The Pros & Cons of Obscured Glass Windows
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Obscured or textured-glass windows really offer the best of both worlds. They allow the natural sunlight to shine through your home while adding subtle style and privacy.
Even if you love your neighbors, privacy is a necessity and a right. So, if you're tired of closing your blinds or curtains for a little solitude, installing obscured glass windows is a wise investment.
What is obscure glass?
Obscure glass is textured glass designed to be translucent yet not completely transparent, allowing sunlight through but obscuring a clear view of the inside. It can be used for various applications, such as bathroom windows or the glazing on a front door. It is liked by homeowners that seek privacy.
Obscure glass is made by adding a pattern or texture to the surface, which diffuses light and obscures the view. Again, this is ideal for areas of the home where privacy is important, but natural light is desired.
Types of obscure glass
Obscure glass comes in various patterns and textures, and each type of glass provides varying degrees of privacy, light diffusion, and aesthetic appeal to your space.
At Steve the Window Guy, we proudly install elegant rain and glue-chip glass windows. This type of obscure glass adds an interesting design element to any room and offers the perfect balance of privacy and natural light.
As you may have guessed, rain glass gets its name from the unique pattern it creates, mimicking the look of raindrops on a windowpane. The textured patterns obscure the view from the outside, while still allowing plenty of light to filter through.
Do I need rain obscure glass windows?
When making a replacement window decision for your home, you have lots of options available to you. So, the question “Do you want obscured glass” is bound to come up.
Let's review a few scenarios where rain glass will benefit you best.
Your blinds or window treatments are constantly drawn, leaving your home void of natural light.
You don’t like the look of traditional obscured glass but love the look of soft rain drops outside.
You have one of those "awesome" bathroom windows actually inside the bathtub. Or worse, your neighbor can see straight into your bathroom—day or night.
Your basement windows are too small to really put window treatments on them, but glass block windows just seem too industrial for your taste.
Still on the fence? Let's recap with a few pros and cons.
Advantages of obscured glass windows
Increased privacy: Obscured windows prevent outsiders from seeing inside your home, giving you a greater sense of privacy.
Improved security: Intruders are less likely to attempt to break into a home if they cannot see what is inside.
Reduced glare: If you work from home, obscured windows can reduce the glare of sunlight on your computer screen, making it easier to work for extended periods of time.
Disadvantages of obscured glass windows
Reduced view: If you have a beautiful view outside, obscured windows can make it difficult to see through. However, if you're closing your blinds or window treatments anyway, obscure glass will still allow you to see warm colors outside and let the natural light shine in.
What is the difference between opaque and obscure glass?
Opaque glass refers to completely non-transparent glass, meaning it cannot be seen through at all. While obscure glass still allows sunlight and simply distorts the view from outside.
Both types of glass can be used for various purposes, such as privacy, security, or decorative purposes. Ultimately, the choice between opaque and obscure glass depends on your specific needs and preferences.
How many windows should be obscured in a home?
The answer depends on several factors, so it's best to work with a local window expert! At Steve the Window Guy, we make it easy to schedule an estimate and talk to a pro, so you feel confident moving forward.
A member of our team will come out to your home, assess your current windows, and walk you through your options to ensure the replacement windows you choose enhance your home's quality, comfort, and safety!
Steve the Window Guy for Universal Windows Direct is a full exterior remodeling company focusing on replacing windows, siding and roofing. Steve and his team of are experts in working with people just like you to create a plan for the most cost efficient way to complete your exterior remodeling project. We are part of a national dealer network that has catapulted to the 10th largest* remodeling company in the nation. Locally we have an A+ rating with the BBB with zero complaints. Steve has been recognized by Universal Windows Direct as National Dealer of the Year three times for his hard work and dedication to getting things right. We are locally owned and operated in Bloomington, MN and work throughout the Twin Cities Metro. Updating your home can be easy.
We believe Steve the Window, Siding and Roofing Guy was just too long of a name.
*Source: Qualified Remodelers Top 500 List, Published September 2019.
