Is Glass Coffee Table Heat Resistant?
Glass is often used as a material for furniture such as coffee tables, as it is stylish and can fit seamlessly into any room’s décor. But how heat resistant is glass? While it is a robust material, is it suitable for placing hot items such as coffee mugs on?
Heat Resistance and Glass
Tempered glass is the type of glass most commonly used in coffee tables and other furniture. It is made through a ‘controlled thermal process’, which gives the material a ‘superior resistance to breakage compared to annealed glass’. This process also increases the heat resistance of the glass.
Reducing the Risk of Damage
The heat resistance of tempered glass does vary depending on the material and its thickness, but generally it can cope with temperatures of up to 300°F/148°C. As such, it is safe to place hot items such as coffee mugs on a glass coffee table, as long as the heat is not too intense.
To reduce the risk of damaging the table or hot items, it’s best to take safety precautions such as:
- Using coasters or placemats when placing any hot items on the glass.
- Ensuring the room temperature remains relatively low.
- Avoiding extreme temperatures such as direct sunlight.
- Avoiding placing heated items onto the glass directly.
- Keeping the area around the coffee table clean.
Conclusion
Glass coffee tables are created using tempered glass, which is highly heat resistant, able to cope with temperatures of up to 300°F/148°C. Although it is safe to place hot items such as coffee mugs on a glass coffee table, it is wise to take safety precautions such as using coasters or placemats and keeping the area clean.
