Introduction
Used to provide privacy, create attractive features and add interest to otherwise simple doors and windows, obscure glass brings many benefits to your home.
What is Obscure Glass?
Obscure glass is non-transparent glass which allows natural light to flow while offering a higher level of privacy and security than standard glazing. The basic idea is to distort or obscure objects on the other side of the glass. Obscure glass also has some noise-reducing properties.
Five different levels of obscurity and various types and patterns are incorporated under the term.
Triple Glazing:
Triple glazing involves three panes of glass sandwiched together, with gaps filled with an inert gas such as Argon. It offers superior insulation and noise reduction to single or double-glazed windows, although the difference to A-rated double-glazed windows may be minimal.
Level 1
The lowest level of obscurity, level 1 glass is best suited to decorative applications where privacy is not a concern.
Level 2
Level 2 offers a slightly higher level of obscurity, but still provides a fairly clear view of shapes and colours.
Level 3
This is mid-range obscurity, allowing plenty of natural light to flow while protecting your privacy more than lower levels.
Level 4
One of the most popular choices for bathrooms, level 4 obscure glass distorts shapes and shadows, making them difficult to determine from the other side of the glass.
Level 5
The highest level of obscurity, this glass creates such a level of distortion that it becomes almost impossible to determine what is on the other side. Light can still penetrate this level of obscure glass, so it is not opaque.
The Different Types of Obscure Glass
Sometimes called ‘privacy glass’ obscure glass, is made by rolling, acid etching or sandblasting, with each method creating a different effect and finish.
Pilkington Texture Glass | Privacy Level |
Clear, Satin, Reeded, Minister, Chantilly | Level 2 |
Autumn, Taffeta, | Level 3 |
Charcoal Sticks, Contora, Mayflower, Florielle, Stippolyte, | Level 4 |
Everglade, Oak, Pelerine, Cotswold, | Level 5 |
Click the images below for a larger view:
Textured
Textured glass is made by rolling a pattern into one side of the glass, to achieve the desired level of obscurity. Numerous patterns are available, from flowers and leaves to lines and graphic geometric shapes.
Practical and pretty, it is a common option for UK homes and is also frequently used in offices.
Our Pilkington textured glass collection encompasses a range of patterns and privacy levels. From the reintroduced ‘Reeded’ design, which has a privacy level of 2, up to level 4 Charcoal Sticks and Contora, and finally level 5 designs such as Everglade and Pelerine, there’s something for everyone.
You will find delicate designs such as Chantilly, fun florals like Mayflower, and swirling shapes as in Taffeta.
Frosted Sandblasted
Sandblasted glass is ‘frosted’ by using a special, high-powered machine to ‘blast’ a piece of glass with sand, or similar grainy material, to create the desired pattern and level of opacity.
Sandblasted glass tends to show fingermarks, so it might not be the best choice in areas where young children or pets have easy access.
Frosted Acid-etched
Created using chemicals to mottle or frost the surface of the glass, acid-etched glass can also incorporate detailed designs such as company logos or intricate patterns.
A more expensive option, acid-etched glass provides a smoother ‘satin’ finish and is not as prone to finger and paw prints.
We offer Clear and Satin Pilkington frosted glass.
Coloured/stained glass
Typically a feature of period buildings such as houses and churches, coloured glass is enjoying something of a revival. In recent years commercial buildings all over the world have used coloured glass to stunning effect. UK homeowners, too, have embraced coloured and stained glass in their external doors, bathrooms, and windows.
Obscure Glass Applications
Since obscure glass can be toughened for safety and is just as easy to clean as transparent glass, it has many applications in homes and commercial settings.
Privacy Windows
One of the most popular applications for obscure glass is to create ‘privacy windows’ in the home and office. Whether it is a bathroom, home office or meeting room, obscure glass windows offer a pleasing blend of privacy and light transmittance.
Decorative Features
Obscure glass also works well in decorative features such as wall partitions, glass brick walls, cabinet doors and mirrors. The ability to have specific designs etched into the glass makes it ideal for custom pieces.
Exterior Windows and Doors:
Adding obscure glass to windows and doors serves a couple of functions. As well as increasing your privacy, it enables you to control the intensity of the sun penetrating the room. Many homes also have decorative stained glass panels in their front doors.
Roof Windows and Skylights:
Permitted development rights mean that side-facing windows in a loft or roof must be obscure glass. There are other considerations, too, such as the windows not being openable if they are lower than 1.7m from the ground. Obscure glass in rooves and lofts creates another avenue for natural light to flow while protecting your privacy and security
Commercial Spaces:
Office doors and windows in meeting rooms often utilise frosted or obscure glass to maintain privacy. Frosted glass may be used in high-end office tables and glass partitions. Frosted glass films may be used to save money or for temporary installations.
You may also see obscure glass, particularly coloured glass, used in the foyers and external windows of offices, hotels, retail spaces and other commercial buildings to add interest and visual appeal. Greenhouses use special diffused glass to ensure even light transmittance.
Acid-etched glass can be made with larger patterns to create anti-slip glass for stairs and floor tiles.
Obscure Glass vs Frosted Glass
Frosted glass is a popular type of obscure glass. The difference between frosted glass and other types of obscure glass is how they are made, as described above, and their various applications. In most cases, the type of obscure glass matters less than the level of opacity.
Is Obscure Glass More Expensive?
Obscure glass is typically more expensive than clear glass but is available at different prices to suit most budgets. The same factors that usually affect the cost of windows apply:
- The size
- The type of window – casement.sliding sash etc
- The number of windows
- Ease of access
So the best way to compare prices is to ask for a few quotes from trusted windows and doors professionals like us.
As mentioned, acid-etched frosted glass tends to be the most expensive. Customised designs will also cost you more than standard patterns.
If you are on a tight budget, you could look at obscure glass films as a temporary solution. This also enables you to see if you like the effect before committing to new windows.
Types of Obscure Glass for Bathroom Windows
Obscure Glass Patterns and Styles
Reeded and ‘bubbled’ glass patterns are popular in bathrooms, with the latter resembling water droplets on the glass. Frosted satin is also a firm favourite in UK homes. Some people incorporate nautical designs such as anchors, fish, or mermaids in their bathrooms and may design stained glass panels to match.
Obscure Glass Examples
Where can I buy Obscure Glass from? And who can install it for me?
At Manchester Window Factory, we bring you a stunning collection of Pilkington obscure glass. Even better, our in-house team of CERTASS-accredited fitters can install your new windows, creating a singular seamless transaction for our products and installation service.
Conclusion
Obscure glass can enhance security and visual appeal, protecting your privacy while injecting some of your personality into your home.
When choosing the most appropriate obscure glass for your house or workplace, consider the level of privacy required, how much light you want to flow and the effect you are hoping to achieve. Whether you wish to make a bold statement or subtly preserve your dignity and security, we have the perfect style of obscure glass for you.
Is obscure glass double glazing?
Should obscure glass be on the inside or outside?
Does obscure glass need building regulations?
Is obscure glass suitable for a bathroom door?
Get In Touch Today
At Manchester Window Factory, we are experts in providing and installing the highest quality UPVC, aluminium and timber windows. We can talk you through your options and offer a free, no-obligation quote for your consideration. We also offer a pay monthly scheme to help you spread the cost. If you would like further information on any of our products or services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We look forward to hearing from you!
