Your Guide to Obscure & Privacy Glass

By: Architectural Visions

While glass used in windows and doors is often added to emit a sense of openness in the home, certain types of glass can also be utilized to create a level of privacy for you, your family, and guests. Obscure glass can be highly versatile in its application and can assist in the function of several types of room, such as a bathroom, a home office, or your garage.

Here at AVI Windows and doors, we have the expertise and knowledge on home window decorative glass options you need to help guide you through the various types and applications of obscure glass as well as where best to place obscure glass in your home. Here we have provided you a starter walkthrough on obscure, also known as privacy glass, to begin considering how to best utilize it in your next home renovation.

What is Obscure/Privacy Glass?                                                                                                                    

First of all, let’s define what obscure/ privacy glass is. Obscure glass is an umbrella term for one of several types of glass, each of which shares the quality of a partial absence of transparency: the viewer’s perception is somewhat blocked rather than a clear view one gets through regular glass. Any type of these obscure glass types distorts or obscures objects on the other side or both sides of the glass. This effect is achieved by using a range of textures or patterns, and the results can range from a slight distortion, the creation of silhouettes, or a complete masking of objects on the other side of the glass. As stated, this effect can be one or both sides of the glass.

What are the benefits of Obscure/Privacy Glass?

First of all, obscure glass provides privacy. Additionally, it provides different levels of privacy as you can control the amount of light that comes through while simultaneously controlling transparency. Think about the situations and locations in your home where you may want to be able to distinguish objects but not necessarily want you or others to have completely transparent view of them, or you don’t want others to have a view at all.

Privacy

Furthermore, different types of obscure glass can offer energy efficiency. For example, different types of obscure glass for bathroom windows can brighten up a bathroom as, although translucent, they do not impede light admittance. Another benefit is that an obscure film can block heat from penetrating the glass, keeping the room cooler, while simultaneously keeping out the cold during the winter months.

Unique and Appealing Aesthetic

The last, perhaps less obvious benefit, of obscure glass, is that the various types and patterns allow for you to create a unique and appealing aesthetic to the space in which you choose to install it. Adding a regal lace pattern glass to a master bathroom shower will certainly give a grand effect if you are looking for one.

How is Privacy Glass Made?

As mentioned before, the effect of obscure/privacy glass is achieved through using different textures and patterns. Depending on the desired effect you want from the glass, there is a different process.

For example, two-way obscurity can be achieved through using frostbite frosted film or solid covered vinyl. To create, for example, a frosted bathroom window, a regular sheet of glass would be acid etched, creating a pitted surface on the other side of the glass. The result is a scattering of light as it passes through the pane, blurring the image but still letting light through. Frosted glass is distinguished by its white opaque frosting, emitting a hazy transparency.

For one-way privacy glass, a reflective film would be used instead. This film acts in the same way as a pair of sunglasses. The side of the film that receives the higher degree of light takes on a reflective appearance while the other side receives a more transparent view of objects. This option works great as a daytime privacy option, optimum for your home office where you want light in but not distractions.

What are the Different Variations/Levels of Tint?

As previously noted, there is a wide range of obscure glass variations as well as different levels of tint. Below are only a few of the options available.

Frosted Glass

Frosted glass, as discussed before, is arguably the most popular. Along with being acid-etched it can also be sandblasted. It is more or less not transparent, providing full or partial privacy, which makes it different from a completely opaque glass because light is still admitted. It is popular for shower doors, garage doors, office workspace, and retail store fronts.

Patterned Glass

Patterned glass is another notable variation, perhaps more known for its decorative design with possibilities such as stars, leaves, and geometric patterns. A Flemish flower design or lace Chantilly can produce a grand visual for a master bathroom while providing just enough obscurity. Other patterns include sycamore, oak, taffeta, minster, contour, charcoal; there are certainly enough styles to fit your individual tastes.

Bubble or Raindrop Effect

A bubble or raindrop emits a vibrant effect that goes well with a shower or tub encasement, providing a more natural atmosphere with only subtle light dispersion.

Ribbed or Reeded Effect

Ribbed or reeded effect provides a modern, clean design. Thin and subtle ribbing allows for some light admission while significantly obscuring objects, whereas thick bands of reeded glass create a 3-dimensional effect that contains more light but less obscurity.

Levels of Obscurity

You can rate the different levels of obscurity on a scale of one to five; with one acting as the lowest level of obscurity and five being the highest. At the first level, objects are hardly distorted and can still be seen clearly. As you increase the level of opaqueness, objects become more and more obscured until level five in which a viewer cannot distinguish objects. Note that light still passes through until you reach opaque. Again, you’ll want to think about how much privacy you want for a space when deciding the level of obscurity.

Where does Obscure/Privacy Glass Make the Most Sense in Your Home?

Obscure/Privacy glass makes the most sense in your home where you want privacy, effected by the amount of privacy you want for each space. Obviously, the bathroom shower is an obvious example where you want a certain level of obscurity, but perhaps not complete opaqueness. A garage door is perhaps where you do want to have complete obscurity on one side to provide security to the items inside the garage, but you’d like to be able to see into the outside world. Remember, it’s all about the atmosphere you want to create for yourself and for guests in your home.

AVI has all your Obscure Glass Needs

Regardless of the atmosphere you finally conclude to create for your next home renovation, AVI has got you covered for all your home window tinting needs. With our online and in-person services, we are your one stop shop to view, purchase, and install your new windows, doors, and showers for your next home renovation.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us online, by phone, or at one of our southeast locations. We can’t wait to hear from you and join you in your next home renovation!