Skip to main content
Privacy and decorative light

Privacy glass you can choose by appearance

Choose how private you want the space to feel, then confirm the pattern, direction and processing with the supplier.

Product guide

Privacy glass you can choose by appearance

Choose how private you want the space to feel, then confirm the pattern, direction and processing with the supplier.

Reeded translucent glass in a kitchen cabinet door.
AI-generated illustration. Appearance varies by specification; this is not an exact product sample.

Patterned glass, textured glass, reeded glass and obscured privacy glazing

Patterned and textured glass changes how a view is seen while allowing light through. Reeded, decorative rolled, etched and satin glass have different surfaces and visual effects. Compare the actual pattern and a physical sample rather than relying on one screen image.

Privacy depends on the glass, lighting and the distance between a person and the pane. A decorative pattern is not a blackout product. Pattern direction, the face of the glass and the alignment between neighbouring panels can noticeably change the finished appearance.

A pattern name alone does not specify thickness, treatment or safety performance. Record whether the panel is for a door, bathroom, cabinet, partition or sealed unit. Toughening and laminating options must be checked for the exact design and thickness.

Privacy glass you can choose by appearance for your project

Common enquiry briefs include bathroom window, door panel, partition, match an existing pattern. Describe the intended use and the supporting construction so the supplier can assess the complete specification. Different applications can need different glass processing, fixings and installation details.

Compare a real sample

Light, viewing distance and the object behind the glass affect the appearance of a privacy pattern.

Keep adjacent panels aligned

Directional designs need the orientation and patterned face recorded as part of the order.

What to include in a made-to-measure quote

Compare quotes using the same dimensions, quantities, finish, glass construction and installation scope. If you have a drawing or an existing specification, include its reference and identify which details still need advice.

  • Privacy preference: Manufacturer privacy scales describe obscuration, not guaranteed visual privacy in every lighting condition.
  • Design: Use the visual range to choose a named pattern, then add it to the notes.
  • Safety processing: Available processing and thicknesses depend on the specific product.
  • Pattern orientation: Choose the direction against the product reference image.

Cut-to-size dimensions, edges and fabrication

Measure the finished glass only when the fitting allowances and support details are known. Otherwise identify the opening or existing panel you measured and request a survey. Give each different size its own basket line, with its quantity and drawing reference.

Holes, cut-outs, shaped edges and interfaces with hardware should be settled before manufacture. The finished glass construction and any coatings must suit the intended environment. A screen preview or concept photograph cannot replace a sample, survey or product-specific installation drawing.

Supplier checks before manufacture

  • Confirm the exact pattern and face direction before manufacture.
  • Patterned appearance alone does not establish impact or fire performance.

Requesting comparable glass quotes

Save the choices you know and ask for help with the rest. The quote basket records a specification request rather than placing a manufacturing order. A firm quote needs an agreed final build, dimensions, delivery arrangements and any installation or design work.

When comparing proposals, check that glass-only supply and supply with fitting cover the same scope. Ask who provides measurement, drawings, supports, compatible hardware, lifting access and finishing work. Keep the final approved specification with the order.

Sources and further reading

Guided specification · Save multiple sizes · Supplier-confirmed quotes

Your glass, step by step

Build your specification

Choose what you know. Leave the rest for a supplier to advise. Add different sizes as separate basket lines.

No account needed to configure
1. Your project

1What are you making?

2. Glass and performance

2Choose the details

Examples and guidancePatterned glass: texture, privacy and direction

Manufacturer privacy scales describe obscuration, not guaranteed visual privacy in every lighting condition.

Pattern face and orientationIllustrative directional patterned surface with vertical orientation marked. Physical sample required.Privacy preferenceIllustrative schematic, not to scale or a fabrication / fixing specification.

What your choice means

Patterned glass has a formed surface texture that changes visibility. Pattern direction and the face carrying the texture affect the appearance; an online privacy scale is a comparison rather than a guarantee of concealment at every distance.

Confirm the pattern name, orientation and whether the chosen product can be toughened or incorporated into the intended unit. Compare a physical sample at the expected viewing distance and lighting.

Examples you may seeKeep vertical pattern direction consistent across adjacent panels.State which face should have the texture, subject to product and system requirements.Available choices: Help me choose; Light texture; Moderate obscuration; Strong obscuration; Satin / etched finish.Current choice: Help me choose. This is your request for the supplier to confirm.Privacy glass you can choose by appearance: original Flow application conceptAI-generated product illustration from Google Flow; not an exact product sample, completed installation or proof of performance.Pilkington: decorative glass (opens in a new tab) ↗

Manufacturer privacy scales describe obscuration, not guaranteed visual privacy in every lighting condition.

Examples and guidancePatterned glass: texture, privacy and direction

Use the visual range to choose a named pattern, then add it to the notes.

