Glass Tips for Homeowners

How to Create a Mesmerizing Gallery Wall with Mirrors

Custom Mirror Wall Decoration One of the latest interior design trends that has caught fire is gallery walls. A gallery wall is comprised of several pieces of wall art (mirrors, paintings, photographs, objects, etc.) arranged in an appealing or provoking manner on one wall. Whether the point of the gallery wall is create balance or draw your eye to a certain view, you can make this trend work in your home with your favorite custom mirror from Janssen Glass & Door. You can even create a gallery wall with all mirrors! Be sure to pick mirrors of different sizes, reflective properties, and styles for the most interesting wall.

Pick a Focal Point

When creating a gallery wall for your Kansas City area home, be sure to pick a point of focus. Using a custom mirror makes a great focus for your gallery. The reflective properties of mirrors make for a great juxtaposition to matte paintings and objects.

Create Balance

Next, decide how to balance your gallery wall. A great idea is to lay out all the pieces on the ground just below the wall to see what it will look like. Play around with it to find the right balance. All pieces on both sides of the focus point don’t have to be completely balanced in size and placement for it to look right, though. Think of it more in terms of overall mass on either side of the focus of the wall.

And if your room isn’t quite balanced, with more furniture on one side than the other, use an unbalanced gallery wall to create a visual balance to it.

Once you know exactly how you want the gallery wall to hang, outline all of the pieces with construction paper and tape them to the wall where you want to hang each piece. This will make hanging the wall much less stressful.

Be Creative

When it comes down to it, a gallery wall is meant to be creative. There are no hard and fast rules. Show off your most visually provoking and captivating art pieces that will draw visitors’ eyes to your gallery wall. Then, continue to add to it over the years. It’s like a supersized scrapbook for your life that’s always on display.

Call Janssen Glass & Door today at (913) 677-5727 to help you create the perfect custom mirror piece for your gallery wall.

Glass Cleaning Dos & Dont’s

How to Clean Glass Right

Cleaning glass, whether it’s your beautiful windows, your custom glass shelves, or a mirror piece can be frustrating. It seems like no matter what technique you use, you end up with a streaky mess that is sometimes worse than before you cleaned it. The glass and mirror experts at Janssen Glass & Door have four tips to get the glass in your Kansas City home crystal clear and truly clean.

Use Distilled Water to Dilute Your Glass Cleaner

You may think that the tap water you are using to dilute your cleaners is clean, but that’s not always the case. Tap water from your sink can be chock full of minerals and metals that aren’t visible with the naked eye, but can create a streaky film when dried on a surface like glass. If you’re diluting your glass cleaner, consider using distilled water instead of tap water.

Use Vinegar for Streak-Free Cleaning

Vinegar is a great all-purpose cleaner for your home. Whether you’re out of your usual glass cleaner or you’re just looking for a cheaper option, vinegar can do wonders for your windows and mirrors. Try mixing a vinegar-water solution (50/50). Just spray or wipe it on like you would any other cleaner. Yes, there is a smell, but it will fade quickly and you’ll forget about it when you see your perfectly streak-free glass and mirrors.

Minimize the Use of Suds

Suds can leave your glass full of streaks. If your glass coffee table is dirty and you’re adding soap to the solution, remember to go easy. It doesn’t take much soap to get that grime, and using too much will result in a sudsy, streaky mess.

No More Paper Towels

Leave the paper towels as napkins. Paper towels leave streaks and linty bits on your glass when used to wipe away cleaner. Your best bet is to use a microfiber cloth, a squeegee, or, even better, a handful of newspaper. It’s a well-known trick in the glass industry. If you go with the newspaper, be sure to wear gloves to protect you hands from the ink. But don’t worry. That ink residue won’t end up on your glass or mirrors – it’s really like magic.

If you’ve tried these steps and still find it hard to get your glass windows or pieces clean, they may have cracks that are allowing moisture inside that can make them appear dirty. Call Janssen Glass & Door today at (913) 677-5727 to replace any damaged glass or mirrors in your home.

Why Choose a National Glass Association (NGA) Company?

We at Janssen Glass & Door know there are plenty of glass companies in Kansas City that can offer our same services, but what sets us apart from the competition is our dedication to the mission and code of ethics of the National Glass Association (NGA).

