How to Design a Writing Desk Glass Top

Inspire yourself by looking at the kinds of designs others have used to create glass tops for writing desks. Some pieces of furniture are quite classic-looking, featuring the standard rectangular writing surface. Others feature an industrial look, in which a large piece of glass is held in place by legs made of aluminum or steel.

Sketch out some of the design ideas you have. In the early stages, you shouldn't restrict yourself; any idea can be a good one. When brainstorming your designs, Dr. Filippo A. Salustri advises you to consider the practical function of each element of your design. Consider the needs of the user, for example. If she is left-handed, you will want to make sure you don't shape the glass top in such a way that it will be awkward for her to use.

Decide what kind of writing desk glass top you want to design. A desk with an all-glass top can open up the design of your office, but the look is not for everyone. You can also construct the base of your desk out of the wood and simply add glass to a recess in the top.

Finalize your design by creating a blueprint of the glass top. Include precise measurements that will allow a glasscutter to create your design if you don't cut it yourself. Be sure to consider the width of the glass you will use. Any Glass, a company that creates glass furniture, recommends glass that is 3/8- to 3/4-inch thick for a tabletop.

Build a mock-up of your glass top using cardboard or Styrofoam. This will allow you to get an idea of how the writing desk glass top will actually feel when in use. Once you've sat down to a practice version of your glass top, you will be able to make any desired small tweaks to your design.