What is Obscure Glass?
Obscure Glass – often referred to as ‘patterned’ glass – has a patterned texture or translucent finish that distorts the view of what is on the other side of the glass. Obscure glass can be produced as toughened or laminated safety glass and is mostly used in rooms where privacy is desired, such as bathrooms.
Glass Guide
Our glass guide will help you choose the best glass options for your new home or renovation
Benefits & Considerations
Obscure glass is commonly used in bathroom and toilet windows where both privacy and light is desired. Translucent glass, often referred to as frosted glass, is popular for modern aluminium front doors and can be paired with a toned glass for a different look to the standard translucent milky finish. Pairing any obscure glass with toned glass will help to improve energy efficiency.
Benefits
The benefits of obscure glazing:
- Provides privacy without limiting light
- Safer – if broken, toughened obscure glass breaks into fragments rather than into dangerous shards
- Textured obscure glass does not streak easily
Considerations
Depending on the colour selected, pairing obscured translucent and toned glass may reduce light levels. For example, using a translucent grey toned glass in your front door will dim a narrow enclosed entry or hallway. The standard translucent glass would suit this application better.
The Australian Standards & Building Regulations will determine some glass choices within your home. For example, as a rule you must use Grade A Safety Glass in all bathrooms for areas up to 2m high.
Some council regulations stipulate the use of obscure glass for upper storey windows that overlook a neighbour’s yard.
Options
Obscure Glass Options
You can see samples of obscure glass options in a Jason Windows Showroom or from your builder
Cathedral
Large dimple texture
Satinlite
A subtle pattern
Spotswood
A light textured pattern
Translucent
A smooth milky finish. Translucent glass is often chosen for front doors and can be paired with a toned glass.
