AN exhibition has opened which could give visitors inspirational ideas on how to furnish their homes - entirely out of glass.

The Glass Apartment, at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland, showcases the works of internationally renowned artists, architects and designers who specialise in creating the impossible out of glass.

Much of the furniture and artwork on display in the Glass Apartment's bedroom, living and dining room has been sourced by furniture retailer Barker & Stonehouse, of Darlington, exhibition sponsor.

Unusual items include a "ghost" armchair by Fiam which is created out of a single, moulded sheet of glass, a glass table by Sir Norman Foster and pieces by Nick Crosbie, from the company Inflate, whose inflatable creations are turning heads.

Fans of the designer can see examples of his creations in other materials too. Inflate has created a transparent bed for the apartment, complete with invisible, inflatable cushions and mattress.

Members of the Barker & Stonehouse design team have been helping run the exhibition and managing director James Barker said he was looking forward to welcoming visitors. "The exhibition is sure to provoke some diverse reactions from visitors who will find themselves inside a beautiful but challenging environment," he said.

"They will discover that glass can be used in ways to create furniture that is both strong yet delicate as well."

The exhibition runs until September 3 at the National Glass Centre, Liberty Way, Sunderland. It is open daily and admission is free.