Summers are around.... The rising temperatures may cause immense discomfort. The hot winds penetrating our homes during summers may make us restless. Hence it becomes necessary to take a few steps to create cool ambiance in our homes to pacify our mind, body and soul. Here are a few steps how we can work wonders with glass to reduce the harsh impact of summer

Glass Windows:

No not the ordinary glass ones as these are completely useless when it comes to reflecting sunlight. Here is a list of a few types of glasses that can be used for windows to cut down on the heat entering your rooms....

Etched glass:

These semi acid washed glasses can be used for rooms not facing  sunlight. These allow light to partially enter the room and come in a variety of designs.
 However if you have a specific design in your mind you can always contact your glass-vendor and get it imprinted on the glass. Popular designs are those of flowers and stripes....I personally recommend stripes for they look utterly amazing..Here is how it looks.. 

Frosted glass:

This is yet another thoroughly acid -washed glass . It  blocks sunlight to a great extent . Giving a visually frosty, smoky, winter effect in the sunny weather it is a boon to our senses . However it comes in limited variety and looks best as sliding window panes in aluminium frames.

Green reflective glass:

This is the best choice for balcony coverage or for other exterior openings. The green colour family of reflective glasses posses about 95 % reflective property hence these are purposely used  for the exteriors. The reflectivity of this glass depends on its thickness. When using for the exteriors 5 mm glasses are excellent. Also these glasses do not allow the outsiders to peek into your home during day- time thereby retaining your privacy.

Stained glass:

If you are bored of the plain glasses, try giving a colourful twist to your room by using stained glasses for the windows. These glasses are made by joining small pieces of colourful glass particles so as to form a design. Usually seen in cathedrals....these glasses have an excellent ability to filter light rays into soothing colourful sprinkle-ts. Again this glass allows you to use your creativity for you can get any design stained on the glass...I would personally go for blue-aqua shades for respite during summers.

Glass wind chimes:

If you have some old broken glass pieces especially the stained glass....you can always make glass wind chimes from it. The stained ones when hung outside in the balcony will not only produce melody in the breeze but also reflect and scatter rainbows from sunlight. Pleasant to the ear these chimes are a must have during summers as they take you far away from the intolerant harsh summers to cool, breezy sea-side weather.

Go green with windows:

Even if you don't have a garden, and you are unable to make a terrace -garden due to lack of space ...don't worry you can still get the essence of greenery in your home. If you have frosted glass and etched glass window panes hang a few artificial climbers from outside the window. When viewed from inside you will get the feel of frosted green plants in your home.
My mother tried this with the reflective glass in our kitchen and it looked equally good.  

 PHOTO FROM MY OWN SOURCE