The Industrial Revolution, spanning from the early 18th to the late 19th century, brought sweeping changes to every aspect of manufacturing—and glass was no exception. What had once been a slow, labor-intensive craft began to shift toward mass production, fueled by new technologies, industrial-scale furnaces, and mechanized tools. During this era, glass became more affordable, more functional, and more widely available than ever before.
One of the most significant developments was the advancement of techniques for producing flat window glass. Prior to this period, glass for windows was expensive and limited in size. Two primary methods emerged during the Industrial Revolution: the crown glass method and the cylinder method. The crown method involved blowing a large glass bubble, spinning it into a flat disc, and cutting panes from the center. This process, while effective, had limitations in size and consistency. The cylinder method, which became more dominant later in the 19th century, allowed for larger sheets of glass. Artisans would blow a long cylinder of glass, slice it open lengthwise, and then flatten it into a pane. This innovation greatly expanded the use of glass in architecture, making larger windows and more light-filled interiors possible in homes, factories, and public buildings.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, a major leap forward came with the invention of pressed glass in the United States around 1825. This technique used metal molds and mechanical presses to shape molten glass into decorative patterns and standardized forms. Unlike traditional cut glass, which required laborious hand-carving, pressed glass could be produced quickly and at a fraction of the cost. It democratized decorative glassware, bringing ornate bowls, goblets, lamps, and other household items into the homes of the growing middle class. While it lacked the brilliance of hand-cut crystal, pressed glass mimicked its appearance well enough to become a popular alternative.
The Industrial Revolution also saw dramatic improvements in the production of bottles and jars. Early in the period, glass containers were still made by hand, but by the late 19th century, semi-automatic machines began to take over. These machines could blow, mold, and finish bottles with minimal human intervention, significantly increasing output and lowering prices. This made glass containers the preferred choice for food, medicine, and beverage packaging—products that were being manufactured on an industrial scale to meet the demands of an expanding consumer market.
Fueling all these changes was the shift from wood to coal-fired furnaces, which provided the higher, more consistent heat required for large-scale glassmaking. Combined with innovations in chemistry and engineering, glass factories could now operate more efficiently and produce a broader range of goods.
By the end of the 19th century, glass had transformed from a relatively rare and luxurious material into a common, essential component of daily life. Whether in the form of clear windowpanes, mass-produced jars, or affordable decorative items, glass reflected the core values of the Industrial Age: efficiency, accessibility, and progress. The groundwork laid during this period would pave the way for even greater advancements in the 20th century, as glass moved into new roles in science, communication, and modern design.