Glass Blocks - Yay or Nay?

[QuantumWeatherButterfly]

What do we think about them? I used to really love them, but I'm worried they might be a bit naff now. I need to decide, as we're thinking of putting some into a wall to let more light into a really dark internal stairwell/hallway. Probably in long lines, like the attached photo, though without the colour. Thoughts?

They've had their day imo

I think they are a bit naff and remind me of sixties houses.

Ps, mumsnet is not a hive mind, there is no “we”. We are individuals.

I like them. Nice idea for gloomy areas.

I think a long slot internal window with etched glass would look nice.
Glass bricks OK but to look "intentional" (apparently this is a designer thing) they should be also used elsewhere.
Mostly depends on the style of your house.

I quite like them, but they probably will look a bit dated. I think it depends on your style of house. Wouldn't a window work?

I really like them, they can look amazing if you get them right. I haven’t ever had any but I would consider them in a future home.

A slot window is the other choice, but it needs to be fire rated which makes it a less simple solution than might first appear. DH is extremely keen on glass blocks, which is why they're currently the preferred plan.

It's a good point about using them elsewhere. There would be opportunities to do this.

I’d prefer a long slim window rather than glass blocks.

God no!

🚫❌

DH is extremely keen on glass blocks

He must be stopped.

Sorry but I would actively avoid them, I think they look awful. Agree with pp that a slim glass pane would be better

They have always looked like half-sucked Fox's Glacier Mints to me.

They would put me off .

I think a slim window would be better also.

It totally depends on the house. In the right place they'd be fine.

I think it depends on the style of your house and how you decorate?

For example, I don’t think the door matches with them.. but if you have bright accessories in your house, it might go together?

Like lots of others have said it'll depend on the style of your house but in the right context they can be very very trendy. Im probably too young to remember them from the first time round so don't associate them with being "dated".

I always think you should go with what you like in a house. Sod trends & playing it safe. If it brings you & your household joy every time you see it its worth it!

Love them..nice and colourful !!

I love them. I've never had them but at Uni my friend (whose parents bought her a flat) had them and I very jealous (of the glass bricks, not the flat).

Really don't like them. Would prefer a window

I think it's dependent on the style of your house and where you put them and what is around them. They're very modernist but that's quite cool. It's like everything, done well they look great, done badly they look awful.

It's a massive NAY from me. I just think toilets

Not sure. Does it matter unless you are planning to sell reasonably quickly. If you enjoy it for years it might come back into fashion.

I like them but they have to 'fit the style'.

They say 90s newbuild 'loft style apartment' to me. I would have loved it then but not now.

I like them OP, they make me think of ice cubes.

I take it that a sun tunnel is out of the question?