Modern interior trends change every year, but one material that will always be in style is frosted glass. Providing sleek surfaces that are lovely to look at, easy to clean, and reliably robust, toughened glass products also improve light levels to create a sophisticated and spacious feel.
Detractors may say that its clear nature makes glass an impractical choice when privacy is concerned, but one of the best things about this material is the variety of finishes available.
If you’re interested in incorporating elegant glass elements into your home, but would prefer if they weren’t totally transparent, frosted glass will allow you to do this without having to choose between light flow and privacy.
Frosted glass is either sandblasted or acid-etched to achieve a semi-opaque finish that still lets light pass through while offering a greater degree of visual privacy. The frosted or clouded look doubles as a tasteful decorative feature, too.
One of the most popular types of frosted glass is satin glass, which has a smoother and softer finish that diffuses light more evenly, with a warmer appearance than the usual glossy white tint.
This is a beautiful style for everything from doors and balustrades to screens, table tops, and shelves, which you can order cut to size from bespoke suppliers like The Glass Warehouse.
If you need some inspiration for where to use frosted satin glass throughout your home before you start designing custom pieces online, here are seven places you can install frosted glass and tips on how you can use it to elevate each area.
1) Frosted glass in the hallway
As the first thing anyone sees when they step inside, the hallway provides the first impression of the home, so adding frosted glass features here will instantly boost its visual impact.
A satin glass partition can separate the immediate entrance area from the rest of the home in an elegant manner without blocking the light, establishing a designated space for taking off shoes and coats if you don’t already have a porch or vestibule.
If your hallway immediately leads to the stairs, updating old staircase railings with frosted glass balustrades will maintain their protective functionality while visually opening up the space – especially if you choose a frameless installation with minimal fittings.
2) Frosted glass in the living room
Many homes these days have an open-concept lounge and kitchen setup, but if you want your layout to be somewhere in the middle, you could use frosted glass partitions and doors between your living room and kitchen or dining room.
This ensures there is a comfortable divide between a space for relaxing and a space for eating, without making each room feel darker and smaller thanks to the flow of light between them.
Within the living room itself, elements that traditionally use clear glass, such as coffee tables, TV stands, or cabinet doors, can all be replaced with satin glass for a cosier touch. The softer, warmer finish will introduce a more refined look to your furnishings.
3) Frosted glass in the kitchen
Whether your dining table and chairs are in the kitchen itself or a designated dining area, you could also opt for a satin glass dining table for a more luxurious experience at mealtimes.
Aside from table tops, the cloudy glass look also lends itself well to various parts of the kitchen, such as sills and shelves used for storing items in an accessible yet appealing way. Not only do you get the classy aesthetic of satin glass, but the material is also easier to clean quickly.
Translucent frosted glass doors are also ideal for cupboards and small pantries or utility rooms attached to the kitchen, which are unlikely to have their own windows.
4) Frosted glass in the bathroom
Applications in which frosted glass is truly the standout are bath screens, shower screens, and partitions in bathrooms and wet rooms of varying sizes.
Bathrooms are typically on the smaller side with either no windows or one small window, so they don’t get much natural light. They’re also the main space where a water-repellent barrier is needed to keep water from splashing out of the bath or shower zone.
Frosted glass is perfect for this purpose, as it’s waterproof and durable while allowing light to pass through. It’s also a great choice for shared bathrooms, where one person can use the bath or shower privately while another can still access the rest of the facilities.
In a larger bathroom, you might want to separate the toilet from the rest of the room with a frosted partition to create more of a spa atmosphere.
5) Frosted glass in the bedroom
If you would like to feel like you’re entering a high-end hotel room or penthouse every time you step into your bedroom, why not replace the bedroom door with a satin glass door?
You’ll still be able to maintain visual privacy due to the partially obscure finish, while creating a feeling of luxury and elegance due to its smooth translucent look. The same applies to the door between the bedroom and bathroom if you have an en suite.
Inside the bedroom, frosted glass doors can provide a stylish upgrade to standard wardrobe or walk-in closet doors, adding a more decorative element that keeps the space feeling light and uncluttered. There’s also the option to install a frosted glass divider to create a more private ‘dressing room’ or vanity area for getting ready.
6) Frosted glass in the home office
As anyone who works remotely full-time or part-time will know, finding a private space to work from home in a shared residence can be easier said than done.
Some people may be lucky enough to have a private home office or library for work, or even a studio for physical or creative pursuits – be it a home gym or crafting room. If not, though, frosted glass screens can be used to carve out a small workspace with fewer distractions.
If there’s enough space in your bedroom or living room, you could even create a small corner room with a door using floor-to-ceiling frosted glass, which would be much easier and more affordable to construct than traditional walls and wouldn’t feel dingy like a cubicle.
7) Frosted glass in the garden
Last but not least, if your home has a private garden, it’s likely that you have a paved area or decking platform leading out from the house to the garden.
Whether it’s at the same ground level or raised with steps, enclosing your patio or deck with frosted glass balustrades is a great way to create a more private outdoor space for relaxing or eating al fresco that helps to make direct sunlight and wind feel less harsh.
If you have beautiful landscaping beyond this area and you’re concerned about the semi-opaque style blocking the view, you could always opt for tinted glass instead – giving you the same benefits, just with a clearer view of what’s on the other side!