What Does It Mean To Be A Member Of The National Glass Association

As members of the NGA, we receive world-class education, training, technical, and business products and services, promote best practices, safety and ethics in the workplace, and protect the interest of our industries through legislative, regulatory, and inter-industry advocacy.

We proudly adhere to a code of ethics that engenders public confidence in the integrity and service of glass professional everywhere and agree to the following statements:

Promote and encourage fair and ethical competition.
Fulfill all contractual obligations and respect the contractual obligations of others by not inducing breach of existing contracts.
Use safety glazing materials whenever possible, and to refuse to sell unsafe products.
Maintain a safe work area which provides adequate inventories of glass products and to sell these products at a fair and non-discriminating price.
Maintain the highest industry-wide standards of professional and personal conduct.
Promote the advancement of the association on both the local and national levels, supporting its goals and objectives.

To learn more about Janssen Glass & Door, please give us a call at (913) 677-5727.

How to Differentiate Your Bathroom Using Tile

Your bathroom is your escape from the loud, fast-paced world. It’s where you are able to unwind and focus on yourself for a few minutes. So make the most of your bathroom by creating an inviting and relaxing space. How? Try creating the right shower with tile and we are sure the rest of your bathroom design will fall into place.

Go Traditional with Subway Tile

From all subway tiles to glass tiles, try experimenting with a look that will work for you. Installing all glazed white subway tile will create a clean, simple, and traditional look and feel. Porcelain, ceramic, and glass tile all create a classic feel.

Accent with Glass Tile

Using glass mosaic tiles can create a more unique style that can help to incorporate a color scheme. From small, transparent mosaics to larger, opaque, shimmery tiles, there is an option for every style. Glass tile is usually suitable for both walls and countertops, so you can use it throughout your bathroom for the perfect accent tile. For example, use bright inserts of glass mosaic tile to update traditional, simple glazed tile. Use it to add a border or frame your shower shelving with glass mosaic tile. Further, multicolored mosaic tile patterns can provide textural and visual interest to any area of your bathroom.

Go Natural with Stone Tiles

For a more natural look, go for stone tiles. Marble, limestone, travertine, and slate are all great choices. Pick from an array of tile sizes and colors. Go with a beige or sand colored stone for a lighter look, or a dark gray or blue stone for a deeper, richer look. You can even choose porcelain tile that looks like stone. Both come in a large range of shapes and colors for a customized look.

Show It Off with Heavy Glass Shower Doors

Whatever tiles you choose, make sure to show it off with beautiful heavy glass shower doors from Janssen Glass. Seamless glass shower doors are less obtrusive, and allow for a more tranquil and open view of your bathroom. Less clutter is good for the mind, and helps you relax – just want you want to be able to do in your bathroom.
Call the glass shower door experts to help finish off your dream bathroom at Janssen Glass & Door. You can reach us at (913) 677-5727.

How to Update Your Brass Bathroom Hardware to Trendy Bronze

When it comes to making updates to your home, kitchens and bathrooms are usually two of the biggest projects that bring the most return on your investment. It may be, in part, because those are the two places where we end up spending most of our time. And of course, you want to feel comfortable, and be able to relax in those rooms. When you walk into an outdated bathroom, it’s hard to relax. You find yourself thinking about all the changes you want to make and end up avoiding the room. Your bathroom should be a serene escape from the outside world.

One of the biggest outdated trends we see is brassy hardware. Of course, updating all your old brassy hardware in one full sweep is not cheap. Luckily, there is a cheap, do-it-yourself alternative that will instantly update your bathroom. It’s also a very easy DIY project. Here’s how to get started updating your bathroom now:

Gather Your Bathroom-Updating Supplies

To start, make sure you account for all of the items you plan on updating. Once you have an inventory, go to your local hardware or craft store and purchase enough cans of Rustoleum oil rubbed bronze spray paint as well as a bottle of brown paint primer. Also have a smooth grit sanding block on hand .

Related Read: How to Clean Shower Door Tracks

Spray Paint Your Hardware the Right Way

Start by using painters tape and newspaper or a tarp to cover your glass shower doors so that only the brass hardware is visible.
From there, start sanding all of the surfaces that you want to paint. The smoother it’s sanded down, the better the paint will turn out, and the longer it will last.
Next, paint one to two coats of primer depending on how well the first coat spreads.
Now it’s time to apply the spray paint. Carefully spray paint the brass hardware. It should take two to three coats.
Now, let the newly painted shower hardware dry completely before you remove the painters tape or use the shower.

