Illustrated Architecture Dictionary

Beveled glass

Beveled glass is a single pane of glass with a beveled edge. The term beveled refers to a cut made at an angle of less than 90 degrees. A beveled edge is typically used to add decorative style and has no functional purpose.

Beveled glass captures light in a unique way, creating a wide range of colors and enhancing the visual impact of the glass. Window and door manufacturers often use beveled glass to improve an simple design. The skillful arrangement of beveled glass, along with other decorative design elements increases both the visual appeal and the value of the final product.

You can often find examples of beveled glass in transom windows, door side lights and large, ornate front doors. The arrangement of multiple pieces of beveled glass within an entrance way creates an image of sophistication and style. This type of treatment has been consistently popular in North American architectural design since the late 1950's.

Although beveled glass is traditionally plain cut glass, there has been a trend to use this technique on colored textured glass to enhance a particular design. Typically, textured glass is 1/8” (0.32 cm) thick and has a very specific visual impact. The use of textured glass with a beveled edge increases the options available for designers to create new and interesting glass pieces.
- WiseGeek  (online Dec. 2019)

Examples from Buffalo architecture:


Photos and their arrangement © 2004 Chuck LaChiusa
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