How do I hang glass shelves from a beam?

Karla
by Karla
I have a crystal vase collection.
My living room has huge wood beams and I want to hang 3 glass shelves to put my crystal pieces. I want the glass shelves to appear suspended, so I need the hanging material to be transparent...
Shelves can be 3 foot long by 1 foot wide and glass between 1 1/2 or 2 inches thick...I have searched for pictures and can't find any :(
I drew a simple sketch hopefully it will give an idea of what I'm looking for?
Please help!
Thanks!!!!!!
Karla
The wood beam pn top and hanging are the three shelves. Have no ideas for hanging materials....
  10 answers
  • Uh no... the only "transparent" material I can think of is fishing line & that would not be strong enough. Next issue is you don't want any sway in case someone bumps into it. You would be best with shiny pipe that gives off a reflection to get the appearance you want, but be careful with sway, etc... As for mounting off the beam - is it a real beam or faux? Is it a support beam or just for decoration?
    • See 2 previous
    • Your choice stainless, chrome, etc...
  • Cindy Hagemann Cindy Hagemann on Oct 05, 2016
    You might be able to get something built out of Plexiglass, but it would be expensive. You could get it made with glass and stainless steel cables - but again probably expensive.
  • Deanna Nassar Deanna Nassar on Oct 05, 2016
    You might have to settle for wall mounted "invisible" shelves. I find a lot of places for them. The link below is a big Maybe. I have no idea if any of this stuff has been tested to be hung. All of it is made for counter top displays made with Plexiglass. I'm not real sure I'd want something very breakable hanging over my head. Besides, how can anyone get a good look at them? http://stores.ebay.com/Advert-Display-Product...
  • Karla Karla on Oct 05, 2016
    I am not looking for pre-made shelves from Walmart. I need to know what material the hangers could be if I need them to be transparent (as invisible as possible)
  • Karla Karla on Oct 05, 2016
    Well, Ive sern the idea at Museums, I love it The shelves wouldnt be hanging over peoples heads...
  • Sheryl Gilliland Sheryl Gilliland on Oct 05, 2016
    I am not sure if they are still available, but, clear drapery rods would work. Using a strong clear glue and fishing line to assemble. Try the shelves out with non breakables BEFORE putting the crystal on. Make sure the shelf glass is shatter proof and balanced on the hanger. Good luck.
  • William William on Oct 05, 2016
    There are suspended shelving systems that use stainless steel cables. Some of the cables are clear plastic coated making them almost visible.
  • Q.k9003237 Q.k9003237 on Oct 05, 2016
    Another good and fairly inexpensive option would be to use fishing line to hang the shelves. It comes in strengths up to 100 lb test (meaning it would land a very large fish). It comes in clear and colors, clear will look white on spool....also the lower the test the less you will be able to see it. 1 1/2" glass is pretty hefty and heavy, it may be worth talking to a glass specialist to see what they would recommend. Good luck.
  • Jackie Byrd Jackie Byrd on Oct 12, 2016
    I'd use plexiglass.