You can also use these same steps to update other brass hardware throughout the rest of your bathroom and home. If it is possible, remove those items from their place, and follow these steps outside or in a well-ventilated place. If you are updating a light fixture or something else that has screws in it, make sure not to miss the screws that hold it in place. You’ll want to sand, prime, and paint those too.

Call Janssen Glass & Door at (913) 677-5727 to update your bathroom further with brand new heavy glass shower doors, or custom mirrors. We’re always on the cutting edge of glass and mirror design.

Aging-In-Place Bathrooms: Tips for Converting

Remodeling bathrooms in your home isn’t always just about getting rid of that dreaded bathroom tile from the 60’s. Sometimes bathroom remodels are all about functionality. Homeowners that are looking to stay in their home for the long haul, or are expecting to have a parent move in with them as they age, often look for ways to make at least one bathroom in their home more accessible. But just because you might want a more functional bathroom, doesn’t mean it has to look and feel like a hospital bathroom. Here are a few things to add to aging-in-place bathrooms that won’t make you sacrifice anything.

Zero Entry Showers

These showers are basically standing showers that are curbless. They allow you to simply walk, or roll into it. These are becoming more popular, as traditional bathtubs and standing showers pose a higher safety risk when getting in or out. Zero entry showers usually have a slight and hardly noticeable slope towards the drain that contains the water and keeps it from flowing all over the bathroom floor.

While zero entry shower doors are the safest and easiest bathing options, they can also be quite beautiful. You can still install a heavy glass shower door to complete the look, or if you’re worried about having to open a door, install a stationary heavy glass slab, that still gives the illusion of some closure, but leaves open space for a wheelchair to roll right on in.

Shower Stool

When installing a zero entry shower, it’s also a safe bet to install a shower stool or bench. These can be very helpful, and ensure more safety while bathing. If you don’t want to install a built-in bench, you can usually buy wood benches at home improvement stores that will serve the same purpose.

Removable Showerhead

Instead of a traditional shower head, install a removable one. Many removable options are just as good, or better than their stationary counterparts these days. Removable shower heads give you more freedom in the shower, which is very important for those in need of more accessibility.

Handrails

Another option to consider installing in your aging-in-place bathrooms is handrails. These can come in handy both inside of your zero entry shower, as well as near the toilet. Hand rails allow those with less mobility to do more for themselves without the fear of injury.

For help making your aging-in-place bathroom a reality, call the shower door experts in Kansas City at Janssen Glass & Door. You can reach us at (913) 677-5727.

Energy Savings Tips for Your Home’s Windows

Energy Efficient Windows One of the biggest complaints from homeowners and business owners is the cost of heating and cooling their home or offices. It’s a necessary evil living in today’s world. So how can you cut these costs down a bit? There are lots of options depending on what you’re willing to sacrifice or do. Here at Janssen Glass & Door, we can’t speak to all the ways you can save energy, but we can help guide you in energy savings when it comes to the glass in your homes, like in windows and doors. Here’s our best energy-saving tips.

Start by Installing Energy-Efficient Windows

Your best bet at saving energy when it comes to your windows is to start at the very beginning. Make sure you install quality windows with quality glass. You want to install windows that have glass with low U-Factor, SHGC, and VT Properties. If you’re not familiar with these terms, you can read more about them on the Energ y.gov website.

Also make sure you pick the right design of window – or how it operates. Certain designs of windows allow more air leakage into your home, which decreases its energy efficiency. The most energy-efficient window designs include awning, casement, and fixed. And, of course, make sure you have the windows installed correctly by a company you trust. Poor installation can make even the most energy-efficient window useless.

Shade Smarter

Once your windows are installed, make sure to be smarter about the way you shade them with window treatments. Certain types of window treatments can help decrease the amount of heat gain you experience in the warmer months. Draperies that are light colored, thick, and have a white, or bright colored inner lining are a great way to deflect much of the heat and sun’s rays, and keep them from overheating your home. Another great option are awnings. They can help reduce solar heat gain in the summer by as much as 65% on south-facing windows, and as much as 75% on west-facing windows. Choose awnings with tightly woven materials that are lighter in color. These will also reflect more sunlight.

