Obscure (privacy) glass

Obscure glass has a textured pattern that lets light through but blurs the view, so people cannot see in. It is the simplest way to keep a room private without blinds or nets, and it still lets in plenty of daylight.

This guide covers where obscure glass is used, how private the different patterns are, and what to check before you order.

How obscure glass works

The pattern is rolled into one surface of the glass while it is being made. Light is scattered as it passes through, so shapes and colours become blurred or broken up. The more pronounced the pattern, the less you can make out through it.

In a double glazed unit, the obscure pane is usually fitted as one of the two panes, with clear glass as the other. The textured face sits inside the unit, so both outside faces stay smooth and easy to clean.

Where to use obscure glass

• Bathrooms, toilets and en-suites
• Windows that face a neighbour or the street at close range
• Glazed panels in and next to front doors

It is also handy for side windows overlooked by a neighbouring house, landing windows, utility rooms and the lower panes of a window where you want privacy but still want to look out of the top.

How private is it?

Patterns range from lightly textured to very private. If you need a specific pattern, add it to the label field in the designer or call us before ordering.

Obscurity is often described on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is the least private and 5 is the most. As a rough guide:

• Levels 1 and 2: soft, decorative textures. Good for hallways and kitchens where you want a little privacy.
• Level 3: a balanced choice for many front doors and side panels.
• Levels 4 and 5: the most private. Best for bathrooms, toilets and en-suites.

Remember that at night, with the lights on inside, shapes can be more visible from outside than during the day. If privacy really matters, pick a higher obscurity level.

Matching your existing windows

If you are replacing one unit in a window that already has obscure glass, try to match the pattern so the panes look the same. Take a clear photo of the glass and call us, or note the pattern name if you know it.

The spacer bar colour matters too. Our guide to sealed unit thickness and spacers explains how to match it.

Can it be toughened?

Yes. Obscure glass can be toughened for safety, which is often needed in bathrooms where the glass is low down.

Building Regulations require safety glass in certain places, such as glass close to the floor and in and around doors. Bathrooms often have low windows or glass near a bath, so it is worth checking. Read our safety glass guide to see when toughened or laminated glass is needed.

Obscure glass in doors

Front doors and side panels often use obscure or decorative glass so callers cannot see straight into the hallway. Glass in and around doors must be safety glass, so any obscure pane here will be toughened or laminated. See our guide to door glass for more on the options.

Is obscure glass still energy efficient?

Yes. The pattern does not affect how well the unit insulates. An obscure double glazed unit has the same argon gas filling and warm-edge spacer as a clear one. Every window we make is A-rated with argon-filled double glazed units, whether the glass is clear or obscure.

Common mistakes

• Choosing a low obscurity level for a bathroom and finding it not private enough at night.
• Forgetting that low-level bathroom glass may need to be toughened.
• Not noting which pane should be obscure when only part of a window needs it. Use the label field in the designer to make this clear.
• Mixing different patterns on the same elevation when you meant them to match.

Quick answers

Can people see through obscure glass at night?

They cannot see detail, but with a light on inside, outlines and movement can be more noticeable. Higher obscurity levels reduce this.

Can I order a single obscure glass unit?

Yes. You can order obscure double glazed units on their own to replace an existing pane.

Which side does the pattern go?

In a sealed unit, the textured face normally sits inside the unit, so both outer faces are smooth and easy to clean.

Does obscure glass let in less light?

It lets in most of the light but spreads it out, so rooms stay bright while the view is blurred.

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