I've used a clear glass container in the past. I don't think the glass is any different than plastic, resin, or ceramic containers in terms of porosity. I did find if the sun hit it directly the glass tended to be like a magnifying glass and the soil got too hot. That limited what plant I could grow in it. After a time, it also grew algae which sort of ruined the effect of being able to watch some underground growth. I think the algae tended to keep the soil damper, but never was sure how that worked for retaining extra moisture. The drain holes were large enough that they seemed to work for drainage. By far the biggest issue was the heating of the container via the sunlight. In the end, it meant I only used it in solid shade. Ultimately it got broken. I'm growing a bromeliad in a white glass container (formerly a lamp shade) but it's growing in the deeper shade of an oak tree canopy. The brome has thrived in it as far as the container goes, but is currently forage for grasshoppers.
The lampshade being white glass makes me think you could coat the inside of a glass container with a waterproof opaque paint or some of that white plastic coating that's available. Doing that would still give you some of effect of the glass, but should keep it from overheating from sunlight shining through the sides. If there were a plant that required more sun than the bromeliad does was planted in the lampshade container, I wouldn't hesitate to locate it where it received more sun. Don't see why it would be any different than ceramic or plastic. I do have rigged up some piece of a kitchen contraption which is hard, clear plastic. It gets some direct afternoon sun, but not much. I've been using it for 5-6 years now, I think. A Tradescantia type plant growing in it without problems.
