Obscure Glass Styles

Shower doors often use obscure glass, which is also tempered and heat strengthened.

Found in homes and businesses, obscure glass is typically used for windows and glass barriers that require privacy. Obscure glass has a coating that allows light to pass through, without being transparent. Most commonly, obscure glass is used in the bathroom for shower doors and windows to obscure the view so people are offered privacy. There are many different styles of obscure glass, ranging from classic to modern.

Basics

Obscure glass offers privacy and security without reducing the amount of natural light in the room. You can find many different styles of obscure glass at your local home improvement store. While most styles of obscure glass are rather expensive, obscure glass windows will allow natural light in while keeping heat out, thus saving on your electric bill. There are also cheaper styles available, which are made of plastic or coatings that are painted on pre-established windows.

Privacy

Obscure glass styles come in varying levels of privacy. A number is typically assigned to the different coatings. The number represents the level of transparency of the glass. For example, a level one will have a coating that makes the glass almost transparent, but slightly obscure, while a level five will offer the most privacy without being totally opaque.

Textured

Obscure glass comes in textured styles. Textured styles create an effect that is touchable while also distorting the view. Textured obscure glass styles give the glass a rippled, swirling, bubbly or drizzled effect. The glass can also have a reeded look, or appear as if it has tiny raindrops. Textured obscure glass can also have small circular indentations or create an effect that looks as if you are looking into a pool of water.

Patterned and Frosted

Patterned obscure glass styles have designs such as flowers, leaves or grasses etched into the glass. The glass may also have a sandblasted pattern. These patterned styles are also typically frosted. Frosted obscure glass has a milky coating that gives the glass a clouded appearance.

Tinted and Reflective

Other obscure glass styles include tinted and reflective glass. Tinted glass, commonly used in cars and trucks, allows people to see out but darkens the view, preventing others from seeing in. Similarly, reflective glass does the same thing, only providing a reflection of the person attempting to look in, similar to a two-way mirror.

References

• HomeGuide123.com; What Is an Obscure Glass Window?; 2011