Pattern face and orientationIllustrative directional patterned surface with vertical orientation marked. Physical sample required.DesignIllustrative schematic, not to scale or a fabrication / fixing specification.

What your choice means

Patterned glass has a formed surface texture that changes visibility. Pattern direction and the face carrying the texture affect the appearance; an online privacy scale is a comparison rather than a guarantee of concealment at every distance.

Confirm the pattern name, orientation and whether the chosen product can be toughened or incorporated into the intended unit. Compare a physical sample at the expected viewing distance and lighting.

Examples you may seeKeep vertical pattern direction consistent across adjacent panels.State which face should have the texture, subject to product and system requirements.Available choices: Help me choose; Named Texture pattern — see notes; Oriel etched pattern — see notes; Satin / opal; Match existing — photo to follow.Current choice: Help me choose. This is your request for the supplier to confirm.Privacy glass you can choose by appearance: original Flow application conceptAI-generated product illustration from Google Flow; not an exact product sample, completed installation or proof of performance.Pilkington: decorative glass (opens in a new tab) ↗

Use the visual range to choose a named pattern, then add it to the notes.

Examples and guidancePatterned glass: texture, privacy and direction

Available processing and thicknesses depend on the specific product.

Pattern face and orientationIllustrative directional patterned surface with vertical orientation marked. Physical sample required.Safety processingIllustrative schematic, not to scale or a fabrication / fixing specification.

What your choice means

Patterned glass has a formed surface texture that changes visibility. Pattern direction and the face carrying the texture affect the appearance; an online privacy scale is a comparison rather than a guarantee of concealment at every distance.

Confirm the pattern name, orientation and whether the chosen product can be toughened or incorporated into the intended unit. Compare a physical sample at the expected viewing distance and lighting.

Examples you may seeKeep vertical pattern direction consistent across adjacent panels.State which face should have the texture, subject to product and system requirements.Available choices: Help me choose; Annealed — suitability to confirm; Toughened; Laminated; Part of a sealed unit.Current choice: Help me choose. This is your request for the supplier to confirm.Privacy glass you can choose by appearance: original Flow application conceptAI-generated product illustration from Google Flow; not an exact product sample, completed installation or proof of performance.Pilkington: decorative glass (opens in a new tab) ↗

Available processing and thicknesses depend on the specific product.

Examples and guidancePatterned glass: texture, privacy and direction

Choose the direction against the product reference image.

Pattern face and orientationIllustrative directional patterned surface with vertical orientation marked. Physical sample required.Pattern orientationIllustrative schematic, not to scale or a fabrication / fixing specification.

What your choice means

Patterned glass has a formed surface texture that changes visibility. Pattern direction and the face carrying the texture affect the appearance; an online privacy scale is a comparison rather than a guarantee of concealment at every distance.

Confirm the pattern name, orientation and whether the chosen product can be toughened or incorporated into the intended unit. Compare a physical sample at the expected viewing distance and lighting.

Examples you may seeKeep vertical pattern direction consistent across adjacent panels.State which face should have the texture, subject to product and system requirements.Available choices: Help me choose; As shown in product image; Rotate 90 degrees; Match adjacent panels.Current choice: Help me choose. This is your request for the supplier to confirm.Privacy glass you can choose by appearance: original Flow application conceptAI-generated product illustration from Google Flow; not an exact product sample, completed installation or proof of performance.Pilkington: decorative glass (opens in a new tab) ↗

Choose the direction against the product reference image.

3. Sizes and fabrication notes

3Size and quantity

Enter finished glass sizes. If you only have opening sizes, ask for a survey or fitting allowance before ordering.

Examples and guidancePanel outline and drawing

Choose the finished outline. A rectangle needs width and height; a circle needs diameter. Bespoke shapes need enough dimensions, radii and datum references to define the outline.

Panel dimension referenceFinished rectangular panel width and height. Opening dimensions are a different reference.ShapeIllustrative schematic, not to scale or a fabrication / fixing specification.

What your choice means

A preview is an illustration; ask the supplier to confirm the manufacturing drawing or template.

Examples you may seeRectangle or square: finished width and height.Circle: diameter, with hole or cut-out positions separately documented.Available choices: Rectangle; Circle; Shaped / drawing to follow.Privacy glass you can choose by appearance: original Flow application conceptAI-generated product illustration from Google Flow; not an exact product sample, completed installation or proof of performance.Guardian: glass types (opens in a new tab) ↗
Examples and guidanceMeasurement units

1 cm equals 10 mm. Choose the units before entering sizes; keep drawing annotations in the same units.

Panel dimension referenceFinished rectangular panel width and height. Opening dimensions are a different reference.Measurement unitsIllustrative schematic, not to scale or a fabrication / fixing specification.

What your choice means

The form converts entered measurements to the existing millimetre specification fields.

