental Warehouse

Does your bathroom have lower ceilings? Rainfall or rain shower fixtures are perfect for these bathrooms because you can recess the fixture, thus maximizing the space in your shower. No more battling wall-mounted showerheads that are placed too low! Your tall family members will thank you.

Body Spray ShowerheadsTransitional Master Bath

For the spa experience, here is a system of showerheads that can be adjusted. These spa showers offer a luxurious experience where panels of fixtures on opposite walls combine for a relaxing massage.

If you’re considering upgrading your showerhead, you may want a professional to check your plumbing. They will be able to make sure your system can handle the extra heads of a multi-head system without sacrificing water pressure or using too much water.

Need help with a shower door or other glass project? Janssen Glass is Kansas City’s go-to company for all of your glass needs. Contact us today to find out more, and make sure to keep up with Janssen’s blog for more helpful tips and tricks on keeping your shower in tiptop shape.

5 Questions to Ask before Installing a Glass Shower Door

5-questions-before-installing-a-glass-shower-doorYou’ve decided it’s time to install a new glass shower door in your home, but all of the choices are overwhelming! We understand, so here are some quick questions to ask yourself so that you can feel confident with your decision:

  • Would a sliding door, door and panel enclosure, or a swinging door work best with the floorplan of your bathroom? Every bathroom is different but it is also important to consider your lifestyle.
  • If updating an existing glass door, do you want to update your hardware or eliminate it? You may see the trend of updating finishes and envision an improvement, but be sure to also look through our gallery glass shower doors and take note of those that do not require a metal frame. This also means no more cleaning shower door tracks!
  • Do you want a thinner glass with a metal frame or a thicker glass that can stand alone without a metal frame? You should know that edges on frameless doors get darker the thicker the glass gets, and you will notice. Make sure to ask what the edges of the finished product will look like.
  • What pattern and color of glass do you prefer? We have 20 options for you whether you are installing a new shower door or replacing an old one. We can sometimes even do multiple textures to give privacy while still showing off your fabulous tile.
  • Is your bathroom an unusual configuration? No problem, contact us! We specialize in custom shower doors that will maximize your space and show off the other upgrades you’ve done in your bathroom.

For more information about glass shower doors, call us at (913) 677-5727 or check out our blog.

Bathroom Organization Tips to Keep Sane This Holiday Season

Janssen Bathroom Organization Tips to Keep Sane This Holiday SeasonIf the phrase “holiday season” sends you deep into a stressful spiral, you’re not alone. All of the demands that come with entertaining can get overwhelming. One solution to the holiday madness is getting organized now, so that you can sit back and enjoy the company of your loved ones later. A great place to start is making sure your bathrooms are organized.

Maximize Space

No matter the size of your bathroom, having guests over during the holidays makes your home feel smaller than it really is. Here are some tips for maximizing the space in your bathroom and making it easy for guests to find exactly what they need:

  • Towel bars on the back of doors keep towels out of the way but within reach.
  • Self-adhesive cups to hold toothbrushes and other small items affixed inside cabinets free up shelf and drawer space.
  • Switch to small, uniform sized bottles that fit easily in a shower organizer. Store larger bottles for refilling outside the shower.
  • Use magnetic surfaces and magnets to hold odds and ends.
  • Wooden boxes and trays make great drawer dividers or you can purchase some sliding trays to maximize the space in your cabinets.
  • Color coded towel tags help guests keep track of their towel.

Janssen Bathroom 6 Organization Tips to Keep Sane This Holiday SeasonFor more quick tips for getting your home ready for guests, check out our blog and call us at (913) 677-5727 for more information about the newest technology for glass shower doors.

Shower Door Tracks Cleaned in a Flash

janssen-clean-your-tracksArmed with your squeegee, your shower door is cleaner than ever! You realize that other parts of your shower may have been neglected, but now you’re ready to take them on. The only problem is that you can’t figure out how to clean out those tricky shower door tracks. Don’t worry, you probably have everything you need at home!

Round Up These Cleaning Supplies:

  • Paper Towels
  • Distilled White Vinegar
  • Toothbrush
  • Spray Bottle of Water
  • Q-Tips

Start Cleaning Your Shower Door Tracksclean-your-bathroom-janssen-glass

  1. Turn on your bathroom fan or open a window.
  2. Soak paper towels with vinegar.
  3. Lay paper towels onto the shower door tracks.
  4. Wait 30 minutes before removing the paper towels.
  5. Scrub tracks with toothbrush.
  6. Clean tight corners and screws with Q-tips.
  7. Rinse off vinegar with spray bottle of water.

Enjoy Your Clean Shower!

With the rusty gunk gone, now you can enjoy a clean bathroom! If you’re ready to get rid of the shower door tracks altogether, or you just want to update your bathroom, you have frameless shower door options. Heavy glass shower doors, for example, require less hardware, so you’ll never have to worry about cleaning shower tracks again!

Check out our photo gallery or call Janssen Glass & Door today for tips on how best to care for your glass shower doors, or to install new heavy glass shower doors at (913) 677-5727.