One of the most important purchases consumers make for their home or office is buying new furniture. It can be fun and exciting to update your space with a new look and enhance the current décor. There are a myriad of things to consider when weighing your options including style, shape, color and of course, the price. However, one of the most important decisions to make does not always come to mind until you begin your shopping: buying furniture made of wood or of glass.

For example, if you have decided to purchase a new dining room table for your home or a glass table top for your conference room at the office, choosing between wood or glass may not be a simple decision.  There are many impressive looking dining room and conference tables made out of each material, and there are several factors to consider before you make your decision.  Among these factors, design, practicality and maintenance should all play a role when deciding which table is best for you.

Table Safety

Purchasing wood or glass can be a daunting decision. After all, each has their own merits and both can provide a beautiful touch to any room. Both are practical, offering a solid surface for your dining room or conference table.

The safety of wooden furniture is an advantage over glass. A wood table is less prone to breakage; however, it can chip or splinter just like glass. If you go with a glass table make sure it is tempered. Tempered glass is a great safety feature – if the glass were to shatter, it would break into small squares, and not sharp chunks like regular glass.

Table Maintenance

Maintenance of a wooden table can be more problematic than a glass top table. If not cared for over time, wood can lose its shiny appearance if exposed to direct sunlight. It is also more prone to chipping and cracking than glass. Proper care of a wooden table such as regular waxing can delay some of the aging process, but it will still show its age over time.

Glass, on the other hand, if maintained properly, can retain its good looks for decades.  Regardless of the type of table purchased, a cover should be used to help protect its surface. Glass can scratch over time, but not as much as wood. Also, glass smudges easily, so although it is simple to clean it will need to be washed frequently to retain its luster.

The advantages and disadvantages of both types of furniture are fairly minor, and since glass and wood are both practical and aesthetically pleasing, the final decision will likely be based on the style and design of the room where the pieces are going to be placed.

If you have any questions about the advantages of glass furniture call American Glass Tops at 1-800-793-1011. Based in Elk Grove Village, IL, they have been assisting customers with all their glass furniture needs for over 20 years.