10 Trendy Ways To Bring Retro Glass Blocks Back Into Your Home

The thought of using retro glass blocks in your home might remind you of a scene straight out of "Miami Vice." But they have evolved significantly since their 1980s heyday. And for all the interior decor history buffs out there screaming about glass blocks not being invented by the set designers of "Three Men and a Baby" — though that apartment was the epitome of glass block glam — you're right. Originally invented in 1886 by Gustave Falconnier, glass blocks saw a burst of popularity in the 1920s and 30s Art Deco movement, then again in the 1970s and 80s, and now we're seeing them in current-day interiors but with a more modern approach. 

While the 1980s might have seen a maximalist use of glass blocks (think multiple windows in the living room or floor-to-ceiling pink light-up walls), current use has a much lighter touch. From simple windows and divider walls to showers and kitchen updates, there are many ways to experiment with glass block design. So if you're looking for a way to get these trendy pieces incorporated into your home that doesn't turn your house into an old movie set, we've got plenty of ideas to get you started. 

You can make a striking modern entryway with the glass block trend by using them as a feature. Installing glass blocks across a portion of an entryway wall offers privacy while still allowing natural light to filter through. You can opt for clear glass to give a clean and modern look, or use multiple colors for a pop of personality in coordination with adjoining rooms and decorations. This feature can instantly elevate an otherwise unremarkable entryway into a great first impression as people come into your home.

If you're looking for something a little less permanent, you can get in on the glass brick trend with an ethereal coffee table DIY. Small furniture pieces like this are an easy way to incorporate trendy items that you might not want to keep around for the long haul, but would like to try out for fun. You can even construct the table with an opening for fairy lights to go inside, making it a light-up table. Or set out candles and watch the reflection shimmer off the glass blocks. The result adds a soft ambiance to the room. 

Using glass blocks to create exterior windows is a fantastic way to add natural light to a room without losing complete privacy. It's also handy for any room that might already have a window but not a great view, like one that overlooks the neighbor's backyard or looks into the back alley that's less than appealing. A small window in the laundry or mudroom is a fun way to include trend,y colorful glass blocks that can give the otherwise dull space a boost. Of course, the bathroom is ideal for the privacy benefit of a glass block window.

Get ready to ditch traditional shower curtains for a retro solution. Installing a glass block wall in a walk-in shower removes the need for cheap shower curtains while elevating the overall bathroom aesthetic. It offers the privacy you need in the shower, while letting in the room's light so you're not bathing in a darkened corner of the bathroom. It's an easy-to-clean element that can be customized to create a unique look, with different textures or color blocks, or even by building it out as a curved wall instead of perfectly straight.

Creating a feature wall with glass blocks is a great way to find artistic expression in your home and use it to reflect your personality. There are many different styles and colors of blocks to choose from, and equally as many design styles to select for the wall itself. You can make the entire wall out of glass blocks or design a statement window in shapes such as arches, squares, or circles. Use one color for the entire wall or choose several that tie into the color scheme of the surrounding space.

Another great choice for just a splash of trendy glass blocks is to make a lamp out of them, using a single block, or go bigger by using four or more. You can shop at your local thrift store for the blocks to make this a budget-friendly project. Of course, you can always purchase one already complete if you're not the diy type, like this Kismas Glass Block Lamp from Urban Outfitters. These lamps add warm light to any room while also giving a unique character to the space. Use them in the living room, bedroom, or even the kitchen.

Most of us have an out-of-sight, out-of-mind mentality about our laundry rooms. They might not look the most aesthetically pleasing, but they get the job done, right? Well, if you're looking for a way to spruce up your space and maybe even make the process of doing laundry more enjoyable (no guarantees), consider adding an accent wall or window using glass blocks. Not only will it add a touch of trendiness, but it also lets in more light so you're not working away in a darkened, dull back room.

If you have an open concept living space and are looking to break it up a bit or simply add a touch of privacy to certain areas, building a glass block divider wall can be really helpful. It will create boundaries between spaces but still let light shine through, allowing it to feel softer than a typical drywall panel. It also adds a modern design element that can elevate the overall space. You can opt for a half wall for an even more subtle approach and play around with different styles of glass block.

Give your kitchen a new look with a glass block backsplash. This works particularly well if you have a window or exterior wall behind your kitchen sink. It's a great way to add more natural light, and using colored blocks can add even more depth to the backsplash. When deciding on the type of glass blocks to use, consider what you want out of them. Patterned styles like cross-ribbed or cortina offer more privacy, while clearer options allow more light to pass through.

If you have a home office, this one's for you — whether it's for home management tasks or you have a work-from-home job that has you at your desk every day. Installing a glass block privacy wall in your home office can take your workspace to a whole new level by letting in natural light, separating it from other living spaces, and adding a trendy feel-good vibe. This is a particularly fun space to experiment with different textures and colors of glass blocks that can bring a personal touch to a typically formal area.