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Glass block 'windows' with traditional marble

13 years ago

I'm contemplating a small bathroom addition to my 100 year old row house and would like to create two largish "windows" of glass block to let lots of light in while maintaining privacy. For that matter, I'd also like to block the view, as the bath would be on the second story, back of the house, facing the rather unattractive ally.

I find I'm really drawn these days to a rather Victorian traditional white marble, nickel fixtures, black and white hex tile floor bathroom ....quess I"ve been hanging out on the kitchen forum too long, seeing too many beautiful marble/soapstone kitchens, which mine WON'T be.).

I can picture this bathroom with the Victorian white marble/tile look and the corner "windows" of the glass block. But I'm not 100% certain that the windows wouldn't look out of place and odd. And I can't picture any other kind of windows working there...well maybe very high up transom type windows. Does the combination feel "odd" to anyone else? Or could I make it work?

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Comments (2)

User
13 years ago
I've been reading about the glass block tiles, and it seems that they were in use well over 100 years ago. I saw some of the photos in the Italian lady's albums of old kitchens and baths, which had the ads from manufacturers with the latest stuff. I wish I could remember what her name was, to put your mind at rest.

I would think that this glass block corner window setup, being in the back of your home, would not impact the street view, am I right? I'm planning to use the blocks for a shower enclosure, not a window installation, and the house is a 1948 cape style, not a Victorian lady. But I think the Victorian era was all about trying new things.

In my recent bath addition, I opted for a stained glass window at the front of my tub. It gives a colored light to the room. But I also have other windows in the room, with good natural light all day long. If you need something for maximum light and privacy as well, but no view, the blocks would do the trick and look great doing it too.
melissastar
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks moccasinlanding....I had no idea that glass blocks were around that long ago! I think they are the right thing for light/privacy/view blocking, I just didn't want it to look like an absurd combination!
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