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Types of Glass Railings: Explore Different Designs

Glass railings are the perfect modern addition to a beautifully designed space, but because there are so many types of glass railings to choose from, deciding on the right one might be harder than you thought. Not only can you choose from a wide range of systems, but you can also customize the posts, mounting options, finishes, infill style, and more.

We’ve pulled together some of our favorite different types of glass railings to provide some inspiration and, hopefully, make your choice easier.

Streamlined Stunner

A glass railing system inside Denver International Airport Concourse and Great Hall.

On this long stretch of walkway at the Denver International Airport Concourse and Great Hall, the glass panels repeat over and over again to provide safety for travelers. The handrail offers additional support for those who need something to hang onto as they walk the distance to their destination. The SHOETM Glass Railing System met high expectations to provide a functional solution and achieve the architectural vision for this space. 

Slim Top Rail

La Villita Hotel Kimpton features a slim top rail to accentuate the glass.

While the SHOE system can be installed without a top rail, the railing featured at La Villita Hotel Kimpton includes a slim top rail to better define the railing glass. This strategy allows for a nearly unobstructed view of the city below the pool deck while creating a safe space for fun in the sun. 

Frameless Design

A frameless glass railing system inside a fitness center. 

Keeping things minimal and modern was the name of the game at the Samford University Seibert & Bashinsky Renovation project. This fitness center includes areas for fitness classes, multiple basketball courts, weights, and cardio machines, and the frameless design of the glass railing makes it easy to see what’s going on anywhere in the space.  

Prominent Posts

Black powder-coated posts stand out, complemented by matching black fascia and stair treads.

So far, the railing types that we’ve showcased have focused on minimal designs with little embellishment. This design takes a different approach and features prominent black powder coated posts enhanced by the black fascia and stair treads. Wooden handrails complete this sophisticated design and add a traditional touch to the modern stairway.

Blue and Bold

Blue tinted glass railing system with illuminated railings.

Another example of bold design is at the SMU Frances Anne Moody Hall. The glass is tinted “SMU Blue” to reflect school spirit. The tinted glass, along with the iRAILTM Illuminated Railings make this staircase a stunning feature in the building. 

Gentle Curves

Curved glass railing system on a curved staircase. 

VIVA Railings can be installed in any configuration. This includes curved glass that follows the curve of the staircase to meet the railing along the walking surface. The accented stair treads are a perfect complement to ground the airy feel of the glass railings.

Fantastic Fade

Modern learning stairs on one side and traditional stairs on the other make this design unique.

This social staircase at the Norman Central Library features modern learning stairs on one side and traditional stairs on the other. The staircase is flanked by an extended version of our SOLOTM Glass Railing System that features frosted glass that fades as it gets higher. 

Make Your Mark

Patterned glass infill panels on a railing system in a high school.

In addition to frosted and tinted glass, we also offer the ability to include digital patterns on glass infill panels. You can opt for a neutral pattern or choose to include company logos, sayings, or other images that further design goals. The pattern can be incorporated on each panel as in the above design, or you can use patterns sparingly where they will make the most impact. 

Mounting Options

VIVA Railings offer different handrail mounting options, so you can choose the one that works best with your design. Fascia mounted railings allow for more space on the walking surface while core or top mounted systems are integrated into the walking surface. Determining the railing type and the best way to mount it will often go hand-in-hand as you take the larger needs of the project into account, namely safety, design, and budget.

Explore Types of Glass Railings with VIVA Railings

VIVA Railings offers a selection of railing types that can be customized to meet the specifications of your project. Looking to add tinted glass for visual impact, use posts to elevate the design, keep things simple and streamlined, or include a handrail—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Our in-house team of designers, fabricators, engineers, and installation professionals ensure that your project moves seamlessly from concept to completion. We partner with architects, designers, and builders to create spaces that meet your design vision and serve those who use it everyday.

Contact the experts at VIVA Railings today to explore our different types of glass railings and see which one will best fit your project.  

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