If you’re excited to dive into fused glass, one of the first questions that comes up is:
“Do I need a huge studio to get started?”
The good news is — no! You don’t need a big space or even a spare bedroom. With the right setup, fused glass can fit comfortably into small spaces, and you can grow as your hobby (or business!) grows.
The image above is of my studio space a few years after I started fusing glass and my business started to take off. I soon added an additional worktable and more bins for sorting glass.
In this post, I’ll walk you through what kind of space you actually need and how to make it work, no matter the size of your home.
1. Start Small: The Beginner-Friendly Setup
If you’re just testing the waters, you don’t need more than a small table or countertop. A microwave kiln is one of the easiest ways to begin, and it fits inside a standard-sized microwave.
⚠️ Important: You should never use the same microwave you prepare food in. Glass fusing can release fumes, and you don’t want that mixing with your meals. Instead, pick up an inexpensive microwave that’s dedicated solely to glasswork. Many artists keep one in the garage, basement, or a well-ventilated corner.
👉 Minimum space: about 2–3 square feet on a sturdy table, plus a safe place to store your glass.
2. The Dedicated Hobby Corner
If you’ve decided you love fused glass and want to create more regularly, having a dedicated corner makes the process easier. This might be a workbench in your garage, a corner of your basement, or a table in a spare room.
What you’ll want:
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A sturdy table (or two!) or workbench for cutting and assembling glass
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A dedicated microwave kiln or small tabletop kiln, plugged into a safe outlet
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Storage shelves or bins for glass sheets and tools
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Good lighting
👉 Minimum space: about 4–6 feet of table or bench space, with shelving or rolling carts nearby.
3. The Home Studio Setup
For those who are ready to fully commit, upgrading to a larger tabletop kiln or even a mid-sized floor kiln is the next step. This setup works best in a garage, basement, or dedicated art room.
What you’ll want:
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Ventilation (especially for larger kilns)
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A fire-safe surface for the kiln
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More organized storage for different glass types
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Room to spread out larger projects
👉 Recommended space: about half of a small room (8–10 feet of workable area).
4. Safety Considerations for Any Size Space
No matter how much room you have, safety should always come first:
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Always work on a sturdy surface
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Sweep or vacuum glass shards regularly
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Wear safety glasses when cutting glass
- Wear a dust mask when handling glass powders
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Store glass vertically in a rack or upright bin to prevent breakage
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Use a dedicated microwave if working with a microwave kiln
- Set your kiln up at least 18" from any walls / place it on tile, concrete or pavers that extend 12" beyond the outer diameter of the kiln (never on carpet or wood)
5. The Bottom Line
You don’t need a huge studio to get started with fused glass. In fact, many artists (myself included!) started with a small setup and gradually grew into larger spaces as their skills and projects expanded. The key is making sure your area is safe, organized, and comfortable to work in.
✨ Whether it’s a corner of your garage, a basement workbench, or a full studio, you can start creating beautiful fused glass art right where you are.
👉 Pro Tip: If space is what’s holding you back, consider starting with a microwave kiln and a dedicated microwave. They’re compact, affordable, and require very little setup — the perfect way to dip your toes into fused glass.