Guillotine glass is one of the most trouble-free glass systems for café and restaurant fronts: it opens at a touch, becomes a balustrade when open and takes no space. The one golden rule is to keep menus, tables and chairs out of the glass's path; on chain systems they can make the chain jump off.
Why guillotine glass for restaurants?
- One-touch façade: when the weather changes, all modules open and close from one remote.
- A balustrade when open: the lower glass acts as a balustrade, so tables can sit near the façade.
- Air without draughts: leave a gap at the top for ventilation.
- The view: with no horizontal profile across the middle, sea or street views stay clear.
- Trouble-free: used correctly, guillotine glass is one of the most trouble-free glass systems.
The golden rule: keep the glass's path clear
Most faults in cafés and restaurants come not from the mechanism but from objects in the glass's path. If something catches the glass as it rises or falls, the panel moves unevenly; on chain systems this can make the chain jump off.
| Risk | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Menus and menu stands | Don't place them in front of the glass line or on the sill |
| Tables and chairs | Set them slightly back from the glass; chair backs must not touch it |
| Pots, décor, heaters | Keep them clear of the glass's path |
| Rushing at closing time | Check the path is clear while the glass moves |
A short checklist for staff
- Check the path is clear before opening or closing the glass.
- Don't pull tables or chairs in front of moving glass.
- If the glass sticks or comes down crooked, stop using it and call for service; don't force it.
- Clear dust and food debris from the rails from time to time.
A common restaurant combination
A bioclimatic pergola over the garden or terrace and guillotine glass on the façade: service continues in the rain, and in summer both façade and roof open. Example: a restaurant garden on Bağdat Avenue.
