Do I need tempered glass for glass shelving?

Tempered Glass is not required for residential display shelving but is advisable for use for extra safety purposes or to increase the amount of weight the glass can support. 3/16” or 1/4″ glass shelves for retail store are generally tempered because the additional resistance to breakage is a benefit in commercial applications. As for the edges, we recommend a flat polish. This is the best way to demonstrate the thickness of the glass, which also provides a modern look. Beveled edges are typically used on table tops and are not suitable for shelving.