Janssen Glass & Door has lots of experience installing glass with low U-Factor and other energy-efficient properties in homes and businesses all over the Kansas City area. Call us today at (913) 677-5727 to talk about the benefits of installing our energy-efficient glass in your business or home.

How to Use an Oversized Mirror to Make a Room Look Larger

Custom Mirror Janssen Glass 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’s how to use one of our custom mirrors, or another oversized mirror you find, to make a small room appear larger.

Pick the Right Mirror

Start off by using the right type of mirror. Pick a mirror that’s tall and wide enough for your needs, and that has the right reflective properties to match your home. If you’re propping this mirror up behind a piece of furniture, like an entry console, use a mirror that is about the same width as the furniture, and about twice as tall. This will make the piece look purposeful, prominent, and proportional.

You’ll also want to take the rest of the room into account when deciding on the type of reflection you want your mirror to have, and the style of its frame. 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.

Positioning Is Key

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.

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.

3 Ways Choosing Janssen Glass Benefits Homeowners

I Glass Sink in Bathroom f you’re looking for custom glass, doors, or mirrors for your Kansas City home, the only way to go is Janssen Glass & Door. No one else in the area has the expertise and experience we’ve acquired over the years. Here are three reasons choosing Janssen Glass & Door will impress and delight you.

Glass & Mirror Customization That Truly Is One-of-a-Kind

When you hire Janssen Glass & Door for a custom job, we really ensure that the piece we are creating is truly unique to your home. We start off by coming to your home when it’s convenient for you and taking exact measurements for the custom glass or mirror piece. Then we help you decide on which type of glass you want, tempered glass, patterned glass, safety glass, etc. Once we have those two bases covered, we order the materials needed. When they arrive at our office, we cut them according to your measurements right in our shop, then bring all the already-cut and ready pieces to your home to install.

Our Expertise Is Unmatched

The dictionary describes an expert as someone who possesses special skill and/or knowledge in a specific field. Based on that definition, we are most definitely glass experts. We know the ins and outs of glass, the best practices, even how to make your own glass cleaner. You can trust us when you ask for our opinions. We always strive to give you all of your options, and arm you with the best solutions. We’ve been in this industry since 1984, and have been around the glass block quite a few times.

We Have a Quick Turnaround

Lastly, since we know exactly what we are doing, you’ll never have to wait around for us to finish up a project. We are known for having a quick turnaround and for meeting deadlines. Our team is efficient, and good at their jobs. Hence, most residential glass projects only take a few days to complete.

If you’re interested in hiring Janssen Glass & Door for a project, give us a call at (913) 677-5727. We are here to answer any and all of your questions about our company, glass, mirrors, and our projects.

Use Glass Shelves to Open Up Space in Your Kansas City Home

One of the biggest complaints from homeowners is space. It can be hard to find ways to squeeze more of it into a home, but there are a few things you can do to work with the space that you have. One of those tricks is to utilize glass shelving. These translucent, shiny shelves are the perfect way to make the space you do have seem larger. Here are a few ways to incorporate them into your Kansas City area home.

Replace Opaque Kitchen Cabinets with Glass

Kitchens tend to be among the top of the list when it comes to crowded rooms. And since most people spend a lot of their time in the kitchen, it can easily get crowded quickly. A great way to open up the space is to replace your solid kitchen cabinets with glass-front cabinets. The transparent storage space creates a greater depth to your kitchen area, and luckily, this look blends with many different decorating styles. Janssen Glass & Door can create custom glass shelves for any size cabinet you have.

Embrace Open Shelving

Another way to use glass shelves to create more open space is in an open shelving unit. These can be incorporated into almost any room in your home. They’re great in the bathroom under the mirror or above the toilet to create extra storage space for beauty products or towels. They’re also a great addition to any living space where you can hang anything from plants or decorative pieces. It’s a great way to incorporate more style into your home without adding the extra bulk that a stand-alone cabinet or block shelves can have.

Call Janssen Glass & Door today at (913) 677-5727 to create custom glass shelves that will add style and space to your Kansas City home.

Category: Tips for Homeowners