Few dining room tables can be described as elegant, artistic, and timeless all in the same breath. Glass-top dining tables fit this bill. They can be sophisticated and sleek, becoming the perfect addition to an ultra-modern home of clean lines and light spaces. Alternately, this type of dining table can be funky and unique, with an iron-sculpted base that makes it the eye-catching centerpiece in an artist’s loft. Or if it’s sparkle and glamour that you want, center it beneath the chandelier in your Victorian dining room and watch it gleam. Honest, this type of table can work in any type of space!

There are endless styles to choose from—both contemporary and classic—among glass dining room tables. First, find the shape that fits your space best, whether it’s round, square, or rectangle. Next, focus on the details. Slate accents or metal frames foster an elegant feel. You could also keep things modern with a chrome base and trendy leather chairs. No matter what base you choose, its character will shine through and won’t be a mystery beneath the tabletop surface.

Make it Sparkle

Here’s some great news—glass dining tables are easy to care for. With these easy tips, your glass-top table can stay streak-free and sparkling clean year-round.

Start with a cleaning solution. Many commercial products will work just fine, but homemade glass cleaner recipes are so simple that it’s easier to just make your own. Here are a few recipes to choose from, depending on what ingredients you’ve got on-hand.

Note: Be sure to spray only the glass. If you accidently spray a wood or metal frame you may damage the materials (many glass cleaners dry wood out).  

Recipe 1: Combine 1 cup of water with 1 cup of white vinegar.

Recipe 2: Combine 1/2 a cup of household ammonia, 1 teaspoon of liquid dish detergent, 2 cups of isopropyl alcohol, and 5 cups of water.

Recipe 3: Combine 1/2 cup lemon juice and 2 cups water.

Recipe 4: Combine 4 cups of warm water, 1/4 cup of white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.

For each recipe, mix all ingredients together in a spray bottle.

Cleaners are only part of the equation. The type of cloth you use makes a difference, too. Your best bet is to use lint-free cloths, such as microfiber ones. These also don’t over-saturate too easily and leave streaks. Out of cloths? Use newspapers or coffee filters. Newspaper restores shine to the glass and leaves behind no lint.