Homeowners value balconies and other exterior spaces as a way to enjoy fresh air and picturesque views, all from the comfort of home. Balcony glass railings are an obvious choice to enhance these spaces– they offer safety, without compromising the view. 

Before installing glass railing for your balcony, however, it is important to consider design ideas, ensuring that you choose the correct style for the exterior of your home. 

Modern Glass Railing Designs

Exterior glass railing is an excellent choice for homeowners who want to match modern design trends. There are two types of systems in glass railing: framed and frameless. Here are some of their different advantages: 

Framed Glass Systems: Classic, simplistic glass systems continue to dominate high-end properties. These systems still possess a more classic structure with metal frames, while leaning into a modern style, allowing for clearer views from balconies, roofs, pool sides, or other outdoor spaces. 

Frameless Railings: Sleek glass panels allow for almost entirely unobstructed views, maximizing the visibility of landscapes. Minimal hardware creates an almost invisible barrier, offering an ultra contemporary style. 

Both types of glass railing systems offer modern aesthetics, while maximizing the space and landscape of your property. Besides their visual appeal, exterior railings serve as critical structural safeguards for potentially dangerous areas.

Because of this, homeowners should consult with an engineer and an installation expert about safety requirements and codes during installation, while also utilizing proper maintenance and inspections later on.

Recent VetroClamp installation courtesy Blu's Shower Door, MA

Customizing Glass Balconies for Your Home 

The minimalist nature of exterior glass railings allows for homeowners to customize according to their personal taste, as well as the existing aesthetic of their property. Below are possible design ideas to consider when choosing exterior glass railing for your home: 

Modern Metal Designs: Pairing glass railings with sleek metal accents, like matte black or brushed stainless and aluminum, brings an architectural edge to exterior balcony, rooftop, and poolside spaces. The minimalist metal framework adds structure without disrupting the clean transparency of the glass. 

Customizable Materials: Glass railing systems offer endless customization, from frosted and tinted panels to unique accent hardware. These adaptable materials allow homeowners to align exterior railings with their home's palette and personality, while also enhancing function. Tinted glass panels, for example, provide privacy for one's space. 

Contrasting Linear Features With Softness: When decorating your exterior space adjacent to glass railings, the minimalist look of glass railing systems can provide an intentional contrast to traditional design choices. Homeowners can pair exterior glass railings with softer accessories and furniture, curating a unique look to an exterior space.  

Adhering to Nature and Environment: Exterior glass railings are perfect for connecting modern design with the outdoors– they offer clear sightlines to gardens, coastlines, or cityscapes. Their transparency promotes harmony with nature. Further this harmony by adding plants and greenery to a balcony, roof, or terrace. 

Integrating With Unique Style: Whether your home leans coastal, ultra contemporary, or cozy-traditional, glass railing systems can be tailored to reflect your aesthetic. Current design trends emphasize integrating outdoor spaces with exterior architecture of one's home, and glass railings do just that. The versatility of exterior glass railing allows for designs with character and personality. 

Maximizing Views with Glass Standoff Systems

At their core, exterior glass railings serve to provide a 'barely there' look, ensuring that homeowners don't need to sacrifice style when securing their outdoor space. So, how can homeowners maximize visibility and minimalism even further? 

Glass standoff systems offer a sleek, modern aesthetic that enhances the architectural appeal of any outdoor space. Even more so than glass systems with more traditional hardware, glass standoff systems don't obstruct scenic views.

By anchoring the glass panels with minimalist standoffs, these systems provide a clean, floating appearance that's most minimalist and secure. The intersection of security and aesthetics within this system make glass standoffs ideal for balconies, decks, pools, and rooftops.

However, achieving the perfect balance of aesthetics and safety requires more than just selecting beautiful materials.

According to Andrew Chatfield, Railing Product Manager at Bohle | Portals, "Specifying the correct material for your railing project requires careful consideration not only of the environment, material properties and visual aesthetics required but also adherence and compliance to the many local and national building codes plus the substrate onto which the railing is mounted.

Discussing all of these factors with a subject matter expert will ensure your project not only meets your visual expectations but also delivers a safe and secure life safety solution for years to come."

Industry Leading Glass Railing Standoffs

Our glass standoff collection - VetroPoint - would bring an exterior glass railing vision to life with adjustable and fixed options that make installation straightforward while delivering that coveted floating glass effect.

Our new multi-adjustable standoffs are already a favorite among Bohle | Portals' customers and work with varying glass thicknesses, taking the guesswork out of your project and ensuring a perfect fit every time.

Built from high-grade 316 stainless steel, these standoffs withstand years of weather exposure without losing their pristine appearance. Choose from sleek matte black or classic brushed stainless finishes to complement any home's style with a simple installation process that delivers professional results.

Partner with the Glass Railing Experts

At Bohle | Portals, we've been transforming architectural visions into extraordinary spaces since our founding in 2000. Our comprehensive railing portfolio includes standoffs, spigots, base shoes, handrails, and posts for both interior and exterior applications.

Backed by our partnership with Bohle's century of German engineering excellence and our team of railing experts, we provide customized project pricing and specification support nationwide. With same-day shipping across the US and unmatched technical expertise, we're ready to help bring your glass railing project to life. Contact us today to get started.