How can you use glass and mirrors in your home office? Now that you work at home some or all of the time, take a look at the easy ways to create a calming work space with custom-cut glass and mirror décor.

Increase Your Office Space

Is your makeshift home office more like a closet than a real room? If the small space is cramped and confining, you need to get creative to enlarge your at-home office.

You could renovate your home to create a sizable office space. But a major construction process is likely to cost more than you want to spend on home office upgrades. Instead of a pricey demolition or addition project, use mirrors and glass to visually increase your office room's space. The easiest ways to create the visual illusion of space in your office include:

• Place a mirror in front of you. If you look up to see a slim space, you may feel cramped and confined. A larger custom mirror reflects the other area (behind you) and extends your view. Place the mirror higher up the wall if you don't want to stare at yourself all workday long.

• Add a mirrored wall . A mirrored accent wall multiplies the space visually. While this custom creation may cost more than one accent mirror, it contributes to your home office's overall décor.

• Use multiple mirrors . Create your own mirrored wall with multiple custom mirrors. Hang the mirrors gallery style and make your own artistic arrangement.

If you're not sure which mirror option is right for your at-home work space, discuss the alternatives with a glass contractor.

Let the Light In

Is your home office dark or dim? Whether the room doesn't have a window, you work in a garage-turned-office, or you have limited natural light, you can use mirrors and glass to brighten the area.

The top ways to create a lighter look through strategic mirror/glass placement include:

• Reflect the light with a mirror . Do you have at least one window in the room? Place a mirror across from a window. This intensifies the light and can help to open up a cramped space.

• Add glass furniture or shelving . Heavy wood or dark building materials won't brighten the office space. Choose clear glass shelving units, glass tabletops, or other similar custom-created furniture pieces to lighten the look of your office.

• Hang more mirrors . How can you brighten a dark office if you don't have a window to reflect? Even though the light isn't natural, you can still reflect it (and brighten the space) with multiple wall mirrors. Strategically place these to maximize and direct the angle of the light.

Along with these visual illusions, create a light backdrop for your mirrors to reflect with neutral paint hues. Mirrors will double the dark space if you paint the walls navy or deep green. But if you choose an ivory or pastel hue, the mirrors will multiply the light airy feel of the subtle tones.

Add to the Aesthetics

Is your home office bare? While mirrors and glass can serve a functional purpose, these products can also add to the room's overall aesthetics. If your at-home workspace lacks style, use mirrors or glass to:

• Create an artistic space . Decorate the room with custom-shaped mirrors set into artsy frames. Instead of plain rectangles, choose ovals, circles, or multi-sided mirrors.

• Add a contemporary style. A glass half-wall or glass furniture can create a contemporary style. If you prefer a modern aesthetic, glass is an option to explore.

• Dress up your desk. A plain desk doesn't say much about your sense of style. If you don't want to overhaul your home office, create a custom glass desk or use mirrored panels to add a special touch.

The glass professional can help you to create custom pieces that stand out in your at-home office. These artistic options can transform your work area into a designer space.

Do you need custom mirrors or glass? Contact Monterey Glass Specialists Inc. for more information.