Examples you may see120 cm = 1,200 mm.60 cm = 600 mm.Available choices: Millimetres (mm); Centimetres (cm).Privacy glass you can choose by appearance: original Flow application conceptAI-generated product illustration from Google Flow; not an exact product sample, completed installation or proof of performance.Guardian: glass types (opens in a new tab) ↗
Examples and guidanceFinished panel dimensions

Record the finished width and height of each distinct panel. For a circle use its diameter; shaped work needs a dimensioned drawing or agreed template.

Panel dimension referenceFinished rectangular panel width and height. Opening dimensions are a different reference.Width ( mm )Illustrative schematic, not to scale or a fabrication / fixing specification.

What your choice means

An opening, frame and finished glass are different references. Request a survey when the finished manufacturing dimensions remain unknown.

Examples you may seeOne size per basket line; quantity records identical pieces.Check units and the dimension reference before confirming manufacture.Privacy glass you can choose by appearance: original Flow application conceptAI-generated product illustration from Google Flow; not an exact product sample, completed installation or proof of performance.Guardian: glass types (opens in a new tab) ↗
Examples and guidanceFinished panel dimensions

Record the finished width and height of each distinct panel. For a circle use its diameter; shaped work needs a dimensioned drawing or agreed template.

Panel dimension referenceFinished rectangular panel width and height. Opening dimensions are a different reference.Height ( mm )Illustrative schematic, not to scale or a fabrication / fixing specification.

What your choice means

An opening, frame and finished glass are different references. Request a survey when the finished manufacturing dimensions remain unknown.

Examples you may seeOne size per basket line; quantity records identical pieces.Check units and the dimension reference before confirming manufacture.Privacy glass you can choose by appearance: original Flow application conceptAI-generated product illustration from Google Flow; not an exact product sample, completed installation or proof of performance.Guardian: glass types (opens in a new tab) ↗
Examples and guidanceQuantity of identical pieces

Quantity counts pieces with the same size and specification. Enter different sizes or constructions as separate basket lines so each requirement is retained.

Numbered specification scheduleA numbered schedule separates panel specification, hardware, delivery, fitting and approvals.QuantityIllustrative schematic, not to scale or a fabrication / fixing specification.

What your choice means

Examples you may seeThree identical panels: quantity 3.Two distinct sizes: separate lines.Privacy glass you can choose by appearance: original Flow application conceptAI-generated product illustration from Google Flow; not an exact product sample, completed installation or proof of performance.Guardian: glass types (opens in a new tab) ↗
Examples and guidanceDrawing references and unresolved details

Record drawing references, site conditions and requirements not captured in the choices. Identify anything that needs a survey or supplier confirmation before manufacture.

Numbered specification scheduleA numbered schedule separates panel specification, hardware, delivery, fitting and approvals.Project and fabrication notesIllustrative schematic, not to scale or a fabrication / fixing specification.

What your choice means

Examples you may seeNumber drawings and panel positions consistently.State access constraints and the requested work scope.Privacy glass you can choose by appearance: original Flow application conceptAI-generated product illustration from Google Flow; not an exact product sample, completed installation or proof of performance.Guardian: glass types (opens in a new tab) ↗

0/2000 characters. Share drawings and photos in the job conversation after submitting.

Before you choose

The decisions that matter

01

Compare a real sample

Light, viewing distance and the object behind the glass affect the appearance of a privacy pattern.

02

Keep adjacent panels aligned

Directional designs need the orientation and patterned face recorded as part of the order.

Ready for a useful supplier quote

  • Confirm the exact pattern and face direction before manufacture.
  • Patterned appearance alone does not establish impact or fire performance.
Choose a pattern in the visual configurator →

Research behind these choices

Reviewed 23 October 2026. Manufacturer guidance and supplier ordering pages inform these design questions. Agree the final construction and project requirements with your supplier.

Reference performance data

Existing Pilkington Spectrum reference data for named builds. Values apply only to the listed construction; these rows are not results for your selection above. NPD means no declared value in this dataset.

Texture Glass Wired — certified values (obscuration/security grade)

Texture Glass Wired — certified values (obscuration/security grade)
Reference build / glassU / Ug (W/m²K)Light (%)g-value
Texture Glass Wired · 6 mm5.7810.77

Useful questions

Can I get a quote before I know every detail?

Yes. Choose Help me choose where you need advice, or request a site measurement. Suppliers can review the brief; a firm manufacturing price needs an agreed final specification.

Does adding a panel place an order?

No. It saves a specification in your quote basket. Review the basket and provide your delivery details to request supplier quotes. Your configuration does not approve the product for installation.

What should I confirm for patterned and textured glass?

Confirm the exact pattern and face direction before manufacture. Patterned appearance alone does not establish impact or fire performance.

Compare related glass